Fibroids are the cysts seen in uterine muscles. It is a compact mass made up of smooth muscles and dense fibrous tissues. Ayurveda treatment for uterine fibroids helps to dissolve cysts with proper panchakarma treatments & medications along with diet & exercise. Here will discuss in detail Ayurveda treatment for Uterine fibroids
Causes for uterine fibroids
Excessive intake of non-vegetarian diet, excessive consumption of sweet, oily, and spicy food, lack of exercise, disturbed routine in sleep and meal timings, and Excessive stress.The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, and they likely result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Here are some factors that are believed to contribute to the development of uterine fibroids:
Hormonal Influence: Estrogen and Progesterone: Uterine fibroids are hormone-sensitive tumors, and their growth is often linked to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and may contribute to the growth of fibroids.
Genetic Predisposition: Family History: There is evidence to suggest that there may be a genetic component to the development of uterine fibroids. If a woman has a family history of fibroids, she may be more likely to develop them herself.
Age and Hormonal Changes: Reproductive Years: Fibroids are most commonly diagnosed during the reproductive years when estrogen and progesterone levels are higher. They tend to shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline.
Obesity: Increased Risk: There is some evidence to suggest that obesity may be associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. Excess body weight can lead to an overproduction of estrogen, which may contribute to fibroid growth.
Dietary Factors: High-Fat Diet: Some studies suggest a potential link between a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables and an increased risk of fibroids. However, more research is needed to establish a clear connection.
Reproductive Factors: Early Onset of Menstruation: Starting menstruation at an early age may be associated with a higher risk of developing fibroids.
Not Having Children: Women who have not given birth appear to be at a higher risk for fibroids, and having multiple pregnancies may have a protective effect.
Hypertension and Other Health Conditions: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Some studies suggest an association between hypertension and an increased risk of uterine fibroids.
What happens?
When we adopt the causative factors, due to similar quality, Kapha (one of the body factors) increases in the body, and it weakens the power of pitta (body factor) just like water diminishes the intensity of the fire. When the excessive Kapha goes to the reproductive system, it accelerates the excessive production of smooth muscle tissues. The quality of smooth muscle will not be good, as it is produced from vitiated Kapha. Increased Kapha slows down egg production and decreased pitta fails to rupture the egg on time. Because of that, the cyst starts to develop inside the uterus and they are known as fibroids.
Symptoms of Uterine fibroids
Heavy bleeding, blood clots during periods, dull and continuous pain in the back region, irregular periods, spotting in between two periods, swelling of the lower abdomen, heaviness in the lower abdomen, difficulty in passing urine, and infertility. Based on the vitiated factors, the symptoms will differ.
Fibroids are not cancerous tumors, that appear in the uterus. PCOD is also not a cancerous tumor, that occurs in one or both ovaries. Endometriosis is when tissues grow abnormally around the uterus, creating cysts in the ovaries.
How to identify?
Pelvic examination, Ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, and CT scan based on the doctor’s advice.
Ayurveda treatment for Uterine fibroids
Ayurvedic treatment focuses on the correction of vitiated factors i.e., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Due to causative factors, the vitiated factors start accumulating in the channels. Thus, blocks the pathway and causes fibroids. Panchakarma (detoxification) procedures like Vamana (Medicated emesis), Virechana (Medicated purgation), and Basti (Medicated enema) help to cleanse the channels and detoxify the whole body. Once the body is detoxified, one can start the medicine which helps to support the normal functioning of the uterus.
Diet and Lifestyle for Uterine Fibroids
Along with medicines and treatment diet and lifestyle change also play an important role. Diet and lifestyle changes help to improve the symptoms.
Diet for Uterine Fibroids
Grains like barley, millets, oats, rice, wheat, amaranth
Vegetables like beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and all kinds of greens, carrots, cucumber etc.
Fruits like pineapple, apples, pomegranates, figs, and cherries.
Ghee in small quantities.
If there is heavy bleeding, then go for Vitamin C-rich foods.
Lifestyle –
Walking for at least 30 minutes, stretching exercises, etc. can be helpful.
Yoga practice –
Various yoga postures can help to clear the blockage from this energy path. Some of the yoga postures that may help are Suptabaddhakonasana, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, and Suptavirasana.
Meditation –
20 minutes of Anuloma and Villoma pranayama daily helps to reduce stress.
Along with treatment, medicines following a healthy diet, and a regular lifestyle, yoga practice helps to eradicate the root cause of fibroids and keep away the reoccurrence of symptoms in the future.
Role of Panchakarma to treat uterine fibroids
Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic therapeutic approach, is traditionally designed to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins (ama) and restore balance to the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda believes that an imbalance in the doshas can contribute to various health issues, including reproductive disorders. Panchakarma aims to balance the doshas, and in the context of uterine fibroids, it might focus on reducing excess Vata or Kapha dosha, depending on the individual’s constitution and imbalances.
Detoxification: Panchakarma procedures, such as Virechana (purgation therapy) and Basti (enema therapy), are designed to eliminate toxins from the body. Detoxification is believed to support overall health and may indirectly influence the environment in which uterine fibroids develop.
Improving Circulation: Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (herbal steam therapy) are thought to enhance blood circulation. Improved circulation may contribute to better nutrient supply to the reproductive organs and promote a healthier uterine environment.
Stress Reduction: Stress is considered a contributing factor to various health issues, including reproductive disorders. Panchakarma therapies, such as Shirodhara (pouring warm oil on the forehead) and relaxing massages, may help reduce stress levels, potentially benefiting overall reproductive well-being.
Hormonal Balance: Ayurvedic practitioners may use Panchakarma to address hormonal imbalances associated with conditions like uterine fibroids. The treatments aim to bring the endocrine system into balance, supporting reproductive health.
Best Panchakarma treatment for uterine Fibroids/ Best Ayurveda treatment for uterine Fibroids
In Ayurveda, the choice of Panchakarma treatments for addressing uterine fibroids would depend on the individual’s constitution (Prakriti), the specific dosha imbalance involved, and the assessment of the root cause of the condition. Here are some Panchakarma treatments that help to treat Uterine Fibroids.
Basti (Enema Therapy): Basti is often used to balance Vata dosha, which is associated with the reproductive system in Ayurveda. Different types of Basti (medicated enemas) may be prescribed, such as Kashaya Basti (decoction enema) or Anuvasana Basti (oil enema), based on the individual’s needs. Basti helps eliminate toxins and nourish the reproductive tissues.
Uttar Basti (Vaginal Administration): This is a specific form of basti that involves the introduction of medicated oils or herbal preparations into the vagina. Uttar Basti is sometimes recommended for gynecological issues, and it has a direct impact on the reproductive organs.
Virechana treatment: Virechana is one of the Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda, involving therapeutic purgation to eliminate excess doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and toxins (ama) from the body. Ayurveda often associates conditions like uterine fibroids with an imbalance in Pitta dosha. Virechana is helpful to primarily balance Pitta by eliminating excess heat and toxins from the body, which may contribute to a more balanced and healthier reproductive system. By purging excess doshas and toxins, Virechana is thought to improve the overall metabolism and elimination processes in the body