Ayurvedic Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop in or around the uterus (womb). They are composed of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. Many women have fibroids, and they don’t always cause problems, but sometimes they can cause heavy periods, pain, or pressure in the lower belly.
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Understanding Uterine Fibroids in Ayurveda and Its Treatment
According to Ayurveda, uterine fibroids are generally understood as a condition caused by an imbalance in the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Specifically, fibroids are often associated with an imbalance of Kapha dosha, which governs the body’s structure, including tissues and fluids.”An imbalance in Kapha leads to excessive tissue growth, which manifests as fibroids in the uterus.
In Ayurveda, uterine fibroids are viewed as a result of an imbalance in the body’s doshas—primarily Kapha, but also involving Vata and Pitta. Fibroids, known as Granthi or Arbuda in Ayurvedic texts, are considered to be benign growths that develop due to the accumulation of toxins (ama) and imbalanced doshas, particularly affecting the reproductive tissues
Pitta dosha, which governs heat, transformation, and metabolism, can get involved in uterine fibroids when there is inflammation or excessive bleeding
When Kapha dosha increases and becomes imbalanced, it can form excess tissue, which manifests as fibroids in the uterus. Vata dosha, which governs movement and flow in the body, may also play a role in the irregular growth of these tissues, leading to the formation of fibroids. Vata dosha, which governs movement and flow in the body, is also involved in fibroid formation. Aggravated Vata can cause irregularities in tissue formation and movement, leading to the spread and abnormal development of fibroids
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Ayurvedic Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Ayurvedic Treatment for Uterine Fibroids focuses on correcting 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.
Ayurveda Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: Causes
Excessive intake of a 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.
Other Causes
- 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.
Uterine fibroids can be classified based on their location in the uterus:
- Intramural Fibroids:
These are the most common type and develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowels. - Subserosal Fibroids:
These grow on the outer surface of the uterus (serosa) and may cause pressure on nearby organs. If large, they can cause pelvic pain or discomfort in the abdomen. - Submucosal Fibroids:
These develop just beneath the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) and can protrude into the uterine cavity. Submucosal fibroids are less common but often cause heavy bleeding and may affect fertility. - Pedunculated Fibroids:
These are attached to the uterus by a thin stalk. They can grow either inside or outside the uterus and may cause severe pain if the stalk twists. - Cervical Fibroids:
These occur in the cervix (the neck of the uterus) and are relatively rare. They can cause bleeding and discomfort during intercourse.
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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 noncancerous tumors that appear in the uterus. PCOD is also not a cancerous tumor, which occurs in one or both ovaries. Endometriosis is when tissues grow abnormally around the uterus, creating cysts in the ovaries.
Read Also: Ayurvedic Treatment for PCOD
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 | Vegetables | Fruits | Ghee in small quantities. |
| barley | beans | pineapple | |
| millets | cauliflower | apples | |
| oats | cabbage | pomegranates | |
| rice | all kinds of greens | figs | |
| wheat | carrots | cherries | |
| amaranth | cucumber |
Note: If there is heavy bleeding, then go for Vitamin C-rich foods.
Lifestyle to Treat Uterine Fibroids
Walking for at least 30 minutes, stretching exercises, etc., can be helpful.
Yoga practice for Uterine Fibroids
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 for Uterine Fibroids
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 prevent the recurrence of symptoms in the future.
Role of Panchakarma in Uterine Fibroids Ayurvedic Treatment
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.
- Ayurvedic 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.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Uterine Fibroids
Ayurvedic treatment includes the use of specific herbs known for their therapeutic effects on the female reproductive system. These herbs help in balancing doshas, reducing the size of fibroids, and managing symptoms.
- Ashoka (Saraca asoca): Known for its uterine tonic properties, Ashoka is often used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding and discomfort related to fibroids.
- Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa): Lodhra helps in regulating excessive menstrual flow and promotes uterine health.
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Guggul is an excellent herb for reducing Kapha imbalance and is often used for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, which help in reducing fibroid size.
- Kanchanar Guggulu: A classic Ayurvedic formulation that specifically targets fibroid growth by balancing Kapha and promoting the detoxification of tissues.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce swelling and pain associated with fibroids.
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): It Supports female reproductive health.key herb in Ayurveda for supporting female reproductive health, and it can be beneficial in the management of uterine fibroids due to its balancing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Kumari (Aloe vera): It is another powerful herb in Ayurveda that can be beneficial in managing uterine fibroids due to its balancing, detoxifying, and regenerative properties
Ayurvedic Medicines for Uterine Fibroids
Specific Ayurvedic formulations are commonly prescribed to address uterine fibroids:
- Varunadi Kashayam: A decoction that helps manage fibroids and other reproductive disorders.
- Dashmoolarishta: A potent tonic that strengthens the uterus and balances Vata dosha, helping alleviate symptoms.
- Chandraprabha Vati: Known for its effectiveness in reproductive system disorders, this formulation helps regulate menstrual flow and improves overall uterine health.
- Kanchanara Guggulu: Kanchanara Guggulu is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic formulations for managing uterine fibroids and other abnormal tissue growth conditions. It combines the benefits of Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), along with other herbs, to address fibroids by balancing the doshas, particularly Kapha and Vata, which are commonly involved in fibroid development.
- Pushyanuga Churna: Pushyanuga Churna is a well-known Ayurvedic herbal formulation traditionally used to address various gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, excessive menstrual bleeding, and other menstrual disorders. It is particularly effective in balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas, which are often implicated in the formation of fibroids.
Best Panchakarma Therapies 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 treatment in Ayurveda is often used to balance Vata dosha. Vata 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). Adyant Ayurveda Planned basti based on the individual’s needs and Dosha. Basti helps eliminate toxins and nourish the reproductive tissues.
- Uttar Basti (Vaginal Administration): This 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 treatment involves 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. Virechana is helpful 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.
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FAQs Related to Ayurvedic Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
Ques: How to identify Uterine fibroids?
Ans: Pelvic examination, Ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, and CT scan based on the doctor’s advice.
Can Ayurvedic treatments replace surgery for uterine fibroids?
Ans: Ayurvedic treatments may help manage symptoms and reduce the size of fibroids for some patients. However, in cases of severe complications or large fibroids, surgery may still be necessary. Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How long does it take to see results from Ayurvedic treatment?
Ans: The time frame for results can vary depending on individual health conditions and adherence to the treatment plan. Some may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent treatment.
