Gynecological Disorders and Ayurveda Management
Woman is a multifaceted multitasker who caters to all—be it family, profession, or society. In this fast-paced life, how much she takes care of her health is often a primary concern. In this article, we discuss common gynecological disorders and their Ayurvedic management.
The constant demands of work, family, and stress slowly start to affect women’s health, manifesting in many forms. Over time, her vitality is at risk due to hormonal imbalance and physical overexertion, leading to irregularities in uterine functions. This can cause:
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Fibroids
- Dysmenorrhea
- PCOD
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
Let’s delve into some gynecological issues and the Ayurvedic management approach.
UTERINE FIBROIDS
Overview:
Uterine fibroids (Garbhashaya Granthi) are abnormal growths in the uterine cavity, often occurring during childbearing age. While many fibroids are asymptomatic, signs like:
- Excessive bleeding with cramps
- Repeated miscarriages
- Dull abdominal pain
Ayurveda’s View:
Fibroids are primarily linked to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas, occasionally involving Pitta dosha.
PCOD
When a cluster of complaints like abnormal weight gain, irregular or delayed cycles, hair fall, blackish discoloration near the neck region, and facial hair growth are observed, most of the time they are related to PCOD or polycystic ovary. Ayurveda attributes this condition to the derangement of Kapha dosha most of the time associated with pitta dosha.
PCOD presents as:
- Abnormal weight gain
- Irregular or delayed menstrual cycles
- Facial hair growth
- Hair fall
- Darkened skin near the neck
Ayurveda’s View:
PCOD arises mainly due to Kapha dosha derangement, often associated with Pitta dosha imbalance.
DYSMENORRHEA
When the menstrual cycles are associated with pain and cramps, the severity of which affects the day-to-day activities, it can be attributed to Dysmenorrhea or Kastartava. Although it is not mentioned as a disease in Ayurveda it is discussed as a symptom in associated gynecological disorders. As pain is the main factor, derangement of Vata dosha is the primary cause.
Ayurveda’s View:
Though not a standalone disease, dysmenorrhea is discussed as a symptom of gynecological disorders. The cause lies in the derangement of Vata dosha, as Vata governs pain
DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING (DUB)
When abnormal uterine bleeding occurs with no specific cause it is termed DUB. There may be an abnormal pattern in terms of duration or quantity or frequency of bleeding. This can result in mental and physical strain and stress and if not addressed on time can lead to major health issues.
In Ayurveda, it is termed Asrugdhara. When Vata and pitta doshas are vitiated at the level of rasa and Rakta Dhatus, excessive and irregular bleeding results, resulting in blood loss, weakness, fatigue, back pain, etc.
Ayurveda’s View:
Referred to as Asrugdhara, DUB is caused by vitiation of Vata and Pitta doshas at the Rasa and Rakta Dhatus.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Many times a major cause of infertility, it affects 10-15% of women of childbearing age. Painful menstrual cycles, lower abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, or severe bleeding are some of the conditions associated with endometriosis.
Ayurveda considers this to be a vVatiki yoni Roga, primarily a Vataja imbalance in yoni i.e, the female reproductive system, most of the times associated with pitta dosha.
Ayurveda’s View:
Endometriosis is classified under Vatiki Yoni Roga due to Vata dosha imbalance, often aggravated by Pitta dosha.
BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBES/TUBAL BLOCKAGE
A normally functioning fallopian tube is essential for natural conception. Due to dysfunctional fallopian tubes or blockage in the tubes proper passage of ovum is hampered amounting to be the major cause for fertility.
Ayurveda refers to tubal blockage as Srotovarodha basically a derangement of Vata and Kapha doshas.
Ayurveda’s View:
Tubal blockage correlates with Srotovarodha, caused by Vata and Kapha dosha derangement.
INFERTILITY
It is every woman’s dream to conceive and have a healthy progeny. When a woman of childbearing or reproductive age is not able to conceive, or if there is difficulty in carrying the pregnancy to full term, and if there are multiple miscarriages these may result in infertility. Ayurveda also advocates infertility as does Vandhyatva.
All the above-mentioned conditions like PCOD, endometriosis, fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, etc can be directly or indirectly associated with infertility.
Infertility (Vandhyatva) occurs when a woman struggles to conceive, carries pregnancies to term, or experiences recurrent miscarriages. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and tubal blockages are major contributors.
APPROACH OF AYURVEDA / Gynecological Disorders and Ayurveda Management
The treatment protocol of Ayurveda is based on the Prakruti and Vikruti i.e imbalance in doshas. The aim of the treatment is to bring a balance in the deranged dosha and maintain a healthy reproductive system. Medications are most conducive to reproductive health and supportive of bodily humor. Panchakarma plays a major role in all these issues.
If the involvement of Kapha dosha is predominant, So Vamana is primarily advised followed by other kriyas.
When there is predominance of pitta dosha, virechana along with pittahara measures are advisable. Vataja yoni rogas or predominance of vata factor is approached effectively with Basti therapy.
UTTARA BASTI
A unique therapy in Ayurveda, in which the ailments of the reproductive system are aimed with intervention directly into the yoni or uterus.
In a sterile environment, sterile medications Kashayams, Tailam, or Ghritams in minute quantities are instilled into the uterus from the fifth day of the cycle for 3-6 days either continuously or consecutively. The choice of medication is based on the prevalent condition and the doshas involved.
A one-stop solution to most gynecological disorders especially in infertility blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids.
Role of Panchakarma Treatment for Gynaecological Disorders/ Best Panchakarma Treatment in Bangalore
Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves a series of detoxification and rejuvenation treatments aimed at restoring balance and promoting overall well-being. While it is more commonly associated with general health and wellness, Panchakarma can also play a role in managing certain gynecological disorders. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of Panchakarma treatments for gynecological disorders can vary depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before undergoing any treatment. Here are a few ways in which Panchakarma treatments used for managing gynecological disorders:
1) Hormonal Balance: Panchakarma therapies, such as Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (herbal steam therapy), can help balance hormones and improve circulation. This may be beneficial for managing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and irregular menstrual cycles that are often related to hormonal imbalances.
2) Detoxification: Panchakarma involves various detoxification techniques like Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enemas). These therapies aim to eliminate accumulated toxins from the body, which might be helpful for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, where toxin buildup could play a role.
3) Stress Reduction: Stress can exacerbate gynecological issues such as menstrual irregularities and fertility problems. Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara (pouring of warm oil on the forehead) and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, potentially benefiting these conditions.
4) Uterine Health: Basti (enema) treatments are often used to target specific organs, including the uterus. In some cases, medicated enemas might be used to address uterine issues like excessive bleeding or inflammation.
5) Fertility Support: Panchakarma therapies, along with dietary and lifestyle recommendations, can be tailored to support fertility. By promoting a healthier reproductive system and balancing the body’s energies, Panchakarma might enhance the chances of conception.
6) Postpartum Recovery: Panchakarma can play a role in aiding postpartum recovery by supporting the body’s healing processes, replenishing energy, and promoting emotional well-being.
7) General Well-being: Many gynecological disorders can be aggravated by poor digestion, stress, and lifestyle factors. Panchakarma treatments include dietary guidelines and lifestyle recommendations that can improve overall health, which in turn might positively impact gynecological health.
CONCLUSION / Gynecological Disorders and Ayurveda Management
Ayurveda has a detailed description of yoni Roga or disorders of the reproductive system. Ayurveda treats all kinds of gynecological disorders as well as gives the best solution to live a healthy life.
A multifaceted approach with medications, therapies, and Panchakarma can be beneficial to resolve the disorders and promote a healthy reproductive system. Ayurveda treatment helps to get relief from Gynecological disorders with Proper Panchakarma treatments as well as, internal medications, Further to that diet and lifestyle modifications play an important role. Along with all this proper exercise is also mandatory. You can meet our team of The est Ayurveda Doctors to understand how Ayurveda helps in the treatment of Gynecological disorders. Kindly contact us to meet the Best Ayurvedic Gynaecologist in Bangalore!
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FAQs
What are the causes of excessive bleeding during cycles?
According to Ayurveda, Excessive bleeding during cycles can be due to vitiation of pitta dosha associated with rakta dhatu. Medications and therapies to pacify the aggrevated doshas will be beneficial.
Yes, Ayurveda can treat fibroids with medications and Panchakarma.
What is the solution for Fallopian tube blockage in Ayurveda?
Uttara basti is a specialized approach of Ayurveda for fallopian tube blockage with very effective results.
Why is PCOD more common in younger age group and is it hereditary?
Due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle, many a times associated with stress, PCOD can manifest and hence it is not hereditary. Younger generations are more attracted towards foods which are not condusive for health, which have more of processed foods and lack of physical activity (to burn out the excess calories), are resulting in such disorders.
How much time is needed to correct PCOD?
Based on the severity of the condition, along with panchakarma, medications, diet and lifestyle modifications will help to overcome the condition over a time period of 3-6 months.
What is the treatment for infertility in Ayurveda?
Infertility can be a result of many underlying factors. Ayurveda with its multifaceted approach through panchakarma and medications can do wonders for infertility and benefit the couple with progeny.
Why should we prefer Ayurveda for conditions like endometriosis or leucorrhea (white discharge)?
Ayurveda is a preventive and curative measure for hormonal imbalances.
Local therapies like yoni prakshalana(medicated vaginal douche), yoni dhoopana(medicated fumigation), and yoni pichu( medicated bolus) are beneficial to help heal faster in leucorrhea. Likewise, Basti (therapeutic enema) is most effective in painful menstrual cycles, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Is PCOD or cysts in ovary cancer?
They are mainly formed as a result of an imbalanced diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and stress and are not cancer.
