Gynaecological Diseases and Their Ayurveda Treatments:
A woman’s body experiences constant changes from puberty to menopause through the normal processes of sexual changes, menarche, pregnancy and ageing. Gyneacological diseases can occur during any of these stages because of variety of reasons like hormonal disturbances, infections, genetic, impaired dietary and lifestyle habits etc. A noticeable rise in gyneacological disorders in women and the long term effects of hormonal therapies on women’s body has made it more essential to spread the awareness regarding the holistic approach of Ayurveda in treating these disorders.
Gynaecological disorders have been described in Ayurveda as ‘Yonivyapad’. These disorders are mentioned extensively in Ayurveda with each disease condition explained with symptom, causes and effective treatment procedures.
Common Gynaecological disorders:
- Anartava (Amenorrhea) : Absence of menses
- Artavakshaya (Oligomenorrhea) : Scanty menstrual flow
- Artava Dushti (Diminished menstrual phase)
- Asrugdar (Meorrhagea) : Heavy and/or prolonged menstrual flow
- Vandhyatwa (Infertility)
- Garbhashaya Shotha (Endometriosis):
Endometriosis is a very painful condition in which the lining of uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it. The most common symptoms of endometriosis are chronic pelvic pain, pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse and bowel movements, repeated miscarriages etc. As per Ayurveda, it is a granthi (tumor like situation), which develops because of vitiated kapha and pitta. Ayurveda recommends treating it first by detoxifying the body with panchakarma therapies suggested by your Ayurveda doctors, mainly Virechana (medicinal purgation ) and Vasti (herbal enema) followed by herbal formulations to reduce the inflammation and strengthen the reproductive system.
- Cysts related to Beeja Granthi,Shroni Shoth (Pelvic inflammation):
Pelvic inflammation usually presents with irregular and painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, debility and weakness.
- Rajah kruchata (Dysmenorrhea):
Moderate to severe painful cramps during menstrual period.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
(PCOS): PCOS is the hormonal condition in which the mature follicles fail to get ruptured out of the ovaries because of hormonal imbalance and get stuck in the form of multiple cysts in the ovaries. The ancient science of Ayurveda classifies it as a Kapha disorder, wherein the vitiated kapha blocks the natural balanced flow of artavavaha srotasa (the channel through which reproductive fluid flows normally), because of which natural movements get obstructed, metabolism is suppressed and PCOS symptoms arise. Improper diet and lifestyle including mental stress and lack of physical exercises, as well as prolonged consumption of hormonal contraceptive pills are major causative factors. Ayurveda applies holistic approach towards managing PCOS and works on detoxification of the body, strengthens and revitalizes the female reproductive system, rectifies hormonal imbalance and manages obesity and insulin resistance with suitable Ayurveda therapies and herbal preparations.
- Leucorrhea:
Leucorrhea is abnormal whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge, which is usually associated with foul smell, itching , general debility and/or fever. It usually occurs because of imbalance in vaginal microflora which makes it more prone to infections. As per Ayurveda, vitiated kapha impairs the rasa dhatu which results in leucorrhea.
Recommended Ayurvedic Treatment For Gyaenacological Disorders:
Simple herbal formulations mentioned in the ancient Ayurveda texts are of potential therapeutic value and are easily available in your kitchen pantry. A hot decoction of Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum L.) is said to be Garbhashaya shuddhikara (Uterus purifier) and works in relieving dysmenorrhea, especially in teenagers. Similarly, for the management of anarthava (amenorhea), Tila (sesame seeds) along with jiggery as well as Kulattha Kashaya (decoction of horse gram) are found to be very effective once the underlying factors like PCOS and Hypothyroidism are ruled out. For the disorders like PCOS, Hypothyroidism, we at Panchakarma clinic plan out a thorough purification therapy after examining the doshas and dushyas in the body ,like vamana ,virechana, Vasti etc and prescribe the suitable herbal formulations.
There is a well planned antenatal regimen described by Ayurveda for the prenatal care, which aim to achieve proper growth and development of the fetus, uncomplicated pregnancy, normal healthy delivery of the fetus and wellbeing of both mother and child. Ayurveda has prescribed a proper dinacharya (daily ritual) rules for this condition, which includes the diet, activities and routine body care for the pregnant woman. For the Sutika period also (post natal period), there is complete Ayurveda support for the mother and child in the form of proper massages with medicated oils, herbal drinks, medicines for proper lactation and regaining her physical strength and fitness as her pre-pregnancy period.
Ayurveda manages the symptoms of menopause also without the support of hormonal therapies. Rasayanas (rejuvenative) drugs like Amalaki rasayana, Ashoka, Ashwagandha work wonders on menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, stress and work as anti-ageing , chondroprotective and anti-arthritic. Therapies like panchakarma, uttar vasti, Nasya etc help in thorough detoxification of the reproductive system and rejuvenate the body and mind.