Ayurveda for Women’s Health
Post natal care
Endometriosis
Female infertility
Hormonal balancing
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Pre-menstrual stress
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Ayurveda post natal care (Sutika Paricharya)
Sutika is a woman who has recently delivered. Paricharya means care.
Sutika period starts after the delivery and lasts until six weeks.
Ayurvedic texts have elaborately mentioned the management and benefits of Sutika Paricharya. (Post-natal care of the mother)
Need of Sutika Paricharya:
- To restore the reduced strength, blood, and fluids following delivery.
- To improve the appetite and digestion of the mother.
- To enhance breast milk production.
- To balance the aggravated Vata.
- To improve the physical, emotional, and mental health of the mother.
Ayurveda’s perspective
As per Ayurveda, during the delivery due to the loss of strength, fluids and blood from the body, there is a natural tendency of Vata aggravation in the body. If this aggravated Vata is not taken care of, it may affect the mother’s physical, mental and emotional health. Considering this, Ayurveda recommends post-natal care to help mother regain her strength and health. Balancing the aggravated Vata is one of the most important aspects of the post-natal care.
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Endometriosis
In endometriosis the inner layer of the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus. This results in fibrous scar tissue developing in that area which manifests in pain and cramps. This may also affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the intestines. In Ayurveda the disease is described under Vatiki.
Causes
- Dry and refrigerated food
- Ice cold drinks
- There is no known cause in modern science
Ayurveda’s perspective
Usually, Vatiki occurs for people with Vata constitution. If they eat dry or cold refrigerated food constantly it will alter the physiological harmony of the menstrual organs, and results in the below mentioned symptoms of endometriosis. This can be treated considerably with anti Vata diet and regimen.
In addition, if a woman does not follow the menstrual regimen as mentioned in Ayurveda and goes through physical and mental stress during her menstrual cycle, Vata dosha is vitiated and together with other doshas it causes retrograde movement of the endometrial tissue.
age is essential in the treatment.
Visit our Ayurveda physician if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms.
- Painful periods
- Pain with sex
- Pelvic pain
- Ovulation pain
- Pain in the lower back and thighs
- Bowel symptoms
- Bladder symptoms
- Reduced fertility
- Nausea and lethargy
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Treatments may include
- Vata pacifying diet and lifestyle recommendations
- Herbs/herbal infusions.
- Ayurveda counselling
- Medicated oil treatment for nervous correction.
- Abhyanga and sweating therapies
- Herbal enema
- Therapeutic Yoga and Pranayama
Female infertility
Infertility is not only a personal problem but affects family and society in many instances. The chance for infertility in a female is 30 times more than that of a male. Female infertility is a cause for mental stress in many women. There are different responsible factors for infertility, but failure of ovulation is the most common. This is characterised by irregular or absence of periods.
Causes
- Dry and cold diet and regimen
- Ovulation problems
- Endometriosis or PCOS
- Structural problems
Ayurveda’s perspective
Due to the above causes Vata dosha becomes aggravated and vitiates other doshas like Pitta and Kapha which control the secretions and hormone mechanism. This changes the entire process of ovulation resulting in improper or absence of egg production creating infertility.
Visit our Ayurveda physician if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms
- Irregular/ absence/ painful menstruation
- Loss of hair or thinning hair
- Changes in sex drive and desire
- Dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
- Weight gain
- Milky white discharge from nipples unrelated to breastfeeding
- Skin changes, including more acne
- Pain during sex
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Treatments may include
- Lifestyle consultation and nutritional advice
- Ayurveda counselling
- Herbs and herbal infusions
- Oil massage and sweating therapy
- Medicated bolus massage
- Shirodhara
- Herbal enema
- Therapeutic yoga, Breathing exercise – Pranayama and Meditation
Hormonal balancing
Hormonal imbalance is very common and often complicated, simply because we have so many hormones in our bodies. Hormones can be adversely influenced by improper diet and regimen. Changes of hormones not only affects the physiology of the body but the mind also. Due to this reason treatment of hormonal imbalance is not only focused on pathological correction but emotional balance.
Causes
- Incompatible food and drinks e.g. acidic fruits and dairy
- Chemical or hormones contained in food or medicines
- High liquid, fatty and heavy diet (long term)
- Suppression of the urges
- Increased use of sour, salty and pungent taste
- Drinking very cold water
- Malnutrition
- Excessive intake of cereals, yoghurt, fish
Ayurveda’s perspective
Due to the above causes, undigested putrefied nutrients get into the blood, becomes toxic and circulates all over the body. This changes the normal physiology of the glands and organs of hormone secretion, resulting in menstrual and emotional disturbances. This change is reflected in women’s moods and emotions. Correction of the acidic nature of the blood to alkaline and Pitta balance are the main focus of the treatment.
Visit our Ayurveda physician if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms
- Abdominal and pelvic pain
- Emotional disturbances
- Heat, lassitude and headache
- Irregular and excessive vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Treatments may include
- Diet and lifestyle recommendations
- Herbs/herbal infusions for balancing hormonal changes
- Abhyanga
- Shirodhara
- Detoxification therapies
- Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation
Menopause
Menarche and Menopause are two stages in the life of women in which normal physiology can interfere with daily activities, thoughts and emotions.
Menopause is otherwise called ‘the change of life’, as it marks the end of the monthly period in a woman’s life. During this period of time ovaries produces less oestrogen and progesterone. The female hormone levels in the blood are reduced and it causes longer and unpredictable menstrual cycles. Due to these reasons, the chances of conception after the age of 45 are low. Changes in hormones can cause reduced calcium absorption and thus cause osteoporosis. Heart diseases and mood changes also are seen in many cases due to this variation in the hormones.
Causes
Menopause is not a disease but a natural changeover in the life of women due to the changes in the hormonal physiology. Ageing is the real reason of this physiology, but heavy smoking or surgical removal of the ovaries can result into earlier onset of menopause.
Ayurveda’s Perspective
Menopause is a transition time from Pitta phase to Vata phase in the life of a woman. During this time women experience the signs and symptoms of Pitta and Vata imbalance. Symptoms of Pitta imbalance like night sweats, hot flashes, and emotional agitation occurs easily at this time. The focus of the treatment is balancing Pitta and Vata, thus pacifying the hormonal imbalance.
With the help of Ayurvedic recommendations and conscious living, one can smoothly transition through this phase of life.
Visit our Ayurveda physician if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms:
- Reduced self-esteem and libido
- Headaches, mood swings and irritability
- Tiredness, aches and pains
- Reduced sleep and memory loss
- Urinary frequency and vaginal dryness
- Hot flushes and night sweats
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Treatments may include
- Diet and lifestyle recommendations
- Spiritual counselling
- Herbs/herbal infusions to balance the hormones
- Abhyanga
- Shirodhara
- Herbal bolus massage treatments
- Panchakarma therapies
- Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin, weak, and fragile. As a result, even a minor bump or accident can cause a fracture. Such events might include falling out of a bed or chair or tripping and falling while walking. Generally, fractures of wrist, spinal vertebrae and hip are common in patients suffering from osteoporosis.
Fractures due to osteoporosis can result in chronic pain, disability, and loss of independence.
Osteoporosis is more common in women than men. In 2017–18, 29% of women aged 75 and over had osteoporosis compared with 10% of men.
Older age groups also tend to be affected. The proportion of women with osteoporosis increases with age, with those 75 and over being most affected.
Causes
- Lack of exercise
- Malnutrition
- Low calcium diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Secondary to some diseases
- Secondary to some medications
Risk factors include
- Age: 50 years or older are more prone to osteoporosis
- Menopause
- Sex: Women are more prone
- Family history
- Poor nutrition.
Ayurveda’s perspective
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Vata dosha is located in the bones. When Vata aggravates, bone tissue decreases. Hence osteoporosis can be linked to the aggravation of Vata in the bones. The dry, rough qualities of Vata make the bones brittle and vulnerable to fractures. The treatment plan aims at pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha, supporting the formation of bone tissue and prevention of its loss.
Symptoms
- Fractures of bones with minimal injury
- Gradual height loss
- Back pain
- Tiny cracks in bones that can feel like joint or muscle pain
However, there will be no symptoms in the early stage and most often remain unnoticed for decades. Bone fracture can be first sign or symptom.
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
According to Ayurveda, Asthi kshaya (bone element destruction/reduction) can cause following symptoms:
- Brittleness of teeth and nails or their falling
- Pain in bones
- Falling/loss of hair
- Lassitude/lethargy
- Laxity of the joints
Treatments may include
- Abhyanga/Ayurveda massage
- Oil and cleansing enemas
- Herbs/ herbal infusions
- Diet and lifestyle recommendations
- Yoga and Pranayama
Pre-menstrual stress
Pre-menstrual Stress (PMS) is a combination of signs and symptoms of physical and psychological complaints during or before the actual occurrence of menstruation. Complaints usually persist for about four to seven days prior to the menses and goes away when menstruation ends.
Causes
- Progestogen deficiency
- Vitamin B6 deficiency
- Oestrogen excess
- Abnormal glucose metabolism
- Electrolyte imbalances
Ayurveda’s perspective
According to Ayurveda, the imbalance is predominantly influenced by the Pitta/ Vata dosha and blood tissue. Even though there are various theories in western science about the causes of PMS, hormonal imbalance is the common cause. The actual cause of PMS is still unclear in modern medicine, but in Ayurveda the balance of imbalanced dosha gives an effective long-term improvement. The vitiation of pitta and Rakta in PMS increases with increased body weight, stress and smoking.
Visit our Ayurveda physician if you are experiencing the following signs and symptoms.
- Abdominal bloating and fluid retention
- Headache and unusual sweating
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty perceiving
- Feelings of loneliness and craving for food
- Disturbed sleep and mood changes
- Swollen and tender breasts
- Anxiety and confusion
- Reduced concentration and memory
- Lowered self-esteem and confidence
- Changes in digestion and sexual desire
Ayurveda recognises that we are not the same. We are all unique and therefore need something different. Two people can present with the same problem, however, the treatment may be different for both. Ayurveda focuses on eliminating the root cause of all problems.
Treatments may include
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations
- Emotional support and spiritual counselling
- Internal medication to balance the changes of Pitta
- Therapeutic yoga for proper exercise
- Oil massage and sweating therapy
- Herbal bolus massage
- Balancing the brain – ovarian hormonal axis
- Herbal enema
- Nasal medication