Premenstrual
Syndrome
This
is also known as premenstrual tension, a term encompassing the
emotional and physical symptoms that affect women in the days
leading up to their monthly menstrual period. Symptoms include
mood fluctuations, depression, anxiety, tenderness of the breasts,
swollen ankles, headache and lack of concentration. Causative
factors are generally stress, overwork, too much traveling and
poor nutrition.
Ayurvedic
treatment aims at not only restoring physical health but also
promoting a positive attitude in the patient. Digestion is restored
with herbal preparations so that toxins do not accumulate in the
minute channels of the body. Cleansing herbs are given to rid
the body of toxins and special herbs to strengthen the reproductive
system. Diet and lifestyle adjustments are advised such as including
yoga and meditation in the daily routine to promote stability
and contentment of the mind.
Menstrual
Problems
This
includes the many different type of menstruation disorders, such
as delay or absence of bleeding, painful cramping and profuse
bleeding. Poor diet and inefficient digestion are the main causative
factors for these disorders.
Ayurveda
says that if food is ineffectively digested it ferments and produces
toxins. These toxins are circulated by the blood to the deep tissues
and channels of the body where they cause blockages and stagnation.
Excessive intake of hot, spicy foods or harboring of extreme negative
emotions, such as anger and resentment, also produces increased
heat in the blood.
There
are many different types of treatment that can be utilized such
as emmanogues, nourishing and toning herbs, according to the nature
of the disorder. Massage and the incorporation of meditation and
yoga may also be beneficial for permanent elimination of the problems.
It is important to address these menstruation problems because
a woman expels a large proportion of her wastes and toxins through
this process. If these toxins remain in the body they cause further
stagnation and blockage within the body.
Leucorrhoea
Leucorrhoea
is abnormal discharge from the vagina, which may be yellowish,
itchy and frothy. In chronic conditions the patient may also feel
irritable and experience digestive problems. According to Ayurveda,
excessive intake of sweet, sour, salty and heavy foods, such as
dairy and sugars is the main cause for this disorder.
Ayurvedic
treatment consists of restoring the digestive fire in order to
eliminate the accumulation of mucus in the minute channels of
the body. The accumulated toxins and mucus are eliminated by herbal
treatment and rejuvenating herbs are prescribed to tone the reproductive
system.
Infertility
Ayurveda
views infertility as generally caused by poor nutrition and the
consequent lack of development of the reproductive system. Improper
diet and lifestyle impairs digestion causing the accumulation
of toxins in the body. These toxins become deposited in the deep
tissues of the body, impairing cellular rejuvenation and producing
stagnation of the blood.
Ayurvedic
treatment aims to restore proper digestion and cleanse the tissues
of all toxins. The patient then receives toning, nourishing and
rejuvenating herbs to rebuild the tissues and provide the correct
fertile environment for conception to take place. The health of
the ovum, sperm and embryonic environment are crucial factors
in the creation of healthy children. Diet and lifestyle adjustments
are also detailed to maintain the health and strength of the patient.
Frigidity
The
term frigidity is generally used to describe a long-term lack
of sexual drive and response. It can affect both sexes but is
more usually applied to women. Psychological factors such as fear,
trauma and anxiety are usually involved.
Ayurvedic
treatment consists of first restoring the health of the person
by administering digestive herbs, eliminating any accumulated
toxins and providing rejuvenating tonics. Herbal treatments and
spiritual advice may also be prescribed to strengthen the mind
and heal the disturbances at a mental level.
Miscarriage
According
to Ayurveda, miscarriage may occur if the sperm and ovum were
deficient in nutrients at the time of conception. Poor digestion
causes impaired production of body tissues, including the reproductive
fluids, due to the accumulation of toxins at the cellular level.
This may result in the creation of weak sperm or ovum. Poor digestion
will also affect the growth of the child in the womb, as the tissues
do not receive the necessary nourishment. This under-nourishment
may also lead to miscarriage.
Ayurvedic
herbal treatment aims to restore digestive processes both in the
gastro-intestinal tract and at a cellular level. Toning and strengthening
herbs are also administered to nourish the reproductive system
and calm the mind.
Pregnancy
Related Disorders
Ayurveda
contains a wealth of information on the correct diet and lifestyle
for a truly healthy pregnancy. The health of the mother on a physical,
mental and spiritual level is crucial to a complication free pregnancy
and delivery. An entire branch of Ayurveda, Kaumarabhratya is
dedicated to obstetrics and pediatrics which explains how the
potency of the sperm and ovum at conception and the physical and
mental well-being of the mother are crucial for the production
of healthy children.
Ayurvedic
Kaumarabhratya also includes a wealth of information on the care
of the newborn. All aspects are covered such as the proper diet
in the first few months, how to bathe the baby, what food the
mother should eat, how to create the right environment to promote
the long-term health of the child and more.
Menopause
Menopause,
or the change of life, is a time of fluctuating hormones as the
ovaries stop producing ova and estrogen levels reduce.
Ayurvedic
treatment focuses on strengthening and rejuvenating the reproductive
system. Herbal preparations are prescribed to regulate the hormones,
calm mental stress and maintain effective digestion. General tonics
are also prescribed for boosting immunity and to provide rejuvenation.
Diet and lifestyle adjustments are also advised to maintain health
and increase vitality naturally.
Alternatives
for HRT
Ayurveda
offers natural alternatives to the use of Hormone Replacement
Therapy with simple adjustments to diet and lifestyle along with
herbal formulas containing rejuvenating properties. If digestion
is strong and the body is receiving sufficient nourishment of
the tissues, toxins will not accumulate in the body. Therefore
the person will feel healthy and vibrant naturally and not suffer
any of the postmenopausal problems.
Ayurveda
has dedicated an entire branch to rasayana or rejuvenation, aimed
at keeping older people healthy and strong so they may still lead
happy and productive lives. There are many herbs with toning,
strengthening, revitalizing and nourishing properties that may
be taken to ensure increased vitality and health as we grow older.
