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Vasti therapy in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Vasti therapy in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Shivaji Gupta, G.C Prasad


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Vasti therapy in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia

Year: 1997

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among aging males, characterized by various urinary symptoms stemming from prostate enlargement. This condition is attributed to several etiological factors, including hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory imbalances, with aging and the presence of testes identified as the primary contributors. Ayurvedic texts describe conditions similar to BPH, which are mostly attributed to the vitiation of Apan Vayu, emphasizing the importance of this energy in the body's lower regions, including urinary functions. The management of BPH in Ayurvedic practice revolves around the tridoshic principles, particularly through therapies aimed at pacifying elevated doshas.

Vasti Therapy: A Promising Approach

Vasti therapy, an Ayurvedic treatment technique involving the administration of herbal preparations via the rectum, has shown significant effectiveness in managing BPH. In a study involving 100 patients categorized into two groups (with and without indwelling catheters), the patients underwent a regimen that included preparatory treatments and a series of vasti procedures over 21 days. Results indicated a notable reduction in prostate weight, residual urine volume, and serum testosterone levels, particularly in patients with grade II enlargement. The therapy's efficacy is attributed to the absorption of active principles through the rectal mucosa, leading to localized and systemic effects that lower the levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in prostatic tissue, a key factor in the development of BPH.

Conclusion

The findings from this study highlight the potential of Vasti therapy as a non-invasive and effective management option for benign prostate hyperplasia. By targeting the underlying hormonal and physical factors contributing to prostate enlargement, Vasti therapy offers a holistic approach that aligns with Ayurvedic principles. The significant reductions in prostate size and urinary symptoms demonstrate that this ancient treatment modality can be a viable alternative to conventional therapies, promoting the normalization of prostate volume and improving patients' quality of life.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Vasti therapy and its role in BPH management?

Vasti therapy is an Ayurvedic treatment effective in managing benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). It helps reduce prostate weight, residual urine, and free serum testosterone levels, addressing urinary symptoms commonly associated with BPH.

How were the patients categorized in the study?

In the study, patients were divided into two groups: Group A, with indwelling catheters, and Group B, without indwelling catheters. This facilitated assessment of treatment outcomes based on their initial conditions.

What were the results of the Vasti therapy after treatment?

Results showed that 71% of patients experienced relief after Vasti therapy. Most significant reductions in prostate weight were observed in Grade II patients, indicating the therapy's effectiveness.

What mechanisms explain the effectiveness of Vasti therapy?

Vasti therapy's effectiveness is attributed to active ingredients being absorbed through the rectal mucosa, leading to changes in prostatic tissue and reduced levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for BPH development.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Vasti therapy in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Vayu (VÄyu):
Vayu, in Ayurvedic philosophy, refers to the vital force or energy responsible for movement and bodily functions. It encompasses various types associated with different physiological processes. In the context of BPH, vitiation of Vayu, particularly Apan Vayu, impacts urinary function, making it essential to restore balance and manage symptoms effectively.

2) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation denotes the alteration or imbalance of the doshas, leading to pathological changes and illness. In the context of BPH, vitiation indicates that one or more doshas are out of balance, causing symptoms. Treatment strategies in Ayurveda, like Vasti, aim to rectify these vitiations to restore normal function and health.

3) Shalya (Åšalya, Salya):
Shalya refers to surgical principles and practices in Ayurveda. It involves invasive procedures aimed at addressing disease-related complications, particularly with structural or functional issues. The study discusses Shalya's role in conjunction with non-invasive therapies like Vasti in managing conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

4) Niruha (Nirūha):
Niruha is a type of Vasti therapy that uses herbal decoctions or medicated solutions administered through the rectum to cleanse and treat ailments. In the management of BPH, Niruha Vasti is utilized for its potential to reduce prostate size and alleviate urinary symptoms by rectally delivering therapeutic agents to affected areas.

5) Mutra (Mūtra):
Mutra denotes urine in Ayurveda and is crucial for diagnoses related to urinary disorders. Conditions like benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are categorized under Mutra Rogas, focusing on urinary symptoms and their management. Understanding Mutra's role helps in therapy selection and assessing treatment efficacy for urinary health issues.

6) Roga:
Roga signifies illness or disease in Ayurvedic terminology. It encompasses various conditions characterized by specific symptoms and imbalances of the doshas. In relation to BPH, Rogas refer to the disturbances caused by the vitiation of bodily systems, requiring targeted treatments such as Vasti to restore health.

7) Vata (VÄá¹­a, Vaá¹­a, VÄta, Vaá¹­Ä�):
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with air and space elements, governing movement and bodily functions. In the context of BPH, vitiated Vata affects functions related to urination, leading to symptoms of enervation. Ayurvedic therapies like Vasti aim to restore the balance of Vata.

8) Post:
Post refers to the period following a specific treatment or intervention, often used in clinical research to assess outcomes. In this study, post-treatment evaluations were conducted to determine the effectiveness of Vasti therapy for managing benign prostate hyperplasia by measuring changes in prostate weight and urinary symptoms.

9) Drug:
In this context, drug refers to the herbal or medicinal substances utilized in Ayurvedic therapies, particularly in Vasti. These drugs are designed to treat specific health issues, such as BPH. Their efficacy is attributed to active compounds that can influence physiological changes in the body through various mechanisms.

10) Niruhavasti (Nirūhavasti, Niruha-vasti):
Niruha-vasti is a specific type of enema therapy in Ayurveda that employs medicinal decoctions to purify and treat various ailments. Within the management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), Niruha-vasti acts both locally and systemically on prostate tissue, potentially reducing its size and improving urinary function through rectal administration.

11) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of substances within specific organs or tissues, which can lead to health issues. In the case of BPH, the accumulation of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contributes to prostate enlargement. Understanding this phenomenon emphasizes the need for therapies that target and reduce such accumulations for effective treatment.

12) Abhyanga (Abhyaá¹…ga, Abhyamga):
Abhyanga refers to the practice of oil massage in Ayurveda, promoting circulation and relaxation. In the BPH treatment framework, Abhyanga serves to prepare the body for subsequent procedures, enhancing the effectiveness of therapies like Vasti by improving nutrient absorption and helping regulate dosha imbalances manifesting as urinary issues.

13) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study and understanding of phenomena, including health and therapies. The article integrates scientific inquiry with traditional Ayurvedic principles, exploring how Vasti therapy can effectively manage benign prostate hyperplasia, emphasizing evidence-based approaches alongside holistic perspectives.

14) Shukra (ÅšukrÄ, Åšukra):
Shukra is the Ayurvedic term for semen or reproductive fluid, associated with fertility and vitality. Though not directly related to BPH, Shukra underscores the interconnectedness of bodily systems in Ayurveda, highlighting how imbalances in one area (like the urinary tract) can influence overall health, including reproductive aspects.

15) Koshtha (Koṣṭha):
Kostha refers to the digestive tract or gastrointestinal system in Ayurveda. Proper functioning of the Kostha is essential for overall health, including the absorption of therapeutic treatments. In BPH management, ensuring Kostha-related health is crucial for the effective delivery of treatments like Vasti that target prostate-related issues.

16) Dosha (Dosa, Doá¹£a, DosÄ, Doá¹£Ä�, ḌosÄ):
Dosha represents the three fundamental energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that govern physical and psychological functions in Ayurveda. An imbalance or vitiation of these doshas can lead to health disturbances, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Understanding dosha dynamics helps in developing personalized treatment strategies for managing such conditions.

17) Pitta (PÄ«tta, Piá¹­á¹­Ä):
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with fire and transformation. It governs metabolic processes and bodily temperature. In the context of BPH, the balance of Pitta is crucial, as its vitiation can impact urinary function. Effective treatments aim to harmonize Pitta to alleviate symptoms.

18) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas representing earth and water elements, responsible for structure, substance, and stability in the body. Overabundance or imbalance of Kapha may contribute to conditions like benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Ayurvedic therapies seek to regulate Kapha, supporting improved urinary function and health.

19) Karma (Karman, KÄrma):
Karma in the Ayurvedic context refers to actions or treatments carried out for healing purposes. Each therapeutic intervention, such as Vasti, is considered a Karma that influences health outcomes. Understanding the karmic principles helps practitioners tailor treatments effectively to address conditions like benign prostate hyperplasia.

20) Rakta (RaktÄ):
Rakta refers to blood in Ayurveda, representing vitality and life force. It plays a pivotal role in various physiological processes and homeostasis. In BPH management, addressing Rakta health—through detoxification and revitalization strategies—may improve overall bodily functions and assist the efficacy of treatments aimed at urinary health.

21) Gupta (GuptÄ):
Gupta is the last name of the author Shivaji Gupta, who conducted the clinical study on Vasti therapy for managing benign prostate hyperplasia. Names in such research help establish credibility and traceability of the work, essential for scholarly communication and recognition in the broader context of Ayurvedic practice and research.

22) Glass:
Glass is used here to describe a common vessel for administering liquids, including therapeutic substances like honey or milk. In Ayurveda, substances are often given in specific forms for optimal absorption and effectiveness. The mention of glass indicates the practical aspects of administering adjunct treatments alongside primary therapies.

23) Water:
Water is a fundamental substance for life, frequently used in Ayurvedic practices for its purifying and therapeutic properties. In the study, water serves to dissolve and deliver medicines or facilitate procedures, highlighting its importance in maintaining hydration and supporting overall health, particularly in the context of treatments like Vasti.

24) Sudha (SudhÄ):
Sudha translates to ‘pure� or ‘good� in Sanskrit. Here, it describes a specific churna or powder used in therapy. Sudha Kupeelu Churna is administered with honey to enhance taste and absorption, showcasing the Ayurvedic approach of optimizing treatment efficacy through purity, synergistic ingredients, and tailored administration methods.

25) Honey:
Honey is a natural substance known for its health benefits, including its use as a sweetening agent in Ayurvedic treatments. In the study, honey is combined with Sudha Kupeelu Churna, enhancing palatability and possibly aiding the absorption of the active agents in the digestive tract, thereby improving treatment effectiveness.

26) Blood:
Blood in Ayurveda represents not only the physical aspect of circulation but also the vitality and quality of life. Regular assessments of blood-related parameters, such as serum testosterone levels in this study, help monitor health status and the impact of treatments, such as Vasti for benign prostate hyperplasia management.

27) Nadi (NÄdi, NadÄ«, NÄá¸Ä�, NÄdin, NÄá¸i, Nadin):
Nadi refers to the energy channels or pathways through which vital energy flows in the body according to Ayurvedic principles. The term Nadi Sweda indicates a steaming process targeting these channels to enhance circulation, particularly in the context of therapeutic practices like Vasti, aiming to improve overall bodily function and health.

28) Milk:
Milk is regarded as a nourishing and vital substance in Ayurveda, valued for its health benefits. In the context of the study, it is utilized to accompany treatments, like Sudha Kupeelu Churna, providing additional nutrients and aiding in the soothing and restorative processes within the digestive and urological health management systems.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Vasti therapy in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mutraroga, Therapeutic effect, Significant reduction, Apan Vayu, Vasti Chikitsa, Vasti therapy, Nadi Sweda, Blood urea, Clinical history, Indwelling catheter, Benign prostate hyperplasia, Serum testosterone level, Pre-treatment, Post treatment.

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