An effort to understand pcos in ayurveda context
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: An effort to understand pcos in ayurveda context
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Priyanka Sharma
Ph.D. Scholar, Dept. of Prasuti and Streeroga, N.I.A. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Upasana Sharma
Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Dept. of Ayurveda, Govt. of Rajasthan
Sushila Sharma
Associate Professor & H.O.D. Dept. of Prasuti and Streeroga, N.I.A. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: An effort to understand pcos in ayurveda context
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as one of the fastest-growing health concerns among women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 5-10% of the global population and a staggering 52% in the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by a combination of hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and the presence of polycystic ovaries, often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. Although PCOS is not explicitly defined in Ayurvedic texts, certain aspects of the syndrome align closely with concepts such as Yonivyapada and Aartvadushti, providing a framework for understanding this multifaceted disorder through Ayurvedic principles.
Conceptual Framework of PCOS in Ayurveda
An essential aspect of understanding PCOS through Ayurvedic principles involves the concepts of Bandhya Yonivyapada and Nashtartva. Bandhya Yonivyapada relates to female infertility characterized by the loss of reproductive potential, primarily identified through the feature of Nashtartva, or the obstruction of menstrual flow. Ayurvedic texts clarify that menstrual blood, termed Aartava, is not entirely absent in cases of Nashtartva but may be obstructed due to imbalances in the body, particularly the Doshas, primarily Vata and Kapha. This blockage leads to conditions such as amenorrhea or irregular cycles, paralleling the characteristics observed in PCOS, where hormonal imbalances result in disrupted menstrual cycles.
Causative Factors and Clinical Features
The causative factors or Nidana contributing to PCOS encompass a variety of lifestyle and genetic elements. Abnormal dietary habits (Mithyachara), stress, inadequate sleep, and genetic predispositions are some critical factors identified. In Ayurveda, the etiology of disorders like PCOS is multi-faceted, with influences ranging from personal lifestyle choices to hereditary factors. Clinically, symptoms of PCOS can vary widely, with common issues being menstrual irregularities, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and infertility, highlighting the need for holistic treatment approaches that address both the physical symptoms and the underlying lifestyle factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a deeper understanding of PCOS through an Ayurvedic lens emphasizes the importance of recognizing the condition as a multi-dimensional concern rooted in lifestyle and genetic factors. While Ayurvedic texts do not explicitly detail PCOS, the outlined principles of Yonivyapada and Aartvadushti offer a comprehensive perspective on diagnosing and treating this syndrome. By focusing on individualized treatment methods that incorporate dietary modifications, regular exercise, and the appropriate herbal formulations, healthcare practitioners can enhance treatment outcomes for those suffering from PCOS, supporting not only the physical but also the psychological well-being of affected women.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the prevalence of PCOS in women of reproductive age?
PCOS affects about 5-10% of women globally, but in the Indian subcontinent, the prevalence is significantly higher at approximately 52%.
How does Ayurveda interpret symptoms of PCOS?
Ayurveda relates PCOS to 'Bandhya Yonivyapada' and 'Nashtartava'. Symptoms like amenorrhea and hormonal dysfunction are considered manifestations of 'Nashtartva', indicating underlying issues with ovarian function.
What are some Ayurvedic treatment approaches for PCOS?
Ayurvedic treatments for PCOS focus on lifestyle changes, dietary management, purification processes like 'Vamana', and herbal formulations such as 'Kanchnara Guggulu' and 'Pushpadhanva Rasa' to balance hormones and restore ovulation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “An effort to understand pcos in ayurveda context�. 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) Disease:
In the text, 'disease' refers to conditions examined through the lens of Ayurveda using the principles of Vikarprakriti, Adhisthanantara, and Samutthanvishesha. Diseases like PCOS are contextualized by Dosha, Dushya, and Rogadhisthana variations.
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine from India, encompassing various treatments for diseases such as PCOS by analyzing symptoms and paradigms like Vikarprakriti. It categorizes disorders including PCOS under its diagnostic principles.
3) Bandhya:
'Bandhya' in the text refers to Bandhya Yonivyapada, a gynecological disorder in Ayurveda closely associated with PCOS. Bandhya is characterized by amenorrhea and hormonal dysfunction.
4) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood is termed 'Aartava' in Ayurveda. Its irregularity, such as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, is a key feature of PCOS and influences the diagnosis and treatment in Ayurvedic contexts.
5) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Priyanka Sharma is the Ph.D. Scholar who contributed to the research article discussing PCOS in the context of Ayurveda, providing insights and understanding based on Ayurvedic texts.
6) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha are fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda. The text mentions the roles of Vata, Kapha, and Pitta Doshas in explaining the pathogenesis of diseases like PCOS and their influence on menstrual irregularities.
7) Kapha:
Kapha Dosha, one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, is related to the pathology of PCOS, especially regarding the obstruction (Aavarna) in hormonal pathways and menstrual irregularities like amenorrhea.
8) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
9) Dravya:
'Dravya' refers to substances used in treatment. In PCOS, Agneyadravya are used to mitigate the effects of Kapha and Vata Doshas and stimulate menstrual flow and ovarian function.
10) Vati:
'Vati' are Ayurvedic tablets or pills. Formulations like Rajah Pravartani Vati are used in treating symptoms of PCOS, including regulating menstrual cycles.
11) Vata:
Vata Dosha in Ayurveda is implicated in various gynecological disorders, including PCOS. It causes obstructions in 'Aartavavahastotasa', leading to symptoms like amenorrhea listed in Bandhya Yonivyapada.
12) Purification:
Purification involves techniques like Samshodhana to remove toxins and doshic imbalances. This is essential in the Ayurvedic treatment of PCOS to clear obstructions and restore normal ovarian and hormonal function.
13) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
Samshodhana is a purification method in Ayurveda used to treat PCOS. Techniques such as Vamana and Virechana are employed to remove excess Doshas and restore balance.
14) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
15) Samhita:
'Samhita' refers to classical Ayurvedic texts. These works provide foundational knowledge and context for understanding diseases like PCOS in Ayurveda, although PCOS is not described word-to-word.
16) Dushya (Dusya):
Dushya refers to tissues or substances affected by imbalance. In PCOS, various Dushyas interact incorrectly with Doshas, leading to symptoms and requiring targeted Ayurvedic treatment.
17) Nidana:
Nidana are causative factors in disease. In PCOS, factors include improper diet and lifestyle, emotional stress, and genetic predispositions, crucial for the Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment.
18) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' are Ayurvedic formulations. Specific Rasas like Pushpadhanva Rasa are used to address symptoms of PCOS and restore reproductive health.
19) Yoga:
Yoga is included as a complementary practice to aid in the management of PCOS. Techniques like Pranayama and meditation help in reducing stress and normalizing hormonal functions.
20) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
Shatapushpa, a medicinal herb, is used in treating PCOS in Ayurveda. It is included in formulations to aid in ovulation and hormonal balance.
21) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is the Indian state where the research was conducted. It provides context to the authors' affiliations and the study's geographic relevance.
22) Prasuti:
'Prasuti' refers to the branch of Ayurveda dealing with pregnancy and childbirth. The Department of Prasuti and Streeroga where Sharma works focuses on women's health issues like PCOS.
23) Artava:
Artava refers to menstrual blood, ovum, and ovarian hormones in Ayurvedic terminology. Dysfunctions in Artava are central to the pathology of PCOS as described in Ayurveda.
24) Vamana:
Vamana is an emetic therapy used in Ayurveda for purification. It is indicated in the treatment of PCOS to clear Kapha and relieve associated symptoms.
25) Jaipur:
Jaipur is the city in Rajasthan, India, where N.I.A. (National Institute of Ayurveda) is located, providing the institutional backdrop for the research on PCOS in Ayurveda.
26) Indian:
Indian context is emphasized in the text due to the high prevalence of PCOS in India (52%), necessitating a tailored approach to treatment in Indian women using Ayurveda.
27) India:
India, the country of high PCOS prevalence, is central to this research. Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India, offers unique insights and treatments for PCOS.
28) Tila:
Tila, or sesame, is a substance used in Ayurveda. Tila Taila (sesame oil) and Tila-based preparations are recommended for treating PCOS symptoms.
29) Candraprabha (Candra-prabha):
'Chandraprabha' is an Ayurvedic formulation recommended in the treatment regime for PCOS. It helps manage various symptoms associated with the syndrome.
30) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha-dosha is one of the three fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda. Its imbalance is a significant factor in the development and progression of PCOS, leading to symptoms such as hormonal obstructions.
31) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
'Adhisthana' refers to the site of a disease. For PCOS, the primary Adhisthana includes the ovaries and skin, influencing where symptoms manifest and their severity.
32) Manibhadra:
'Manibhadra' is an Ayurvedic formulation included in the treatment strategy for PCOS. It's used in stages to help alleviate symptoms and restore hormonal balance.
33) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tilataila, or sesame oil, is utilized in Ayurvedic therapeutic practices. Its use in procedures like Yoga Basti is part of the treatment protocol for PCOS to remove obstructions in the body.
34) Meditation:
Meditation is part of the recommended daily practices for managing PCOS. It helps reduce stress, which can stabilize the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis, improving hormonal balance.
35) Shatavari (Satavari):
'Shatavari' is an herb used in Ayurvedic treatments for PCOS. It has properties that support reproductive health and is included in various formulations for managing the syndrome.
36) Asrigdara (Asrgdara, Asrij-dara):
'Asrigdara' is a menstrual abnormality described in Ayurveda. While treated separately, knowledge of such conditions helps in understanding and managing disorders like PCOS.
37) Shavasana (Shava-asana, Savasana):
'Shavasana' is a relaxation pose in Yoga practiced daily to reduce stress and contribute to the holistic management of PCOS, aiding overall hormonal regulation.
38) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
'Manjistha' is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic treatments. It's included in formulations and regimens for managing PCOS due to its blood-purifying and balancing properties.
39) Substance:
[see source text or glossary: Substance]
40) Varunadi (Varuna-adi):
'Varunadi' refers to Varunadi Kashaya, an Ayurvedic decoction used in the treatment of diseases like PCOS. It forms part of the therapeutic regimen to manage and alleviate symptoms.
41) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
'Rasayana' therapy is used in Ayurveda for rejuvenation and improving overall health. In PCOS treatment, Rasayana formulations like those including Atibala support reproductive health and hormonal balance.
42) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
43) Guggulu:
'Guggulu' is a component in Ayurvedic medicine, such as Kanchnara Guggulu, used for treating PCOS. It supports the hormonal and metabolic regulation needed for managing the syndrome.
44) Avarana:
'Avarana' refers to the obstruction of pathways in Ayurveda. In PCOS, the blockage caused by Vata and Kapha Doshas leads to symptoms like amenorrhea and is a focal point of treatment strategies.
45) Atibala:
'Atibala' is a herb included in Ayurvedic formulations for managing PCOS. It's used for its restorative properties in Rasayana Kalpa, supporting reproductive function and hormonal health.
46) Pramana:
In the Ayurvedic context, 'Pramana' refers to the measurements or quantities of bodily substances. The balance of Pramana of Aartava is crucial in managing PCOS effectively.
47) Upasana:
Upasana Sharma is an Ayurvedic Medical Officer and one of the authors contributing to the research on understanding and treating PCOS in the context of Ayurveda.
48) Kulatha:
'Kulatha' or horse gram is used in Ayurvedic treatments for PCOS. It's recommended for its properties that help regulate menstrual flow and balance reproductive health.
49) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna Jeeraka is part of the treatment regimen for PCOS in Ayurveda. Its decoction aids in balancing hormones and improving reproductive function.
50) Samaka (Shamaka):
'Shamaka' refers to substances that pacify Doshas in Ayurveda. Agneyadravya, which are Vata-Kapha Shamaka, are used in treating PCOS to remove blockages and restore balance.
51) Kashaya (Kasaya):
'Kashaya' denotes Ayurvedic decoctions. Varunadi Kashaya is one example used in managing PCOS by aiding in the regulation of menstrual and reproductive functions.
52) Ashoka (Asoka):
'Ashoka' is an herb used in formulations for treating PCOS. It is included in various oral regimens to support reproductive health and hormonal balance.
53) Irshya (Irsya):
'Irshya', or jealousy, is one of the psychological factors that can contribute to the exacerbation of PCOS symptoms. Managing such emotional states is part of holistic Ayurvedic treatment.
54) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
55) Powder:
[see source text or glossary: Powder]
56) Cattan:
[see source text or glossary: Sathan]
57) Pitta:
Pitta Dosha is one of the three Doshas in Ayurveda. Its imbalance can contribute to symptoms of PCOS, necessitating treatments that avoid excess reduction of Pitta to maintain healthy Aartava.
58) Sutra:
'Sutra' refers to foundational texts and principles in Ayurveda. Sutra sthana provides guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, applicable for unnamed diseases like PCOS.
59) Kalpa:
'Kalpa' denotes formulations in Ayurveda. Rasayana Kalpa, with herbs like Shatavari and Atibala, is used for rejuvenation and treating PCOS by improving hormonal and reproductive health.
60) Taila:
Taila refers to oil in Ayurveda. Tila Taila is used in purification processes like Basti for treating PCOS, helping to clear obstructions and balance hormones.
61) Basti:
'Basti' is an Ayurvedic enema therapy. Yoga Basti, using Tila Taila and Dashmoola Kwatha, is part of PCOS treatment to remove obstructions and restore balance.
62) Varna:
[see source text or glossary: Varna]
63) Asana (Ashana):
'Asana', a yoga pose, is part of the daily practice recommended for PCOS management. It helps reduce stress and enhance hormonal regulation.
64) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
65) Ruja:
[see source text or glossary: Ruja]
66) Roga:
'Roga' refers to diseases in Ayurveda. Understanding Roga in terms of Dosha and Dushya allows for the effective treatment of PCOS by addressing its underlying causes.
67) Agni:
'Agni' relates to digestive fire in Ayurveda. Balanced Agni is crucial for proper metabolism and the management of conditions like PCOS, which involve metabolic dysfunction.
68) Guna:
[see source text or glossary: Guna]
69) Pita:
[see source text or glossary: Pita]
70) Food:
Faulty 'Food' habits like consuming pizza, burgers, and oily junk food are causative factors in PCOS. Proper dietary management is essential in the Ayurvedic treatment plan.
71) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda is critical for managing PCOS. Correcting 'Mithyaahara' or faulty diet is emphasized to help balance Doshas and improve symptoms.
72) Wind:
[see source text or glossary: Wind]
73) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]
Other Science Concepts:
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Nidana, Daiva, Samshodhana, Mithyachara, Holistic approach, Amenorrhea, Clinical feature, Diagnostic criteria, Insulin resistance, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Significant improvement, Hyperandrogenism, Chronic anovulation, Aarogyavardhini Vati, Aartva, Pushpadhanva rasa, Nidanaparivarjan, Ayurveda context, Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Yoga Pranayama, Bijadosha.