Endometriosis and Ayurveda: Exploring alternative health solutions to a common pregnancy-related disorder. /mode of action of Uttara Vasthy in endometriosis
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a complex and painful disease that affects women in their reproductive years.
In endometriosis, endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus and in these areas, the endometrial tissue develops into what are called growths, implants, nodules
Endometrial growths are usually benign and they are normal tissues growing outside the uterus from their normal location Like how the lining of the uterus responds to the hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, these endometrial growth too responds to the female reproductive hormones. When they build up each month, they shred as tissues and cause bleeding, a common problem in endometriosis that affects pregnancy outcomes. Unlike the lining of the uterus, these growths have no way to leave the body and thus they result in internal bleeding inflammation, etc Other than leading to complications like infertility, they also can cause rupture of these growths and can spread in nature
Treatments proposed for endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that involves tri doshas though the proportion may vary from individual to individual, But vata is the pronominal dosha involved in many ways according to our ancient literatures, often exacerbating health problems like stress and PCOS.
The pain which is caused by vata can be a significant problem in diseases such as endometriosis. and the involved site is apana vata which involves the downward movement of the menstrual flow and also the displacement of endometrial cells from the original location in the uterus to outside the uterus which is also one of the nature of vata.
Most of the ayurvedic treatment aims at bringing vata under control or clearing the pathway of blocked vata which is nothing but vatanulomana
Since all the symptoms in endometriosis include the vitiated vata lakshanas like pain, movement of blood in the opposite direction, and blockage of menstrual blood, the treatment procedures aim at removing the blockage of the channel of vata so that it can perform its normal functions.
Uthara vasthi:
Uttaravasthy is different from other vasthy in which the medicines are administered through the vaginal route.
Among the three types of Basti, Uttar Basti has some special quality, so it is nominated as "Uttar" i.e. "Shrestha". The Basti which is given in Uttar Marga (i.e. in the urinary or vaginal passage) than usual Adho Marga (i.e. Administration of Uttar Basti (in the anal passage) is termed as a panchakarma procedure for addressing certain health disorders.
Indications of uttaravasthy
Uttarbasti is indicated in Yoni Roga, Vandhyatva (infertility), Yoni Vibransha (prolapsed of the uterus), Mutraghata, Mutrakruccha, Garbhashya Roga, Asrugdar (dysfunctional uterine bleeding), Yoni Shula and Artava Vikara
Ideal time of Uttara vasthy
The ideal time for the administration of Uttar Basti is Rutu Kala (after completion of menstrual bleeding) because at that time the uterus and vagina are devoid of covering and their orifices are open, thus receiving Sneha easily.
Components of uttaravasthy yantra /instrument
Uttar Basti Yantra consists of two parts-
Bastiputaka and Bastinetra (Pushpanetra) which can be 10 angula in measurements.
Bastiputaka should be soft and light
Now a day a 5 ml disposable syringe without a needle and a uterine cannula of a steel material is used.
Sneha(medicated oil) is used in panchakarma as a treatment for various health disorders. or Kwatha(medicated decoction ) may be used for the Uttar Basti. Sneha is considered more useful in most of the diseases of Garbhashaya.
Before the administration of Uttar Basti, previous infections should be cleared thoroughly to prevent health complications during pregnancy after this two to three Asthapana Basti (decoction enema for cleansing purposes) should be given to the patient. The woman should be placed in a supine position with flexed thighs and elevated knees. After that, the Pushpanetra should be inserted in the vaginal passage slowly with a steady hand, following the direction of the passage. The drug should be administered by pressing the Bastiputaka with constant pressure
Uttar Basti procedure should be carried out by an expert, under all aseptic precautions, and sterilized medicine is used, so there are no chances of introducing any kind of infection.
Step-by-step procedures for uttaravasthy:
The patient selected for Uttar Basti proceeds with the following procedures.
1) Evacuation of the bladder & bowels
3) Sweden(fomentation ): After Abhyanga, Swedana was given to the same parts for about 15 minutes in a hot water bag.
4) The patient was placed in the lithotomy position.
5) A routine P/V examination was performed in order to assess the size, shape, and position of the uterus.
6) Sims speculum and anterior vaginal wall retractor were inserted in order to visualize the cervix, a procedure important for diagnosing problems like PCOS.
7) Allis forceps were applied to the anterior lip of the cervix.
8) The vaginal canal, external os, and fornices were swabbed with the antiseptic solution.
9) With the help of uterine sound, the length and position of the uterus were assessed, determining whether the os was open or not, crucial for diagnosing pregnancy-related disorders.
10) The os is dilated gradually with lubricated Hegar's dilators enough to admit the uterine cannula easily, essential for addressing health issues related to pregnancy.
11) Then the uterine cannula was entered in the direction of the uterus and pushed up to the internal os. Then the Basti Dravya (Sneha / Kwatha) was injected drop by drop with a syringe from the other side of the cannula.
12) At the same time as injecting the medicine into the uterus patient was kept in head low position.
13) It is important to watch and observe whether the Basti Dravya was expelled out properly or not and then a sterilized gauze piece was kept in the vagina.
14) All instruments were removed slowly and Pulse and Blood pressure were recorded for two hours.
Mode of action of uttaravasthy
The effect of Uttar Basti will depend on various points like method, instrument, drug use, etc. If the medicine is put in the cervical canal it may act more on the cervical factors. For factors like cervical stenosis, a katu ushana taila (hot potency) may be recommended, especially in disorders affecting pregnancy. based medication can be more useful, while for increasing secretion of mucus from cervical glands, a nutritive and Madhur-shita ghrita(nourishing oil)-based medicine will be more efficacious. In the same way, the drug selection for ovulatory and tubal factors will be totally different from each other, important in treating health issues related to PCOS. On the ovary the effect of the drug will be after absorption and then by promoting the Hypothalamic – Pituitary–Ovarian axis. While in tubal block Uttar Basti acts locally. In ovulation, a drug with snehan (lubricating ) property can be good while for the tubal block, a drug with Lekhana karma (scraping ) will be better. Uttar Basti may also stimulate certain receptors in the endometrium leading to the correction of all the physiological processes of the reproductive system. Intravaginal Uttar Basti may also facilitate the absorption of drugs as the posterior fornix has a very rich blood supply, and it may also act as a reservoir of drugs, beneficial for pregnant patients.
What is Panchakarma treatment for infertility?
Some of the panchakarma treatments like Vamana, virechana, basthy, nasya can help to manage infertility
Role of Vamana (Therapeutic emesis)
Vamana evacuates toxins and balances hormones and acts on thyroid glands. It can also stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin thus helping PCOD too.
Role of Virechana (Therapeutic purgation )
Eliminates pitta and also acts on hormonal levels
Role of nasya
Nasya (Nasal drops instillation ) stimulates olfactory nerves and the limbic system, which in turn stimulates the hypothalamus leading to stimulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons, regularizing GnRH pulsatile secretion, leading to ovulation
Role of basthy
Apana Vayu is the type of "Vata Dosha", which controls the Shukra Dhatu (Semen) in males &a; Aartava (Ovum) in females. Apan Vayu controls the reproductive system. The procedure "Basti" regulates Apan Vayu which improves the quality of Semen & Ovum.
Role of uttara vasthy
Uttaravasthy maintains the alkaline pH of the Vagina which can promote the rapid progress of sperm to the uterus. It also nourishes the endometrium which helps for the implantation of eggs after fertilization. This procedure also strengthens the uterus and helps with implantation
Can Panchakarma cure infertility?
Panchakarma procedures help to manage infertility through proper detoxification, bringing doshas to balance, reducing stress, improving circulation and regulating the hormones, creating an optimal environment for conception, and bringing up mental clarity
Which Panchkarma is best for conceiving?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, and the specific Panchakarma treatments recommended can vary depending on an individual's unique constitution and health concerns.
What is the best treatment for infertility?
The "best" treatment for infertility differs depending on the individual or couple’s situation.. The treatment plan might involve a combination of medical intervention, surgical procedures, lifestyle changes, and holistic therapies like Ayurveda.
What is Basti for female infertility?
Basthy can be effective in the treatment of female infertility by Regulating Hormonal Balance, Detoxifying the body , nourishing the reproductive organs, strengthening the agni, improving the circulation ,clearing the apana vata, etc
Types of Basti Used in Infertility Treatment:
· Anuvasana Basti
· Asthapana Basti
· Uttara vasthy
What is the role of Uttara Basti in female infertility?
Uttar Basti Ayurvedic treatment has been found very effective in relieving fallopian tubes blockages and clearing of infections in the uterine cavity which may cause fertility issues. This procedure can internally boost their capacity to help in conception.
Is Uttar Basti treatment painful?
Uttarbasti is a non-invasive procedure with minimal pain, Many report minimal discomfort, as the treatment is gentle and uses medicated oils or herbal decoctions that are soothing to the tissues. Uttarbasti is performed under strict sterile precautions to minimize the risk of infection.
Is endometriosis a cause of infertility?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often leading to pain, inflammation, and scarring. This condition can significantly affect fertility, making it more difficult for those with endometriosis to conceive. Between 30-40% of people with endometriosis may experience infertility.