Ayurveda and panchakarma for female health
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, and Panchakarma, its detoxification and rejuvenation therapy, provide a comprehensive approach to women's health. a woman’s body experiences significant and multifaceted transformations throughout her life, beginning with puberty and continuing through various life stages such as pregnancy, delivery, and menopause. Ayurveda and Panchakarma offer tailored support and therapies to address the unique needs at each stage.
By addressing the specific needs of women through various life stages and focusing on the balance of doshas, Ayurveda equips women with the tools to embark on a transformative journey toward optimal health
Ayurveda describes not only the relationship of Doshas and Dhatus with Health and Diseases but also the various stages of Women's life such as Bala, Kumari, Rajaswala, Ritumati, Garbhini, Prasavaavstha and Sutikaavastha, etc. It also outlines the various stages of a woman's life and emphasizes the importance of proper Ahar (diet) and Vihar (lifestyle) to maintain health and prevent diseases. These diet and lifestyle modifications are known as Paricharyas, which require different stages to maintain an optimum state of Health such as Ritumati Paricharya, Rajaswala Paricharya, Garbhini paricharya etc. These Paricharyas provide guidelines for diet, daily routines, and lifestyle practices tailored to the unique needs of each life stage.
Many Physical, Psychological, and Hormonal changes are seen in the life span of women during different stages, like- Rajodarsan kala, Prajnana kala, Garbhavastha kala, Rajonirvritti kala etc. Due to unfollowing the diet and lifestyle modalities, there may arise various diseases like Cancer, Infertility, and PCOD, along with other systemic disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure, Obesity, etc.
Here’s an in-depth look at how these ancient practices cater to the distinct phases of a woman’s life
Rajaswala Paricharya / menstrual hygiene
A Woman's body undergoes many changes during menstruation (Rajaswala). Twelve is the Age of Rajodarshana (Menarche).
Our acharyas have prescribed
Dietary restrictions play a significant role in maintaining dosha balance.: Consuming light, easily digestible, and warm foods while avoiding heavy, cold, and spicy foods.
Rest and Activity: Emphasizing rest and avoiding strenuous physical activities to conserve energy.
Mental and Emotional Care: Encouraging a calm and stress-free environment to support emotional health.
In ancient times, all theses restrictions were followed but today women see these restrictions as a hindrance to their empowerment
Menstruation is a time when we are transitioning from a pitta experience to a Vata experience. Our temperature has been heightened since ovulation, and as we menstruate, we release that heat our temperature drops, we clear more ore space, and we embody more vata.
Vata is present to support the flow of the menses out of the body. Given its heightened presence, we need to be careful about anything vata-provoking during this time. Our body is not best equipped for vigorous activity or anything with cold and rough qualities, as these create an imbalance of the ether and air elements within us. During menstruation, it is also important that we take special care of apana vayu the downward-moving vata energy that is responsible for release during menstruation. Maintaining balanced vata and a healthy flow of apana vayu is crucial for reproductive system balance,
Due to all these facts, there was a provision of restriction during Menstruation in the olden times. Due to noncompliance with certain rules and restrictions and changes in Diet and Lifestyle, many diseases related to reproductive health in women like infertility and PCOD, etc.
Ritumati Paricharya
Ayurveda provides comprehensive advice on boosting fertility and promoting reproductive health. This is done through dietary suggestions, herbal preparations, and lifestyle practices. The lifestyle described by our Acharyas from conception to the attainment of the best children in women is known as Ritumati Paricharya. In Ayurveda, the processes of partner selection to conception for the attainment of perfect children have been described in detail. The description of the right marriage age and suitable age of conception is explained in detail. The best period for conception is termed as Ritukala which is after the stoppage of menstruation till the next 12 days. The female during this period is termed as Ritumati. The phase is characterized by the proliferation of endometrium followed by ovulation, which is crucial in gynecology. The reconstruction of tissue or regeneration is done by Prithvi (solid) and Jala (liquid) which are bhautika components of kapha. During this period, the body prepares the uterus properly for conception and creates the right environment for conception after the fertilization of Sperm and Ovum.
Garbhini Paricharya
Garbhini paricharya is a set of rules that have been described by the Acharyas for the Health of the pregnant woman and the proper growth and nutrition of the fetus. During the Gestational period, a woman's body undergoes major rifts that affect her Health. Along with nutrition for the fetus, the mental and emotional state of the mother is responsible for the development of the gross functional functions and cognitive functions of the fetus. In Ayurveda, Garbhini Paricharya has been described in these ways- Samanya Paricharya and Masanumasika Paricharya.
Samanya Paricharya-
Samanya paricharya are the Ayurvedic guidelines for antenatal care that focus on a holistic approach, encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the best possible outcomes for the mother and child.
Masanumasika paricharya:
These are monthly regimens to be followed during the pregnancy. Each month the medications and ksheera kashayams differ according to the monthly development of foetus
Sutika Paricharya
Sutika Paricharya is the after-delivery diet recommendation. A woman's body undergoes drastic changes after delivery. The main objective of this Paricharya is to nourish all the tissues after delivery, increase physical strength, protect the mother from any kind of infectious diseases, and promote proper lactation. Ayurveda advises massages, hot water baths, wrapping cloth on the abdomen-wrist area, oral administration of fats with medicines, and decoction of vata-subsiding herbs which will help in relieving pain and preventing Vata Prakopa. The woman becomes weak or emaciated due to the development of the fetus and after delivery, she has unsteadiness of tissues and feels dehydrated. With this regimen, she attains all the lost things and reaches her pre-pregnancy stage.
Rajonirvritti (Menopause)
The permanent stoppage of menstruation is called Menopause (Rajonirvritti). During menopause, both physical and mental changes take place in a woman's body. The age of menopause can vary from 45 to 50 years. This makes a major change in a woman's physiological life. At the beginning of this period, symptoms such as depression in the mind, restlessness of the body, sleeplessness, restlessness, weakness of digestion power, osteoporosis, etc. There are different modes of treatments explained in Ayurveda for combating those symptoms
Benefits of Panchakarma for women’s health:
Stress Relief and Emotional Balance:
Panchakarma treatments provide deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. Therapies like Shirodhara (pouring warm oil on the forehead) and Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage) have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting emotional balance.
Weight Management: Treatments like udvarthana aid in maintaining a healthy weight by eliminating toxins, improving digestion, and balancing the doshas.
Skin and Beauty Care: When combined with Panchakarma, Ayurvedic facials, herbal steam treatments, and oil massages enhance skin health and promote a healthy glow, reducing skin imperfections, acne, and signs of aging.
Ayurvedic herbs for the weakness present during Menopause
Brahmi: It relaxes the veins. It also enhances blood circulation. It promotes mental clarity and improves focus & concentration.
Ashwagandha: It is the best herb used for restoring energy and is known to improve muscular and neurological functions.
Ayurvedic herbs for bone health during Menopause
Turmeric: It is known to reduce reabsorption, which means if it becomes less, then the bone density will be maintained and the bones will remain healthy.
Ginger: It increases the bone mass because it has anti-inflammatory properties. With all the antioxidants present, it helps in increasing bone health.
Sesame seeds: They are rich in calcium and increase bone density and bone mass. So include them in your diet.
Jatamanasi: This herb strengthens the bone and is abundantly rich in calcium and other nutrients that help the bone to retain its lost density.
Ayurvedic herbs for excessive bleeding present during Menopause
Shatavari: It soothes and nourishes the reproductive system of females. It balances the imbalanced hormones and provides relief from excessive bleeding and cramps.
Giloy is often recommended in gynaecology for its health benefits. It helps in preventing the excessive bleeding caused during your heavy days. The juice will keep the body hydrated.
Ayurvedic herbs for Anemia present during Menopause
Moringa: The leaves are rich in various nutrients and elements like iron, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They are also known to increase the levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
Fenugreek seeds: The regular consumption of these seeds is known to increase the production of red blood cells in the body.
Draksha : The regular consumption of draksha reduces pitta and is known to increase the production of red blood cells in the body.
Ayurvedic herbs for Insomnia present during Menopause
Shankhpushpi: It helps with tackling insomnia and is the best to reduce stress. If you need to sleep peacefully, then consume this herb for benefits.
Vacha: It calms the brain relaxes the nervous system and helps with the sleeping process.
Sarpagandha: The overused brain is relaxed with this natural herb. With its natural sedative properties, it provides deep sleep and calmness.
Ashwagandha: It is the best herb used for restoring energy and is known to improve muscular and neurological functions.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of medicine that originated in India. It focuses on promoting overall wellness through a balance of the mind, body, and spirit.
What are Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra in Ayurveda?
Stree Roga refers to female health disorders in Ayurveda, while Prasuti Tantra deals with obstetrics and gynecology-related issues specific to women.
How does Ayurvedic treatment differ from modern medicine for female health disorders?
Ayurvedic treatment focuses on treating the root cause of the issue by balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), while modern medicine often targets symptoms with medications.
What are common gynecological problems that Ayurvedic treatment can address?
Ayurvedic treatment can help with menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge, infertility, menopausal symptoms, and other gynecological issues.
What role does Panchakarma play in Ayurvedic treatment for female health disorders?
Panchakarma is a cleansing and detoxification therapy in Ayurveda that helps remove toxins from the body, promoting overall health and well-being in women.
How does Ayurvedic treatment approach hormonal imbalances in women?
Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing the hormonal system through diet, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and specific therapies tailored to individual needs.
Are there any specific Ayurvedic herbs or remedies recommended for female reproductive health?
Yes, herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Lodhra, and Guduchi are often used in Ayurvedic treatments to support female reproductive health and hormonal balance.
What are the benefits of Prasuti Evam Stri Roga?
This is a specialty in Ayurveda that focuses on women's health including gynecological and obstetric care
How can Prasuti Evam Stri Roga be used to treat different types of diseases?
It suggests various regimens and advice for preventing sthree rogas through the role of sthanik chikitsa.
What are the side effects of Prasuti Evam Stri Roga?
No, there are no documented side effects.
Does Shalakya Tantra Play an Important Role in Ayurveda?
Yes, it deals with all diseases related to the ear, nose, and throat, which are important areas in gynaecology.
How Many Departments Are There In Ayurveda?
Eight fields of study, specifically:Kaya Chikitsa: General healthcare Shalya Tantra: Surgical procedures Shalakya Tantra: Eye care, ENT, and dental health Kaumarbhritya: Child health and maternal care Agad Tantra: Study of poisons Bhut Vidya: Mental health Rasayan: Revitalization treatments and elder care Vajikaran: Sexual health
How can Prasuti Evam Stri Roga be used to treat different types of diseases?
It gives different regimens diets, and lifestyle advice to different stages of women for prevention and well-being of health
What Makes Ayurveda Unique in the Healthcare Industry?
It focuses on the root cause of the diseases rather than treating symptoms alone, which is a key principle in sthanik chikitsa in stree roga.
What are the benefits of Prasuti Evam Stri Roga?
It deals with various gynecological diseases and natural solutions for that