Treatment for PCOS or Polycystic ovary syndrome is a women’s disease, afflicting women of reproductive age. PCOS is a complex disorder, aggravated by hormone imbalances. The condition triggers multitude complications, including irregular menstrual cycle and infertility, hyperpigmentation, acne, obesity, hirsutism and hair loss, and insulin resistance. Patients diagnosed with PCOS have unusually high levels of testosterone and askew levels of LH and FSH hormones.
Effectiveness of Ayurveda for PCOS
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According to Ayurveda, the main cause of the disease is the derangement of doshas. An imbalance in doshas leads to diseases, and ayurvedic therapies help create a perfect equilibrium of doshas. Ayurveda follows the same principles in the treatment of PCOS.
The therapies for the cure of PCOS involve detoxification of the body and correcting hormonal imbalances. This automatically fortifies and bolsters the reproductive system making it function properly. Menstrual cycles become regular, and ovulation begins.
Ayurvedic Dos and Don’ts for PCOS Patients
The PCOS treatment in Ayurveda prescribes strict restrictions, and it is important to follow them for the treatment to be effective. Women diagnosed with PCOS must practice the following do’s and don’ts –
- Make exercise part of your daily regimen. Practice yoga, walking, and meditation
- Get proper rest and sleep. Avoid late nights – sleep at a set hour each night and get up early
- Avoid sleeping during the day
- Limit the use of contraceptives as they alter the hormone balance in the body. This is true especially of contraceptive pills
- Stop smoking and alcohol consumption, and any kind of narcotics as they disturb the body’s equilibrium
Ayurvedic Herbs for PCOS Treatment
Ayurvedic treatments are herb-based, and PCOS treatment also comprises of herbal blends. Herbs are naturally found and are almost a magic potion. These Ayurvedic healthcare treatments are potent and effective in healing the body from within and have no side-effects. The herbs used in the cure of PCOS help strengthen the reproductive organs enabling the balance of hormones.
Herbal potions involved in the treatment help reduce cysts and inflammation and regulate the menstrual cycle. They help keep insulin levels in check and control weight. Herbal medications must be taken under proper guidance. Herbs such as Shilajit, Vibhaitaki, and Karavellaka have astounding anti-inflammatory properties, while Neem and Ashoka are anti-fungal. Lodhra, Meshashringi and Usheera help maintain uterine health.
There are hundreds of herbs that are used in the treatment, and each of them is packed with healthy nutrients that reduce the symptoms of PCOS and improve the condition.
Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
A change in lifestyle can hasten the healing process. Losing weight helps as excessive weight gain causes insulin resistance, which worsens PCOS. Losing weight has a positive impact as it lowers insulin resistance and decreases androgen, which is a male hormone.
Dietary modifications also help as certain foods increase insulin levels. Eating healthy is the key to a disease-free life. Eat healthy meals, containing seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Here is a lowdown on what you should and should not eat
- Reduce the intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, as they spike insulin levels, which is not good for PCOS patients. Eat rice and wheat in moderation, as they are rich in carbohydrates
- Lower consumption of milk and dairy. Drink only low-fat milk to which a healthy pinch of turmeric or ginger has been added, as they reduce milk’s Kapha forming ability
- Replace sugar with honey. The former increases Kapha and the latter reduces it
- Add garlic, cinnamon, and fenugreek to your diet
- Herbal teas, particularly green tea, tulsi tea, and spearmint tea are suggested
- Your diet should be balanced and healthy
Ayurvedic Therapies for PCOS
Here is a brief description of the therapies commonly used for the treatment of PCOS in Ayurveda.
Basti (Herbal enema) is one of the panchakarma treatments practiced in Ayurveda. The procedure involves the administrating of a herbal enema consisting of either a herbal oil or a herbal decoction through the patient’s rectum. The procedure helps in the purging of vitiated Vata, the main cause behind the PCOS.
Vamana (Herbal vomiting) is a panchakarma procedure that induces vomiting in the patient. Patients are administered herbal potions that draw out the toxins from the body and released through vomiting. Vamana helps in the flushing of vitiated Kapha.
Virechana (Herbal cleansing) is a method of purging the internal organs of the toxins. The therapy involves herbal remedies that encourage bowel movement and help eject the vitiated pitta dosha.
Yoga Asanas for PCOS
Ayurveda therapies are most effective when they are combined with lifestyle changes. One of the lifestyle changes recommended by Ayurveda experts is the practice of yoga asana. Patients of PCOS must practice specific yoga asanas to benefit from the treatment.
Practice pranayama, which is a breathing exercise and the cornerstone of yoga asanas. It is one of the most natural methods for strengthening the nervous system. Butterfly pose known as Baddha Konasana aims at the groin and hip area of the body, where the female reproductive organs are located. The practice of this asana helps relieve disorders in the pelvic region. Bharadvajasna involves a gentle twist and turn of the torso and hence stimulates the organs in the lower abdomen region, benefiting them in many ways. Other yoga poses known to benefit PCOS patients are Padma Sadhana, Sarvangasana and Surya Namaskar. Yoga helps to lower anxiety levels, improve hormonal balance and metabolism and reduce excess fat.
