Alternative Treatments Information Update

French Translation

Bookmark and Share

Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda


Definition: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men. It is located just below the bladder and top of the penis. This gland surrounds the urethra ( the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out through the penis ). It is a very astonishing fact to know that the condition BPH has been explained in ayurveda long back. The anatomical position of prostate gland, symptoms of BPH and its remedies are explained by Acharya Sushruta.

The anatomical position of prostate gland is described in ayurvedic classics as follows In Yogaratnakara it has been described as -- " NAABHERADHASTHAATSANJAATAHA SANCHAARI YADI VAACHALAHA | ASHTEELAAVAD GHANO GRANTHIROODHWAR MAAYATA UNNATAHA || "

Which means " Below umbilicus (NAABHI), there is a hard gland which is little bit bulged and changes its place some times and some times stays stationary. This gland is like "Ashteela" (A small stone used to sharpen swords). This gland when affected by vitiated vata causes a disease called "vataashteela" (or benign prostate hypertrophy)

Sushruta explains the structure , anatomical position of prostate gland and symptoms of BPH as follows.

"SHACRANMAARGASYA BASTHESHCHA VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAI ASHTEELAAVADGHANAM GRANTHIMMOORDHVAMAAYATA MUNNATAM|| "

Which means - the place between rectum and bladder is occupied by vitiated vata it affects the easy flow of urine, stools and semen by enlarging the gland " Ashteela".

The prostate gland enlarges in all men as age advances. BPH is very common and affects one third of men who are over 50. A person suffering from BPH does not have the increased risk of prostate cancer. Functions of Prostate gland.

One of the main functions of the prostate is to produce a fluid, which contribute to the liquid portion of semen and this liquid allows the sperm to move freely.

The gland is divided into peripheral, transitional and central zone. The overgrowth takes place in central zone which leads to BPH. Effects of BPH Prostate gland surrounds urethra. When prostate gland enlarges, it constricts the urethra reducing the urine flow. The emptying of bladder becomes very difficult because of this. Causes of BPH According to present medical concepts the actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. But the causes of BPH are very well explained In ayurveda which is based on tridosha theory.The causes of vataashteela or BPH are explained as follows.

Causes for vataashteela according to dosha theory: vataashteela is caused by vitiated vayu and apaana vayu ( a subcategory of Vayu)

( APAANA VAYU is located in two testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groins, anus and colon.

Functions of apana vaayu are Ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine, stools, elimination of menstrual blood and expulsion of fetus. )

The vitiation of vayu and apaana vayu is caused by

1. Controlling the urge of urinatio n 2. Controlling the urge of defecation

3. Over indulgence in sex

4. Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food

5. Old age

6. General weakness

7. Indigestion

8. Physical and mental overexertion

Symptoms of BPH

? Difficulty in starting to pass urine ( hesitancy ),

? A weak stream of urine,

? Dribbling after urinating

? The need to strain to pass urine,

? Incomplete emptying of bladder.

? Difficulty to control the urination urge.

? Having to get up several times in the night to pass urine,

? Feeling a burning sensation when passing urine.

? Passing urine mixed with blood (indication of infection)

Symptoms of vatashteela are described as follows.

" VINMUTRAANILA SANGASCHA TANNAADMAANAMCHA JAAYATE| VEDANAA CHA PARAA BASTOU VAATAASHTEELETI TAAM VIDUHU || "

The vitiated ashteela gland when enlarged is called as "vatashteela". This enlarged gland causes

1. Obstruction to easy flow of urine.

2. Obstruction to Easy passage of stools and gas

3. Bloating of Stomach.

4. Pain in bladder.

When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed then one should seek proper medical advice.

Diagnosis

A digital rectal examination will be performed to examine the size of prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum. A distended bladder can be felt per abdomen. Ultra sound examination will be done to determine the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. Routine urine test will be done to rule out infections.

A prostate gland tissue may be collected using a needle to check for cancerous cells.

Ayurveda tips for SELF-CARE

If symptoms are mild, the following methods can be tried for relief:

1. Vata gets vitiated when natural urges are controlled. Hence do not control the natural urge of passing urine. Urinate when you first get the urge.

2. Go to the bathroom even if you do not have urge.

3. Alcohol, tobacco, coffee increase vata and vitiate it. Hence avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee, especially after dinner.

4. Vata gets normalized and vitiation comes down when body is warm. This can be accomplished with regular exercises and keeping the body warm.

5. Mental exertion leads to increase of vata. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at home.

6. Avoid foods which cause constipation as constipation causes vitiation of vata.

Other general tips

1. Avoid drinking fluids from two hours before going to bed.

2. Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.

3. Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids throughout day.

Prevention

BPH can be prevented by -

1. Consuming low fat diet

2. Including lots of fiber in diet ( fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber).

3. Visiting your family physician as soon as you notice any symptoms while passing urine.

Apart from these many effective herbal remedies have been mentioned in Sushruta samhita and Yogaratnakara.

Author: Dr.Savitha Suri , ; B.A.M.S

Biography of Dr.Savitha Suri Qualifications: Dr.Savitha Suri has completed graduation in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (B.A.M.S) from Government college of Indian Medicine (GCIM), Mysore in 1988 .This college belongs to University of Mysore ,Karnataka, India

She is practicing Indian System of Medicines since 16 YRS in Mysore, Karnataka, India. She has contributed health related articles and articles about Ayurveda in state level News papers, magazines and Health related web sites. Dr.SavithaSuri is a regular health Columnist to a regional newspaper.

Website http://www.ayurhelp.com/

Email mailto:doctor@ayurhelp.com


MORE RESOURCES:

FOXSports.com

<!-- ALTERNATIVE CONTENT FOR NON-JS BROWSERS, SEE NOTE (1) --> <div><a class ...
FOXSports.com
After more than 20 years of covering everything from election campaigns to Olympic Games, Robert Lusetich turned his focus to writing about his first love — golf. He is author of Unplayable: An Inside Account of Tiger's Most Tumultuous Season.

and more »


Globe and Mail

Grammys 2012: 'Bon Iver' wins for alternative album
Los Angeles Times
The experimental folk act Bon Iver has won for alternative album at the 54th Grammy Awards for its second and self-titled album, beating several major-label peers for the honor. The project, led by Wisconsin-based singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, ...
Bon Iver wins Grammy for best alternative music albumMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
Bon Iver Grammys 2012: Justin Vernon and Band Win Best Alternative Music AlbumSpinner
Wisconsin's Bon Iver wins Best Alternative Music AlbumNewsradio 620
Wetpaint
all 926 news articles »


Alternative Medicine May Impact Physical and Emotional Health - Dr. Carol ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Fields associated to the New Biology suggest that alternative medicine tools may impact cellular health and biochemistry and psychological well-being. 12 of these tools will be taught Feb 16, 2012, by Psychologist Dr. Carol Francis in the Los ...

and more »


Stoughton Academy offers alternative to traditional high school
The Patriot Ledger
DiClemente started looking into alternatives when a friend considered dropping out of high school. Through her research, she came across Stoughton Academy. The school offers night classes for students who have dropped out of high school or adults ...

and more »


My Fox 8

School bra search case headed to NC Supreme Court
My Fox 8
RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The case of a teenager who had to untuck her shirt and pull out her bra with her thumb as part of a search for pills at an alternative school in North Carolina is headed to the state Supreme Court. A 2-1 ruling last year by the ...
NC high court to hear case of teen who had to lift bra as part of school's ...The Republic

all 62 news articles »


Philadelphia Inquirer (blog)

Science Hints at Alternative Recipes for Life. Evolution is the Common Thread
Philadelphia Inquirer (blog)
Some insight now is coming from earthly labs, where scientists are building alternative kinds of genetic codes, and showing how they can evolve. Whether life could be built with an alien biochemistry was among the more interesting questions that came ...



Alternative Valentine's Day ideas
Gaston Gazette
Valentine's Day is just days away, and if you haven't already purchased your heart-shaped box of candy for your sweetie, here are a few ideas to make your holiday a little more special, and a lot more green. Celebrating “love” on Valentine's Day is ...



Christian-based alternative to Girl Scouts grows in St. Louis area
STLtoday.com
American Heritage Girl "Tenderheart" Bailey Nagle salutes the flag during a flag ceremony which started the troop meeting Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at St. John's Lutheran School in Ellisville. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com ...

and more »


International Business Times

SpeakToIt Voice Assistant for iPhone - Not Your Average Siri Clone
PC Magazine
By BrothaTech I originally wrote about the Speaktoit voice assistant app as an alternative to Siri for Android users. Now that the app is available for the iOS platform, it also wants to be an alternative to Siri for iPhone users as well.
Top 5 Siri Alternatives for Your iPhone and Other SmartphonesInternational Business Times
Speaktoit Releases iOS App to Compete with SiriPadGadget

all 10 news articles »


The Hindu

Rick Santorum is the conservative alternative to reality
Washington Post (blog)
By Stephen Stromberg Rick Santorum isn't the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. He's the conservative alternative to reality. He consistently mistakes belief for truth — and even fiction for fact. On abortion, belief becomes truth: He regularly ...
Conservatives: Romney's OK if Obama is alternativeHuffington Post
Santorum Pulls A Newt: It's A 'Two-Person Race!'TPM
Our opinion: GOP campaign is driven by a force of nature: VotersTimes Record News
CBS News -The Daily Campus
all 5,096 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2010