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

---

Home Saunas and Kits: Benefits, Pre-Planning, and Purchasing Tips

For quite some time now home saunas have gained massive... Read More

Sheepskin Underlays, For a Better Sleep

Sheepskin a better sleep If you want a better sleep,... Read More

Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology

Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago,... Read More

Neuro Emotional Technique

NET or Neuro Emotional Technique is one of the newer... Read More

Easy Steps You Can Take Today to Erase Hip Pain

...and one of these tips you can get from a... Read More

Healing the Elements

The Nature Elementals, most commonly known as Faeries, are the... Read More

Organic Bedding and Organic Mattresses by Prescription Only?

Effective January 1, 2005, California law requires all mattresses contain... Read More

How to Prevent Snoring?

Snoring is noisy breathing through the mouth and nose during... Read More

What is Reiki, Benefits of Reiki, Healing Sessions, Herbs that Heal

In Japan, in the early 1920s, Mikao Usui developed Reiki-ho... Read More

Freedom Is Found In Detachment

I am looking for freedom in my life. And I... Read More

Honey! Natural Treatment for Gum Disease

There is quite a bit of talk going on about... Read More

Why Do So Many People Seem To Have Allergies?

Allergies and asthma arise from loss of the body's natural... Read More

An Aspirin A Day Can Give You Cancer

I want to share a health alert with you. So... Read More

Proper Medical Identification Could Save Your LIFE

Everyone with a medical condition or allergy should have a... Read More

Hypnotherapy and How it Can Help

Hypnotherapy is the process of using hypnosis to unlock the... Read More

Green Tea prevents and fights the risks of Cancer, why you should be drinking Green Tea

Do you drink Green Tea?Then you should read the information... Read More

Bird Flu : A Disease You Can?t Ignore

AS BIRD flu, or Avian Influenza, raged through Asia, countries... Read More

The Basics of Hypnosis

You've seen the stage acts where a hypnotist selects someone... Read More

Ethical Guidelines For Hypnotherapy

The study of ethics concerns moral choices, generally in the... Read More

What is Hypnosis?

"Hypnosis" refers to the power that words and ideas have... Read More

The Fine Art of Smudging

An Aboriginal Canadian friend of mine who teaches at the... Read More

Kill Your Stuttering/Stammering Demons

Apparently one percent of British people suffer from the speech... Read More

Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort

West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well-documented.... Read More

Ive Given Away Control of My Life To Doctors?and Now I Want It Back.

But How Realistic Is It For You To Start Managing... Read More

Suffering from Osteoarthritis? Acupuncture to the Rescue

Keeping in tune with our commitment to providing the latest,... Read More

How I Was Overtaken By Evil Eye Envy!

You are about to embark on a journey that only... Read More

Aura and House Clearings - Rid Your Space of Unwanted Energies

Aura and space clearing can be accomplished in a number... Read More

Genital Herpes - Natural and Alternative Treatment Remedies

Modern medical science has not been able to produce a... Read More

The Science Of Mind Over Matter

We possess an incredible power. It's the power of mind... Read More

How to Use a Footbath with Herbs

Recently I read a book by William L. Fischer called... Read More

Relaxation

We talk a lot about stress in our society, but... Read More

Watch Out for Alternative Medicine Charlatans!

Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an... Read More

Natural Prevention & Treatment For The Flu: What Your Doctor May Not Know

Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S.... Read More