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Ayurveda
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 –
“Naabheradhasthaatsanjaatha 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 Basheshcha Vaayurantaramaashritaha
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
Controlling the
urge of urination
Controlling the urge of defecation
Over indulgence in sex.
Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food
Old age
General weakness
Indigestion
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 Tannadmaanamcha Jaayate
Vedanaa Cha Paraa Bastou Vaatashteeleti Taam Viduhu
The vitiated
ashteela gland when enlarged is called as “vatashteela”. This enlarged
gland causes
Obstruction to
easy flow of urine.
Obstruction to Easy passage of stools and gas
Bloating of Stomach.
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:
-
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.
-
Go to the
bathroom even if you do not have urge.
-
Alcohol,
tobacco, coffee increase vata and vitiate it. Hence avoid alcohol, tobacco
and coffee, especially after dinner.
-
Vata gets
normalized and vitiation comes down when body is warm. This can be
accomplished with regular exercises and keeping the body warm.
-
Mental exertion
leads to increase of vata. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at
home.
-
Avoid foods
which cause constipation as constipation causes vitiation of vata..
Other general tips
Avoid drinking
fluids from two hours before going to bed.
Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or
antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids
throughout day.
Prevention
BPH can be prevented by
-
Consuming low
fat diet
-
Including lots
of fiber in diet ( fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber).
-
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.
– Dr. Savitha Suri
May 22, 2005
Disclaimer: The above article
is educational in nature, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your
physician.
Dr.SavithaSuri , ; B.A.M.S is
Chief Consultant physician at Chaitanya Integrated Medical Center,
Udayagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, India. She is practicing Indian Systems of
Medicines since 12 years. By arrangement with
http://www.ayurhelp.com
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