How Can Men Benefit From Ayurveda?

Benefit From Ayurveda

Can you, as a man, afford to overlook the vital health of your reproductive and cardiovascular system? The answer is an obvious no-brainer; hence, it is time to turn to Ayurveda, which is often described as a science of life, when it comes to treating common disorders of men, such as erectile dysfunction and heart disease. Thus, the benefits of Ayurveda are immense.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (or ED) cause men to have significant difficulty in maintaining an erection during sex. It is a common problem, especially affecting men over 40 years of age. When it comes to treatment of ED, there needs to be addressal of underlying psychological as well as physiological problems that appear slightly disconnected from sexual function. Research has proven that Ayurvedic medicine can come to the rescue of men experiencing ED.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease

Men tend to develop cardiovascular disease 10 years earlier, on an average, in comparison with women. They additionally have an early warning sign that most men cannot miss: erectile dysfunction or ED. Many researchers have concluded that sexual problems are the foreteller of heart and cardiovascular problems. On a more positive note, any risk factor (including ED) that attracts your attention can put you on a road to optimum preventive care.

Erectile Dysfunction As A Risk Factor For Heart Disease

A primary reason for ED to be considered as a barometer for overall cardiovascular health is that the penis is a vascular organ, just like the heart. Because arteries of the penis are much smaller in comparison with those of the heart, arterial damage of the penis occurs several years before the symptoms of heart disease. Men aged 40 and above who exhibit erection problems (without any other risk factors for heart disease) run an 80% risk of developing cardiovascular disease within 10 years.

Benefits Of Ayurveda Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction

When it comes to benefits of Ayurveda medicine, Vajikarana (or Vrishya Chikitsa) is one of the 8 major specialties when it comes to Ashtanga Ayurveda. This subject is all about aphrodisiacs, virility, and improvements in the health of the progeny. According to Charak Samhita, by adequate use of these formulations, men can be successfully endowed with good physique, potency, strength, complexion, and sexual exhilaration as well as sexual potency. 

Vajikarana

In Sanskrit, the word Vaji means horse: a symbol of sexual potency and overall performance. Thus, Vajikarana means producing horse-like vigour, especially the great capacity of the animal for sexual activity. In a more literal sense, the term Vajikarana does not translate to aphrodisiac; however, the present connotational meaning is the same.

Vajikarana chikitsa requires men to live in strict compliance to the directions that are mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda. It involves diverse methods of body cleansing (Shodhana) through emesis (Vamana), purgation (Virechana) and sweating (Swedana). Post Shodhan therapy, based on the prakriti of an individual’s imbalance, specific herbal as well as herbo-mineral combinations are then administered.

Vajikarana Formulations

There are hundreds of diverse formulations that are used for vajikarana. Some of these include Vrihani Gutika, Vrishya Gutika, Vajikaranam Ghritam, Upatyakari Shashtikadi Gutika, and Medadi Yog

Ayurveda For Cardiovascular Disease

Ayurveda For Cardiovascular Disease

To prevent heart as well as cerebrovascular diseases, an Ayurvedic, herbal polypill can be successfully developed through incorporation of Ayurvedic herbs that are known and proven to be valuable: such as Amalaki, Guggulu, Lasuna, Arjuna, Jatamansi, and Pushkarmoola for the management of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. 

A successful adaptation in the performance of Suryanamaskara (or sun salutations) may have additional benefits when it comes to the programme of preventing cardiovascular diseases. 

The treatise of Ayurveda has documented several documented drugs employed in Hridroga (or heart disease). Acharya Charaka successfully introduced 10 drugs under Hridya Mahakashaya group that comprises primarily of ascorbic acid present in citrus fruits. It has been proven that specific phytoconstituents that are present in these herbs help in maintaining a healthy state of blood vessels, which includes coronary arteries. 

On A Final Note

Two of the most common problems encountered by men include erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, erectile dysfunction or ED is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Ayurveda, which is a 5000-year-old science of life, has remedies for both these conditions. When it comes to ED, Ayurveda advocates the practice of Vajikarana, which incorporates the use of specific herbs as well as other integral methods to be followed by men. Likewise, when it comes to cardiovascular disease (which is known as Hridroga in Sanskrit), several herbal remedies have been prescribed. Thus, Ayurveda for men should be frequently researched.

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Dr. Ashwini Konnur

Dr. Ashwini has 17 years of experience in Clinical Practice, Research & Education in the field of Ayurveda with competency in acute & chronic conditions & lifestyle diseases. She has also expertise in treating Female Infertility disorders, other Gynecological Problems & General disorders along with specialised focus in Ayurvedic detoxification therapies, Panchakarma & other Ayurvedic treatments