Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice of India deriving its roots from natural herbs and plants. It believes in maintaining a balance within the body, soul and mind. It tends to use natural resources to create medicines and treatments. Ayurveda can treat minor diseases to major health problems. The core belief of Ayurveda lies in rejuvenating and balancing the Tridoshas of our body, Pitta, Vata and Kapha. Ayurveda is not just a medicinal approach but a system of living a healthy lifestyle, in correlation to the nature around us.
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What is PCOS?
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a disease found in women of reproductive age. It occurs due to the hormonal imbalance or disorder inside their body. In this condition, multiple cysts are formed inside the ovaries and they start producing high levels of androgen and estrogen, which disrupts the release of eggs, affecting the normal flow of the menstrual cycle.
What are the Symptoms of PCOS?
Irregular periods
Heavy flow during periods
Acne on face, chest, etc
Headaches and migraines
Metabolic problems leading to obesity or high cholesterol level
Anxiety and stress
Excess hair growth on face and body
What an Unchecked PCOS will Lead to?
Infertility is one of the most adverse effects of PCOS. In fact, the major cause of infertility is found to be PCOS.
PCOS can lead to many metabolic syndromes such as obesity, high cholesterol level, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Due to irregular and inconsistent periods, PCOS may result in endometrial cancer.
Undergoing significant hormonal changes and imbalances may cause the patient to go into depression.
Obesity may lead to having breathing issues during sleeping, causing Sleep Apnea amongst women.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Aid the Treatment of PCOS:
Ashwagandha:
High cortisol levels lead to stress, which is one of the leading causes of PCOS. Ashwagandha helps in maintaining the cortisol levels inside our body.
Cinnamon:
One of the most efficient Ayurvedic remedies is cinnamon. It helps in reducing the insulin resistance inside the body and also helps in smooth flow during the menstrual cycle.
Turmeric:
Curcumin present in turmeric reduces insulin resistance and its anti-inflammatory properties help in relieving the pain experienced during the heavy flow of the menstrual cycle.
Tulsi:
The benefits of Tulsi or Holy Basil are innumerable. It is one of the best herbs used while treating PCOS. Tulsi reduces our cortisol levels and blood sugar while also efficiently treating metabolism disorders.
Panchakarma Treatment for PCOS
Panchakarma Treatment in Ayurveda strives to detox and cleanse our body to restore and rejuvenate the hormonal and metabolic disorders or imbalances. Hence, Panchakarma therapies tend to regulate the root causes for PCOS such as insulin resistance, anxiety, stress, obesity etc. Some of the most efficient Panchakarma therapies used in the treatment of PCOS are:
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Vamana:
Vamana is a Panchakarma therapy that removes toxins from our bodies by inducing vomiting (emesis). It helps in maintaining hormonal balances and improving fertility in our body. It is an advanced therapy that depends from patient to patient.
Virechana:
Virechana removes toxins by inducing purgation or boosting bowel movements. It helps regulate many symptoms that cause PCOS including obesity, irregular menstrual cycle, etc.
Basti:
One of the most recommended therapies for PCOS, Basti Chikitsa is a procedure that involves herbal and ayurvedic remedies given through enema to nourish and detoxify the reproductive system and boost fertility.
Udvartana:
Udvartana involves massages to detoxify the skin and regulate metabolism. This helps in better circulation of blood and helps in managing PCOS.
Dietary Recommendations for PCOS
Reduce the intake of artificial sweeteners and sugary foods
Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables
Reduce the intake of salt
Involve whole grains in your diet
Eat fewer saturated fats such as red meat
Takeaway
Many women endure extreme discomfort caused due to PCOS and with no long-term relief gained with various treatments, they tend to give up to this disease. Ayurvedic treatments involve a change in lifestyle, dietary and nutrition consumption and the use of natural herbs with long-term benefits. Ayurveda also encourages yoga such as Vrikshasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana and Ustrasana to help manage PCOS.
Ayurvedic treatment reaps long-term and durable results while dealing with PCOS. Even the Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies have been proven fruitful in this regard as they cure the root causes of PCOS and hence deal effectively with the disease. What must be noted here is that the treatment depends upon the condition of the patient and their body type. Hence, it must be carefully assessed by an Ayurvedic Physician.
