Ayurvedic Management of Adenomyosis: Preventing Hysterectomy
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Preventing Hysterectomy Through Ayurvedic Management-A Holistic Approach to Adenomyosis
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Deepika Munjal
PG Scholar, Department of Prasuti-Stree Roga, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Poonam Choudhary
Assistant Professor, Department of Prasuti-Stree Roga, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Preventing Hysterectomy Through Ayurvedic Management-A Holistic Approach to Adenomyosis
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i3.1547
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on women worldwide, often recommended as a last resort for various gynecological conditions such as adenomyosis, leiomyomas, and endometriosis. While it can effectively alleviate symptoms, the surgical removal of the uterus carries risks, including hormonal imbalances and long-term health implications. Given these concerns, patients often seek alternative treatments, particularly from Ayurveda, which emphasizes holistic approaches to health. This study presents a case where a 49-year-old woman, advised to undergo hysterectomy for her adenomyosis, opted for Ayurvedic management instead, yielding positive results.
2) Management of Adenomyosis Through Ayurveda
Adenomyosis, characterized by the invasion of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, leads to painful menstruation, heavy bleeding, and can impact fertility. In the context of Ayurveda, this condition can be associated with "Udavartini Yonivyapad," reflecting an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Vata, which can lead to various gynecological problems. The patient’s treatment included a tailored Ayurvedic regimen that aimed at restoring the balance of the three doshas. Specific Ayurvedic treatments such as Shamana (palliative) and Yoga basti (enema therapy) were employed, focusing on Vata-pacifying measures to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall health.
3) Significant Improvements Observed
After undergoing Ayurvedic treatment, the patient experienced significant improvements in her menstrual health. Initially, she suffered from prolonged heavy menses lasting 8-10 days and excessive bleeding. Post-treatment, the duration of her menstrual cycle was reduced to just three days, and she reported a drastic decrease in the number of sanitary pads used from 8 pads per day to just 1. Additionally, a follow-up ultrasound indicated no significant abnormalities, and the uterus appeared normal in size, showcasing the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic approach in managing adenomyosis and allowing her to avoid hysterectomy.
4) Conclusion
The case presented illustrates the potential of Ayurvedic management in treating adenomyosis, focusing on holistic approaches that align with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. By addressing the underlying imbalances and providing personalized treatment, Ayurvedic practices can significantly alter the course of gynecological ailments. The study underscores the importance of exploring non-surgical alternatives such as Ayurveda, which can effectively manage conditions typically deemed solely surgical, thereby improving the quality of life for many women.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is hysterectomy and when is it recommended for women?
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and sometimes other reproductive structures. It is usually recommended as a last option for conditions such as uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain, as it has risks and long-term health effects.
How can Ayurveda help in managing adenomyosis without surgery?
Ayurvedic management includes a holistic approach focusing on balancing the doshas. Treatments may involve herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and specific therapies like Basti to enhance well-being and reduce symptoms, potentially avoiding the need for a hysterectomy.
What were the treatment results for the patient with adenomyosis?
The treatment led to significant improvements in the patient’s condition, reducing menstrual duration from 8-10 days to 3 days and pads used from 8 to 1 per day, with ultrasound results showing a normal-sized uterus after treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic Management of Adenomyosis: Preventing Hysterectomy�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Basti:
Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment involving enemas with medicated oils or decoctions. It is used for Vata disorders and involves both systemic and local therapeutic effects. In this text, Basti is employed in treating the symptoms of Udavartini Yonivyapad or reversed Vata movement in adenomyosis.
2) Yoni (Yonin):
Yoni refers to the female reproductive system or genital tract in Ayurveda. Treatments such as Yoni prakshalana (vaginal cleansing) and Yoni pichu (insertion of medicated swabs) are applied in the case study to alleviate symptoms of early cystocele and adenomyosis.
3) Pain:
Pain in the context of this text is a symptom associated with adenomyosis, a gynaecological condition. Ayurvedic management, including treatments like Basti and Shamana chikitsa, aims to alleviate pain, especially through balancing the aggravated Vata dosha.
4) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, responsible for movement and transportation functions in the body. In the text, Vata aggravation leads to Udavartini Yonivyapad, causing conditions like adenomyosis. Treatments targeting Vata aim to restore balance and relieve symptoms.
5) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to the astringent taste in Ayurveda, often used for its healing properties in various treatments. In the text, Kashaya rasa is employed in Basti treatments for its deepana (digestive fire-enhancing) and lekhana (scraping) properties.
6) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda represents the taste and has therapeutic effects on the body and mind. Different Rasas like Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet), and Tikta (bitter) are used to balance doshas in various treatments, such as those described in the text for adenomyosis.
7) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhashaya refers to the uterus in Ayurveda. In the text, adenomyosis is considered a disease of the Garbhashaya (uterus) linked to Vata and Mamsadushti (muscular tissue degradation) and treated using Ayurvedic therapies.
8) Mamsadushti (Mamsadusti):
Mamsadushti means the vitiation or impairment of muscular tissues. In the text, Mamsadushti Janya Garbhashaya Vikara points to uterine conditions like adenomyosis, where tissue damage and related symptoms are treated through Ayurvedic methods.
9) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana in Ayurveda refers to palliative therapy aimed at balancing the doshas and alleviating symptoms without purging. Various Shamana practices are employed in the documented case to manage adenomyosis effectively.
10) Vikara:
Vikara means disease or disorder in Ayurveda. In the text, adenomyosis is treated as a Vikara (disorder) arising from Mamsadushti (muscle tissue vitiation) and Vata aggravation within the uterus (Garbhashaya).
11) Yoga:
Yoga comprises physical and mental practices aimed at holistic health. In the text, Yoga Basti refers to a combination of medicated enemas used for their systemic and local healing effects in managing adenomyosis.
12) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana refers to a type of Basti (enema) using oils, typically employed to balance Vata dosha. In the document, Anuvasana basti with Dashmoola taila and Triphala taila is a key component in treating adenomyosis.
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from India, focusing on holistic health through balancing body, mind, and spirit. The text discusses Ayurvedic approaches, including Shamana and Basti, to treat adenomyosis and prevent hysterectomy.
14) Udavarta:
Udavarta refers to an upward movement of Vata, leading to various disorders. In the context of adenomyosis, it is a condition treated by balancing Vata dosha through Ayurvedic treatments like Basti and Shamana chikitsa.
15) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, representing bodily humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Balancing doshas is the core principle of Ayurvedic treatment, as seen in the text's approach to managing adenomyosis.
16) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas, associated with structure and lubrication. In treating adenomyosis, Kapha imbalance manifests as bulkiness in the uterus, which is addressed through Ayurvedic therapies.
17) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to medicated oils used in various Ayurvedic treatments, including Basti and Anuvasana Basti. Oils like Dashmoola taila and Triphala taila are integral to the management of adenomyosis in the text.
18) Guna:
Guna means qualities or attributes in Ayurveda. Therapeutic treatments are chosen based on their Guna to balance doshas. In the text, qualities like Sookshma, Vyavayi, and Vikasi are referenced in Basti treatment.
19) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana-basti involves the administration of oily enemas to manage Vata dosha disorders. In the case study, Anuvasana-basti is a significant component of the multi-modal Ayurvedic treatment for adenomyosis.
20) Samprapti:
Samprapti refers to the pathogenesis or development of a disease in Ayurvedic terms. In the text, understanding Samprapti is crucial for diagnosing adenomyosis as a condition resulting from Vata and Mamsadushti.
21) Haritaki:
Haritaki is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Deepaniya (digestive) properties. In the document, Haritaki is used as part of the treatment for regulating menstrual health.
22) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is an Ayurvedic formulation of three fruits: Haritaki, Amalaki, and Vibhitaki. It is employed for its digestive and detoxifying effects. In the text, it is used in Basti and Prakshalana treatments for adenomyosis.
23) Sthanika:
Sthanika means local or localized, referring to treatments applied directly to the affected area. In the text, Sthanika chikitsa includes procedures like Yoni prakshalana and Yoni pichu to manage symptoms of adenomyosis.
24) Amalaki:
Amalaki is an Ayurvedic herb known for its Rasayana and Tridosha-shamaka (balancing all three doshas) properties. In the text, Amalaki churna is part of the treatment for purifying blood and enhancing general health.
25) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda is understood through the imbalance of doshas, dhatus (tissues), and malas (wastes). The text illustrates this by detailing the Ayurvedic approach to treating adenomyosis, a disorder of the uterus.
26) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita signifies ghee or clarified butter used in various medicinal preparations. In the text, Changeri ghrita is applied intra-vaginally (Yoni pichu) to address symptoms of adenomyosis and early cystocele formation.
27) Nidana:
Nidana represents the causative factors of a disease in Ayurveda. The text lists Nidana such as Mithya Ahara and Vihara (improper food and lifestyle) contributing to adenomyosis, guiding the treatment plan for the condition.
28) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas, associated with heat and metabolism. In the text, Pitta dosha's vitiation is linked to symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, and therapies aim to balance Pitta alongside other doshas.
29) Tikta:
Tikta is the bitter taste in Ayurveda, known for its deepana (digestive) and pachana (metabolic enhancement) properties. In the text, Tikta rasa is utilized in formulations like Jwarahara kwatha for systemic and localized therapeutic effects.
30) Ahara:
Ahara signifies diet and nutrition in Ayurveda, crucial for maintaining dosha balance. The text identifies Mithya Ahara (improper diet) as a contributing factor to adenomyosis, emphasizing dietary adjustments in treatment.
31) Blood:
Blood or Rakta in Ayurveda is pivotal for life and its vitiation leads to diseases. In the text, contaminated blood is linked to adenomyosis, highlighting the need for treatments that purify blood and balance doshas.
32) Picu:
Pichu refers to the application of a medicated swab. In the text, Yoni-pichu is used with Changeri ghrita to alleviate symptoms of early cystocele and aid in the holistic management of adenomyosis.
33) Drug:
Drug in this context refers to Ayurvedic medicinal substances. The text outlines various herbal and mineral drugs employed in formulations like Avipatikara churna and Guduchi ghanavati to treat adenomyosis without surgery.
34) Madhura:
Madhura denotes the sweet taste, which is calming and nourishing. In the document, Madhura rasa ingredients like Haritaki and Amalaki are used for their Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties in treating adenomyosis.
35) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka refers to substances or therapies that pacify and balance the doshas. The text employs various Shamaka treatments to manage adenomyosis by mitigating symptoms and restoring dosha balance.
36) Arjuna:
Arjuna is a herb known for its Kashaya rasa (astringent taste) and cardiac health benefits. In the text, Arjuna churna is included in formulations to support uterine health and manage blood-related disorders in adenomyosis.
37) Mithya:
Mithya means improper or incorrect. In Ayurveda, Mithya Ahara and Vihara (improper diet and lifestyle) are Nidana (causative factors) for diseases like adenomyosis, stressing the importance of healthy habits.
38) Cancer:
Cancer refers to malignant growths, one of the conditions where hysterectomy may be considered definitive treatment. In Ayurveda, the focus is on balancing doshas through natural therapies to manage symptoms and root causes.
39) Virya:
Virya means potency or energy of medicinal substances. In the text, various herbs and treatments are chosen for their specific Virya to balance doshas and treat conditions like adenomyosis effectively.
40) Food:
Food or Ahara is a fundamental aspect of health in Ayurveda. The text discusses the influence of Mithya Ahara (improper diet) on adenomysis, emphasizing the need for dietary corrections as part of treatment.
41) Prakshalana (Praksalana):
Prakshalana involves cleansing or washing. In the documented case, Yoni Prakshalana with Triphala Kwatha is used to cleanse the vaginal area and manage symptoms of adenomyosis and early cystocele formation.
42) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
Apana-vata is a subtype of Vata dosha responsible for the downward movement of eliminations and reproductive functions. Its vitiation is implicated in conditions like adenomyosis, targeted in the described treatments.
43) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya refers to medicines or therapies. The text mentions formulations like Avipatikara churna specified in Bhaishajya Ratnavali, a classic Ayurvedic text, for treating conditions such as adenomyosis.
44) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India, where the documented case study was conducted at the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, emphasizing the regional application of Ayurvedic treatments.
45) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Treatment aims to balance all three doshas (Tridoshahara) to manage diseases like adenomyosis effectively.
46) Pradhana:
Pradhana means chief or primary. In the text, it refers to the main properties or actions of substances, such as Kashaya pradhana (astringent dominant) for specific treatments.
47) Sphatika:
Sphatika is a mineral known for its Kashaya rasa (astringent taste). Sphatika bhasma is used for its hemostatic properties in managing heavy menstrual bleeding in adenomyosis.
48) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana denotes rejuvenative treatments that enhance health and longevity. Herbs like Amalaki and formulations in the text are employed for their Rasayana properties to support overall health in managing adenomyosis.
49) Medicine:
Medicine refers to therapeutic substances used for treatment. The text discusses multiple Ayurvedic medicines, from herbal formulations to medicated oils, in the management of adenomyosis to prevent hysterectomy.
50) Sukshma (Suksma, Shukshma):
Sukshma means subtle or fine. In Ayurveda, Sukshma guna denotes the ability of substances to penetrate fine channels of the body, enhancing their efficacy. The term is used to explain the deep-acting nature of certain treatments.
51) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali or Piper longum is a herb with deepana (digestive) and Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties. In the text, it is part of the formulations like Avipatikara churna used to treat adenomyosis.
52) Prakopa:
Prakopa means aggravation. In the context of the document, Vata-Prakopa (aggravation of Vata dosha) is implicated in the pathology of adenomyosis, directing treatments to balance the aggravated dosha.
53) Snigdha:
Snigdha denotes unctuousness or oiliness, a quality in Ayurvedic substances. Oils with Snigdha guna, used in Basti and Anuvasana treatments, are essential for balancing Vata dosha and managing conditions like adenomyosis.
54) Dravya:
Dravya refers to medicinal substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. The text incorporates various Dravya such as herbs and minerals, highlighted in formulations like Avipatikara churna and Basti therapies.
55) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma means ash obtained from incinerated metallic and mineral substances, used therapeutically in Ayurveda. In the text, Sphatika bhasma is employed for its hemostatic properties in treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
56) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha denotes dryness, an opposite quality to Snigdha. Substances with Ruksha properties are used in Ayurveda for their ability to absorb excess fluids and balance Kapha dosha.
57) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices. Nidana, including Mithya Vihara (improper lifestyle), is highlighted as contributing to adenomyosis, guiding corrective measures as part of the treatment plan.
58) Vipaka:
Vipaka means the post-digestive effect of a substance. Understanding Vipaka helps in choosing the right substances for balancing doshas, such as Madhura vipaka for its calming effects in the treatments described.
59) Jaipur:
Jaipur is a city in Rajasthan, India where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located. The case study of managing adenomyosis with Ayurvedic treatments was conducted here.
60) Lavana:
Lavana refers to salt. Different types of Lavana are employed for their Kapha-chedaya (mucus dissolving) and other properties in Ayurvedic formulations like those described in the treatment of adenomyosis.
61) Laghu:
Laghu means light in terms of properties. Substances with Laghu guna are easy to digest and used to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas. Various Laghu substances are utilized in the treatments outlined in the text.
62) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna denotes heat, a quality in some Ayurvedic substances. Ushna virya (heating potency) is essential for enhancing digestive fire and balancing cold-related disorders, relevant in the treatments described for adenomyosis.
63) Apana:
Apana is a subtype of Vata dosha governing downward movement. Its proper balance is crucial for reproductive and excretory functions, aimed at in treatments like Basti for conditions like adenomyosis.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 157]
Other Science Concepts:
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Holistic approach, Shamanacikitsa, Ayurvedic Management, Menstrual history, Sthanika Chikitsa, Surgical removal, Yoga Basti, Ayurvedic regime, Endometrial hyperplasia, Yoni Prakshalana, Medicated decoction, Udavarta Yonivyapad, Tridosha Shamaka drugs, Bulky uterus.