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 followsIn 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 VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAIASHTEELAAVADGHANAM 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 urination2. 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.


More Resources

How To Use Senna For Constipation Relief
It is known that Egyptians used senna tea to relieve constipation. This tea is used for medium and chronic conditions of constipation.
The Truth About Dandelions!
Dandelions are not weeds! They are wild vegetables. In Greek mythology, Hecate fed Theseus dandelions for 30 days so he would become powerful enough to defeat the Minotaur.
Holistic Lifestyle
Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes seem daunting. However! The moment you resign yourself to it, you wonder why you were even thinking about the sometimes nuisance it causes.
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to prescription drugs, a new study reports.Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia oblonga to 39 healthy adults, and the results were promising.
Health in the Self
What is health?Is health the absence of disease? Is health a birth right or simply luck? According to Ayuveda, India's ancient art of healing, the meaning of health is a single word: Swastha. Swa = self + Stha = established.
Fasting is the Fast Track to Detox
Because of our mechanized and industrialized society we find toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and arsenic polluting our food, air, water and soil. The human body works hard to eliminate toxins, but as exposure increases, the body is less able to detoxify.
What Is A Holistic Practitioner?
Holistic Practitioners are holistic healing professionals with a gift in one or more areas of healing. From bodyworkers to homeopaths to hypnotherapists, the term holistic practitioner has become one that is often challenging to describe or understand.
Natural Prevention & Treatment For The Flu: What Your Doctor May Not Know
Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S.
Reversing Macular Degeneration: Without Drugs Or Surgery
I would like to report some anecdotal research findings that suggest how our beliefs and our traumatic life history can be directly linked to some of the physical illnesses that we experience during our lives. Additionally, I would like to report that there is now a modality that can permanently release the beliefs and the memories of trauma from consciousness, or as I think of it from the human bio-field, and effectively begin to eliminate the illness at the physical level.
Storing, Handling And Using Essential Oils
Pure Essential Oils are a natural product and contain no preservatives or additives. A few of them can also be quite dangerous if not handled correctly.
Low Back Pain - Ayurvedic Management
Low back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today .It is a chronic condition characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain per the lower back.
The Truth About Smokers Pleasure Paradox
Smokers love excuses. Nothing makes them happier than, 'I can't quit because?'.
Learn How to Do A Successful Gall Bladder Flush
To do a Gall Bladder Flush you will need the following ingredients:3 quarts of apple juice, fresh or from the dairy case, not w/preservatives1 cup olive oil, cold expeller pressed is best, virgin not light.1 cup of coke (optional but makes the oil taste less annoying)1 lemon, to be juiced at mixing timeUltra Phos dropsOxymag caps or PowderPROCEDURE:1.
Ginger for Upset Stomach
The common ginger root used in cooking has been found toalleviate nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness.For motion sickness ginger is more effective than the commonDramamine, says the British medical journal Lancet.
Pendulum Dowsing: Easy To Learn Techniques
Pendulum Dowsing is a very fun and simple way to begin to measure energy fields. Since we all live in a world that is comprised of energy, and since we all have energy in and around our physical bodies, the ability to recognize and measure energy can be valuable and useful.
Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy
If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not alone. In fact, you're in good company.
Complementary Therapy The Route To Better Back Health
Find Out How to Reduce and Eliminate Chronic Back Pain Using Non-Traditional TherapyComplementary therapy is concerned with health and wellness from a mind, body and spirit approach. As a past sufferer of back pain resulting from injury and a congenital disorder, I understand how challenging it can be to live with back pain.
Natural Pain Management
Life in today's hectic society is going more and more in the direction of fast food restaurants, sugar in foods you would never think should be there, trans fatty acids, preservatives and pesticides which we consume in large amounts every year. We even go so far as to invent foods, such as artificial sugars, which your body (in my opinion) does not recognize as actual food.
Holistic Methods: Hemp Seed Oil and Aromatherapy in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Aromatherapy is a well known holistic method for healing, but when boosted by the quickly penetrating carrier hemp seed oil, the healing potential is magnified exponentially. No other carrier oil can take the beneficial medicinal qualities of aromatic essential oils as quickly through the epidermis as hemp seed oil, so if your lotions and salves are missing it, you're not doing your body justice, but it's not too late?.
Stammering Or Stuttering
Stammering or as it is sometimes known as stuttering is a form of speech impediment.My name is Stephen Hill and I had a stammer for eighteen years.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part I)
Hands up all those who can't get through the day without their shots of coffee..
Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality
How many of us wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, happy and full of energy? How many of us, after a few hours in the office, still feel full of energy? Why certain environments uplift our spirits and make us breathe deeper, while others drain our energy? We seem to have forgotten how deeply connected we are with the space we live in and how important is for our well being to live in a balanced environment.As our lives are certainly not getting easier, the need to create a healthy and vibrant home environment cannot be overestimated.
Watch Out for Alternative Medicine Charlatans!
Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an open mind to new modalities of evaluating illness and treating disease. My interest and pursuit of complementary or alternative medical therapies has led me to selectively incorporate some of what I have come across.
Mosquitoes? No Itch, No Bite!
When you are in the season of the mosquito, it is looked upon with horror for those who suffer allergic reactions. But even if you do not get these reactions it is still looked upon by most as an unpleasant, unavoidable summertime irritant.
Lavender : The Purple Panacea
Lavender is wholly spent with us, for to perfume linen, and the dried flowers to comfort and dry up the moisture of a cold braine(Parkinson)Lavender, the once popular English garden herb, was used extensively as a perfume, but the versatility of its oil has made it a remedy for ailments.HistoryIn classical times, lavender was widely used by the Romans and Libyans as a bath perfume.
Flu Vaccine Hysteria
Last week the media circus surrounding the flu vaccine reached a crescendo.Half of all the flu vaccine supply is not available this year!Why? Because the British company that supplies half of the U.
Plastic Acupuncture?
Plastic Acupuncture, abbreviated as (P.Ac) is not really a new development.
Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology
Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago, a pharmacist from France used an innovative method which led to a breakthrough in aromatherapy techniques.
Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions!
Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills (like ibuprofen)? But do they "bother your stomach"? Take an honest assessment of your eating habits. Think about your diet before you declare the cheaper NSAIDs off-limits and switch to the more expensive coxibs like Celebrex® or Bextra®.
Low Back Pain
About 85 percent of the population will experience disabling low back pain at least once during their lives! That's almost all of us. The problem is so bad that at any one time, according to one researcher, 6.
10 Essential Food Safety Tips For AIDS Sufferers
Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) areespecially susceptible to illness from food-borne pathogens.Because they're at higher risk for severe illness or death,affected persons must be vigilant when handling and cookingfoods.
What Happens During a Pain Relief Visualization Session
A visualization session is an hour-long conversation with your subconscious about what visualization statements you may be able to use to help relieve your pain. Here's how the session works.
Visualization For Self Healing
Visualization and guided imagery are two of the mostpowerful healing powers of your mind. All you needto do is use your imagination for some astonishingresults.
Urinary Tract Infections Helped with Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which can help to prevent degenerative illnesses and diseases, particularly those associated with the eyes, it is a well known supplement that is frequently used in overcoming UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections, and it could be called a vitamin that boosts the immune system, by increasing and improving cellular communication within the body.Cranberries are very popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving Day, because it has become traditional to have it as a sauce with the Thanksgiving Turkey.
Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II
Eating the right kind of food and following good eating habits will speed up your healing of your hemorrhoids. If you have a diet that is hard to digest and moves slowly through your colon, then, expect to have constipation which will encourage formation of hemorrhoids or prevent the their healing.
Athlete Foot Remedies
Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. The medical term for foot fungus is tinea pedis.
Treating Arthritis - Naturally
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45.
Different Detox-cleansing Regimes
Your body should clean itself naturally, but today's diets make that process difficult. Many turn to internal body cleansing to rid the body of waste products and toxins.
Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda
It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that man sought medicine to maintain life and gain knowledge since the time of his being pre-hominid and eating plants while learning which ones killed him. Your puppy or kitten will show this when it goes outside for the first time and eats grass to help its gastrointestinal processes.
Using Pain To Institute Change In Your Life!
Why do you do something that harms you? Why do you do something that has an overall negative effect in your life? Why do you do something that will make you unhappy later?The answers to those questions are not easy. When you are overeating, or eating unhealthy foods you are happy and content during the time that you are eating them.