Uterine fibroids are
noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the womb (uterus), a female
reproductive organ. The uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomas or
myomas. They are normally benign growths of the muscle inside the uterus of
women. These fibroids vary in size, position and number and thus, cause uterine
enlargment.
Types of Fibroid:
Fibroids are described by
their location in the uterus:
· Subserosal fibroids- Fibroid that develops on the outside of the
uterus
· Submucosal fibroids- Fibroids that develops under the surface of
the uterine lining
· Myometrial fibroid-Fibroid that grows in the muscle wall of the
uterus
· Pendunculated fibroid- Fibroids that occur on a long stalk on
the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterus.
Symptoms:
·
Experiencing excessive abdominal pressure
·
Frequent urination
·
Lower back pain
·
Enlargement of the uterus
·
Bleeding within periods
·
Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
·
Pain during intercourse
Ayurveda treatment for Uterine Fibroids:
Fibroids can be correlated
to 'mamsa arbuda', meaning abnormal growth in muscles and the connective
tissues of the uterus. This abnormal growth generates excessive bleeding, and
can be treated on lines of 'Yoni vyapad' or disorder in the female reproductive
system.
The uterine fibroids
normally fall in the category of kaphaja disorder, but it can also be caused by
vata and pitta abnormalities. Thus, any treatment suggested, must be able to
balance the tri-doshas and be sufficiently sustained over time to eradicate
slow-moving kapha.
Causes:
The cause of uterine
fibroids is unknown. However, their growth has been linked to the hormone
called estrogen. Other factors include:
·Sex
during menses
·Low
thyroid function
·Accumulation
of ama
·Suppression
of urge for urination, or flatulence
·Hidden
sense of grief and sadness associated with issues of maternity and conception
·Kapha
kara Ahara and Vihara (Food and life style that causes an increase in kapha)
Ayurveda treatment for Uterine Fibroids:
Balancing the tri-doshas.
Strengthening the Shukra
Dahtu
Treatments - The treatment
modalities includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications,
Activities, Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Vamana,
Virechana, Basti
Externally – Abhyanga,
Shiro Dhara, Chakra Basti, Vaginal douche
Internally - Amapachana
Tridosha balancers -
Uterine tonics as Kumari (Aloe Vera), Shuda Guggulu (Commifora mukul), Neem
(Azadiracta indica), Ashoka (Saraka asoca), Manjistha (Rubis cordifolia)
Activities:
Specific Asanas,
Pranayamas, meditation
Food and Lifestyle changes: specific to the
individual’s constitution, nature of work and geographical conditions.