Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy through Ayurveda

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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 follows

In 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 VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAI

ASHTEELAAVADGHANAM 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 urination

2. 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.

4.

 

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.SavithaSuri , ; B.A.M.S

 

Web site : http://www.ayurhelp.com email: doctor