Efficacy of yoga vasti in anovulation: a pilot study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Efficacy of yoga vasti in anovulation: a pilot study
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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*S. Vidya Rani
P.G. Scholar, P.G. Dept. of Prasuthi and Stree Roga, Dr.B.R.K.R.Govt. Ayurvedic College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Ch. Ravinder
Professor, P.G. Dept. of Prasuthi and Stree Roga, Dr.B.R.K.R.Govt. Ayurvedic College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Efficacy of yoga vasti in anovulation: a pilot study
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Infertility, defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, is a growing concern, affecting approximately 10% of women aged 15 to 44. Among the various factors contributing to female infertility, anovulation is a significant issue, responsible for about 40% of cases, with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) being one of the primary causes. The management of infertility requires a systematic approach that involves understanding the causes and applying appropriate treatment modalities. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Yoga Vasti and oral Ayurvedic drugs in addressing infertility linked to ovulatory dysfunction.
The Role of Vasti in Managing Anovulation
Vasti therapy, a key treatment modality in Ayurveda, is particularly focused on alleviating Vata-related disorders, which are considered a major contributor to infertility. The treatment involves the administration of specific mixtures through Vasti that can aid in detoxifying the body, balancing the doshas, and stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (H-P-O) axis responsible for ovulation. The study incorporated Yoga Vasti combined with oral Ayurvedic drugs such as Rajah Pravartini Vati, Pushpadhanwa Ras, Phala Kalyana Ghritha, and Lakshmanarishta, which have been shown to enhance follicular development and promote ovulation in patients experiencing anovulation.
Effects of Ayurvedic Medications on Follicular Development
The pilot study utilized a combination of oral medications and Yoga Vasti over eight days as an intervention. The medications used, particularly those containing Shatavari, were found to help regulate hormone levels and stimulate healthy follicular growth. A detailed follicular study indicated promising results; before treatment, patients exhibited various follicular sizes, with a notable increase in the number of patients experiencing ovulation post-treatment. The alterations in follicular size suggest that the Ayurveda-based interventions effectively addressed the factors leading to anovulation.
Conclusion
This pilot study underscores the importance of Ayurveda, specifically Yoga Vasti and associated herbal formulations, in managing infertility issues due to anovulation. With no significant complications reported and the treatment being cost-effective and easily accessible, it presents a viable option for women facing fertility challenges. However, further research is necessary to determine the long-term efficacy and recurrence rates of anovulation when treated with this approach. Larger trials are recommended to validate these findings and establish a more prominent role for Ayurvedic therapies in reproductive health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main causes of female infertility?
Female infertility is multifactorial, with common causes including ovulatory disorders, tubal factors, uterine anomalies, and hormonal imbalances, among others. Anovulatory dysfunction, particularly due to conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), accounts for approximately 40% of cases.
How does Yoga Vasti therapy help with anovulation?
Yoga Vasti is an Ayurvedic treatment that addresses Vata imbalances. It supports detoxification, stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, and helps regulate hormonal functions, potentially improving ovulation and reproductive health in women experiencing anovulation.
What is the significance of the pilot study conducted?
The pilot study evaluated the efficacy of Yoga Vasti and Ayurvedic oral medications in treating anovulation among eight women. It aimed to demonstrate a cost-effective, accessible, and low-risk alternative method for managing infertility related to anovulation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Efficacy of yoga vasti in anovulation: a pilot study”. 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) Vata:
Vata refers to one of the three primary doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and ether elements. It governs all movements in the body, including nerve impulses and circulation.
2) Drug:
Within the context of this study, drug refers to the Ayurvedic medications like Rajah Pravartini Vati, Pushpadhanwa Ras, and others, used for treating anovulation.
3) Yoga:
Yoga in this study refers to 'Yoga Vasti,' a therapeutic enema used as part of Panchakarma treatment to balance doshas and treat infertility.
4) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana refers to a type of Vasti (enema) using oil, specifically mentioned as Dhanvantari Taila in this study, used to treat Vata disorders.
5) Taila:
Taila stands for oil, specifically referring to medicinal oils like Dhanvantari Taila used in Vasti treatments for its therapeutic properties.
6) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari Taila is a medicated oil used in various forms of Vasti in this study, attributed with properties to pacify Vata and treat reproductive health issues.
7) Apana:
Apana is one of the five subtypes of Vata dosha, responsible for the downward movement in the body, including elimination, menstruation, and childbirth.
8) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
Apanavata combines 'Apana' and 'Vata,' indicating the subtype responsible for downward energetic movements vital in reproductive health.
9) Shatavari (Satavari):
Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb known for its role in balancing hormones, enhancing female fertility, and acting as a reproductive tonic.
10) Artava:
Artava generally refers to menstrual blood or the female reproductive system, and its balance is critical for fertility, as discussed in the treatment of anovulation.
11) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas, representing fire and water elements, responsible for metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body.
12) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, representing earth and water elements, associated with structure, lubrication, and cohesion in the body.
13) Vidya:
[see source text or glossary: Vidya]
14) Roga:
Roga means disease or illness, used in various contexts such as Prasuthi and Stree Roga, which translates to obstetrics and gynecology.
15) Rani:
[see source text or glossary: Rani]
16) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
Shatapushpa is part of the ingredients used in Vasti therapy for its properties that aid in treating conditions like anovulation.
17) Pranavata (Prana-vata):
Pranavata encompasses the vital life-energies in Ayurveda, governing central biological functions and aligning with various therapies.
18) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focusing on balancing the body’s doshas through holistic methods including diet, herbs, and therapies like Vasti.
19) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental energies or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, whose balance is essential for health and imbalance leads to disease.
20) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to the scraping or removing obstructions in the body, often used to describe therapies or herbs that reduce Kapha-related blockages.
21) Disease:
Disease in this context refers to anovulation and other reproductive health problems that Ayurveda aims to treat through specific therapies and medicinal formulations.
22) Garbha:
Garbha means conception or embryo, and its health and viability depend on the balance of the doshas and proper function of reproductive systems.
23) Lavana:
Lavana refers to salt, often used in Ayurvedic formulations for its different attributes and therapeutic properties.
24) Phala:
Phala refers to fruit, and in the context of Ayurveda, it indicates the outcomes or effects of therapeutic interventions.
25) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the three bio-energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, whose balance is essential for maintaining health and treating diseases.
26) Hingu (Himgu):
Hingu or asafoetida is a gum resin used in various Ayurvedic formulations for its medicinal properties, particularly in digestive and reproductive health.
27) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven bodily tissues that Ayurveda identifies (Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra), essential for overall health.
28) India:
India is the country where Ayurveda originated and where this specific study on the efficacy of Yoga Vasti in treating anovulation was conducted.
29) Prana (Pran):
Prana is the life force energy that Ayurveda believes governs all bodily functions, particularly those controlled by Prana-vata.
30) Hara:
Hara means 'removing' or 'destroying', often used in combination with doshas like Vata-hara, Pitta-hara, implying the balancing of those doshas.
31) Vati:
Vati refers to tablet forms of medicine in Ayurveda, such as Rajah Pravartini Vati, which are used in treatment protocols.
32) Nadi (Nadin):
Nadi represents channels or pathways in the body, often used to describe the circulatory or nervous pathways utilized in therapies like Nadi-sweda.
33) Anuvasanavasti (Anuvasana-vasti):
[see source text or glossary: Anuvasana-vasti]
34) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to how different Ayurvedic drugs exert their effects on biological systems to treat conditions like anovulation.
35) Prajasthapana (Praja-sthapana):
Prajasthapana refers to substances that promote and maintain pregnancy, important in treating infertility and conditions like anovulation.
36) Inflammation:
Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, which Ayurvedic treatments aim to reduce, particularly in reproductive health issues.
37) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
Apana-vayu is the subtype of Vata responsible for downward bodily functions, crucial for reproductive health and targeted in Vasti treatments.
38) Pravartana:
Pravartana refers to the process of initiating or starting, in the context of ovum release or menstrual cycle regulation influenced by balanced Vata.
39) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tila-taila, or sesame oil, is frequently used in Ayurvedic treatments for its deep-penetrating, Vata-pacifying, and detoxifying properties.
40) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-vata indicates the composition or imbalance of both Kapha and Vata doshas, often discussed regarding their roles in different diseases.
41) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
42) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vata-hara refers to substances or therapies that reduce and balance Vata dosha, such as Vasti treatments used for anovulation.
43) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to the imbalances or disturbances in doshas, which Ayurveda aims to correct through tailored treatments.
44) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga involves oil massage, critical in Ayurvedic practice to balance Vata and improve general health by stimulating skin and internal organs.
45) Shambhava (Sambhava):
[see source text or glossary: Sambhava]
46) Pradesha (Pradesa):
[see source text or glossary: Pradesha]
47) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda aims for rejuvenation, aiding in longevity, health, and immune enhancement, linked to treatments in the study.
48) Avarodha:
Avarodha refers to obstruction in bodily channels, often resulting in diseases that Ayurveda seeks to dissolve through treatments.
49) Nirgundi (Nirgumdi):
[see source text or glossary: Nirgundi]
50) Medicine:
Medicine in this context includes Ayurvedic drugs and treatments like Vasti, formulated to manage ailments including anovulation.
51) Kshetra (Ksetra):
[see source text or glossary: Kshetra]
52) Avarana:
Avarana refers to the obstruction created in bodily processes, which Ayurveda aims to eliminate through medicinal and therapeutic practices.
53) Prasuti:
Prasuti in Ayurveda refers to obstetrics, covering prenatal to postnatal care and fertility treatments such as those examined in this study.
54) Lashuna (Lasuna):
Lashuna, or garlic, is a component used in Ayurvedic formulations noted for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating reproductive issues.
55) Samaka (Shamaka):
Shamaka implies pacifying or calming properties, often classified in interventions that balance active doshas or alleviate symptoms.
56) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vriddhi]
57) Kalyana:
[see source text or glossary: Kalyana]
58) Vyavayi:
Vyavayi covers the spreading nature of certain substances applied in treatments, useful for medicinal oils in penetrating deep tissues.
59) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya denotes astringent taste in Ayurveda, often used in medicinal preparations like Dashamoola for its specific therapeutic benefits.
60) Tankana (Tamkana):
[see source text or glossary: Tankana]
61) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas in Ayurveda are the body's channels or pathways for transport—important for the functioning of systems and targeted in treatments like Vasti.
62) Family:
Family context refers to the familial and social disruptions caused by infertility, which the study aims to mitigate through Ayurvedic treatments.
63) Vikasin (Vikasi, Vikashin):
Vikasi refers to substances that spread or diffuse through the body, aiding in the therapeutic reach of treatments like Tila-taila.
64) Liquor:
[see source text or glossary: Liquor]
65) Bhava:
[see source text or glossary: Bhava]
66) Khani:
[see source text or glossary: Khani]
67) Manda (Mamda):
[see source text or glossary: Manda]
68) Shotha (Sotha):
[see source text or glossary: Sotha]
69) Balya:
Balya in Ayurveda denotes substances that confer strength and vitality, central to treatments aimed at enhancing reproductive health.
70) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
71) Honey:
Honey, used in treatments like Nirooha vasti for its sweet and nourishing properties, plays a part in balancing doshas and delivering therapeutic effects.
72) Guru:
Guru refers to the heavy quality, usually of Kapha dosha, and its characteristics that can lead to disease manifestation when imbalanced.
73) Yoni (Yonin):
Yoni denotes the female reproductive system, integral to discussions in Ayurvedic texts regarding health and fertility treatments.
74) Tila:
Tila or sesame is frequently discussed in Ayurveda, particularly its oil form, Tila-taila, used for its penetrative and Vata-pacifying benefits.
75) Bala:
Bala, an herb used in Ayurveda for strengthening (Balya) and calming (Vata-hara) properties, is essential for treating reproductive issues.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 82]