Ayurvedic management of benign prostate conditions

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that lies between the rectum and the pubic bone. Only men have a prostate. It surrounds the urethra at the urinary bladder opening and it plays a role in processing seminal fluid.

A non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland in men, which occurs with natural ageing, is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate gland affects nearly 20% of the men at the age of 40yrs, 70% at age 60 and 90% by the age of 80yrs. Although prostate enlargement is a normal process of ageing, sometimes the growth is rapid and may need medical intervention. An accurate diagnosis of BPH is required before starting any treatment.

Theayurvedic name for the prostrate is asashteela which means a small stone used to sharpen swords, a hard gland present below umbilical. When the gland is affected by excess vata, it gives rise to a condition called vathaashteela.

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Some of the common causes of vata imbalance in the prostate are:

controlling the urge of urination
controlling the urge of defecation
over-indulgence in sex
consuming dry, cold and not enough food
old age
general weakness
indigestion
physical and mental over-exertion.

Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy

Obstructive symptoms

Hesitancy or delay in starting to urinate
A poor or intermittent stream of urination
Straining to empty the bladder
Terminal dribbling (The flow of urine continues after the main stream has finished, sometimes in spurts or dribbles. Occasionally a second large volume of urine is passed.)
Post-urination dribbles
A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

Bladder Irritability symptoms

Painful urination (dysuria)
High frequency of urination – day and/or night
Urgency to urinate
Incontinence
Involuntary urination at night (nocturnal enuresis)

Ayurvedic management of enlarged prostate

Ayurvedic management of enlarged prostate involves pacifying aggravated vata, strengthening the urinary system, and relieving the symptoms of enlargement. It can also facilitate shrinkage of the prostate leading to an enhanced quality of life for the patient with this condition.
Ayurveda prescribeds a list of herbs, formulations and procedures for treating enlarged prostate. Ayurvedic herbal medicines used to treat this condition can be used long-term, even in the elderly population, without risk of serious or adverse side effects. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can also support long-term health.

Panchakarma detox to treat enlarged prostate

Ayurvedic detox (panchakarma) is an ancient detox process for modern diseases. It is helpful in bringing balance and supporting management of enlarged prostate. Panchakarma detox involves drinking medicated ghee followed by therapeutic massage and herbal steam bath. Major panchakarma procedures include enema (vasti). Among many types of enemas, herbal oil enema is introduced to pacify vata and reduce the size of enlarged prostate. Before commencing a detox aimed at treating enlarged prostate, it is important to receive an assessment of your condition from an experienced ayurvedic doctor.

Lifestyle management for enlarged prostate

Urinate as soon as the urge arises.
Remain sexually active.
Take time to urinate when it is convenient, even if there is no urge.
When you take long trips, make frequent stops to urinate.
Sit on a hard seat or chair, instead of a soft one, whenever possible.
Drink eight or more glasses of water every day.
Avoid vata-increasing factors like alcohol, tobacco, smoking and coffee.
Avoid foods which cause constipation.
Avoid dampness and cold temperatures.
Control stress.
Reduce mental exertion at work place and at home.
Do pelvic floor muscle exercises.

DO NOT

Don’t control the natural urges of urination.
Do not drink liquids too close to bedtime.
Take medications for cold and allergy that contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine.

Ayurveda is a safe and effective way to bring balance, heal and repair skin issues by identifying the cause of imbalance. We are eager to help you on your journey to wellness. Contact us at our Brisbane or Gold Coast Centre for more information

Note:

This article is intended for awareness and education, not treatment. It is not a substitute for personalized advice from an experienced Ayurvedic doctor. If you feel any symptoms of enlarged prostate, or you wish to want to prevent the symptoms, book an initial consultation with our specialists in either of our clinics – in Brisbane or the Gold Coast – where we can provide further information and a plan for managing your condition.