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Ayurvedic medicine sees the forces that work on and in human beings through the prism of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In order for health to prevail, the doshas must be in balance. If they're not, balance must be restored for health to return.
Vata correlates to Wind, and controls the body's mobility, including the five senses and the function of all organs.
Pitta correlates to the Sun, and is the body's energy source, regulating appetite, body heat, complexion, food assimilation and thirst.
Kapha correlates to the Moon and denotes sustenance, body strength and healthy joints.
The branch of Ayurveda dealing with sexual health is Vajikarana. Vajikarana views menstrual disorders, including infertility, as a blockage of apana vayu (downward descending energy). Other forms of imbalance are anxiety, bloating, blood clots, dryness, insomnia, irregularity in menses, and scanty periods. Ayurveda aims to remove obstructions, then nourish with herbs.
Three phases of the menstrual cycle relate to the three doshas.
The Kapha phase marks the end of bleeding until ovulation again occurs. During this phase, estrogen is increasing, the endometrium is building and Kapha is growing.
In order to restore balance to Kapha, purify the blood and support ovulation, it's recommended to include aloe vera, beetroots, nettles, shatavari and whole grains and nourishing soups to the diet.
The Pitta phase begins with ovulation and ends when bleeding begins. Progesterone levels are preparing for egg implantation, and preparing the breasts to secrete milk. Balance is restored by avoiding foods that aggravate heat and stress like alcohol, chocolate and coffee. Abdominal massage, warm baths and yoga are recommended. Pelvic congestion is relieved by organic aloe vera and triphala.
In the Vata phase the apana vayu (downward descending energy) empties the uterus. To improve Vata balance, the woman should focus on resting, relaxing and keeping warm, especially her abdomen.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, a number of things can bring the menstrual cycle back into balance.
Organic aloe vera and triphala prevent constipation and pain from ovulation and menses. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction for five minutes daily using warm organic sesame oil, then have a warm bath or shower. Organic aloe vera from day seven through day 21 of the menstrual cycle will cleanse and build up tissues.
Organic shatavari capsules can stabilize menstruation and increase fertility. Brew organic fennel seeds, fresh ginger, licorice and saffron into a tea, and drink organic rose water. The rose water is said to ready the uterus for egg implantation.
Resources:
The 3 Doshas in Ayurveda -- Vata, Pitta and Kapha
http://www.amitbhawani.com/health/the-3-doshas-in-ayurveda-vata-pitta-and-kapha
Kapha, Pitta, Vata: Ayurveda and Fertility
http://infertility-fertility.blogspot.com/2009/01/kapha-pitta-vata-ayurveda-and-fertility.html
The Motherhood Programme
http://www.renaissanceyoga.ca/The-Motherhood-Programme.html
Vajikarana and infertility
http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/blog/2008/02/10/vajikarna-and-infertility
Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger
Add a Comment3 Comments
Hi Christine,
I'm just learning about Ayurveda myself. It is very interesting, and very different from conventional medicine. I think there's alot there for us to learn.
The 3 Doshas link will give you some basic information on the doshas. But it's not very long, so it can only cover so much. I'd recommend doing a google or some such web search, using "Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine, dosha, Kapha, Vata, Pitta" as your search words. You'll have alot of great articles pop up.
October 29, 2010 - 11:30amThis Comment
Thanks! I'll check it out.
November 1, 2010 - 11:24amThis Comment
Very interesting, Jody. I've always been fascinated by ayurveda, and used to read a lot of Deepak Chopra. Do you know of a good resource for general ayurveda? Is that "3 doshas" link one? I've been wanting to get a book on it to read in my leisure time.
October 29, 2010 - 9:59amThanks for the article, I would be interested to learn if it has helped any of our members.
-Christine
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