Ayurvedic Treatment for Pcos India | Pcos Retreat Rishikesh

PCOS is a complex endocrinal and metabolic disorder that affects a women’s’ menstrual cycle, hormone, fertility, insulin production, circulatory system and appearance. It affects 5–10% of pre-menopausal women. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the main causes of sub-fertility in women. It is associated with anovulation (absence of ovulation/there is no release of an egg), androgen excess (increase in male sexual hormones like testosterone etc.), obesity and sub-fertility. PCOS results in increased amount of free testosterone, ovarian androgen secretion, free estradiol and estrone, which gives rise to various physical and emotional issues.

Statistically, it is noteworthy that:

• Two in every 10 women in India have PCOS, according to a study by PCOS Society

• Out of every 10 women diagnosed with PCOS, six are teenagers

• 60% of women with PCOS are obese.

• 35-50% of the women have a fatty liver

• About 70% of women have insulin resistance, 60-70% have high level of androgen and 40-60% have glucose intolerance

Ayurvedic understanding of PCOS

Ayurveda describes PCOS to have an equal involvement of the Dosha (Functional entities of the body), Dhatu (Major structural entities) and Upa-dhatu (sub-tissues). It does not correlate the condition to a single disease or syndrome but the symptoms bears a resemblance to the terminologies defined as Anartava- Amenorrhoea, Yonivyapad- anatomical and physiological disorder of the reproductive system like Arjaska- oligo menorrhoea due to vitiation of vata dosha, Rajodushti and Ashtartava Dushti- Menstrual flow disorder due to vitiation of Dosha. Therefore, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome can also be described with same involvement of Dosha, Dhatu and Upadhatu

• Kapha predominance manifests as increased weight, subfertility, hirsutism, diabetic tendencies and coldness.

• Pitta predominance manifests as hair loss, acne, painful menses, clots and heart problems.

• Vata predominance manifests with painful menses, scanty or less menstrual blood and severe menstrual irregularity

To understand doshas, click here: https://www.anandaspa.com/en/spa/ayurvedic-experiences/ayurvedic-tridosha-theory

Ananda's Approach to treating PCOS:

To balance and regularize the related hormones/internal environment by Shodhana (detoxification) and shamana (rejuvenating the body by treating imbalances and neutralizing any impurities that remain after detoxification) methods to achieve and maintain physiology and to prepare the women for the next phase

Treatment Protocol:

Physicians at Ananda use the Ayurvedic approach to balance the body from within, and treat the imbalances causing the above symptoms. Based on the imbalance of the hormones/tissues, the recovery duration varies person to person, ranging from 3-8 months.

The primary line of treatment begins with Nidana parivarjana to abstain from the causative factors. It is then followed by detoxification therapies like Panchakarma consisting of series of Vasti (therapeutic enemas), virechana (laxative therapies), along with shamana therapies like Abhyanga, Marma abhyanga, koshta-abhyanga (theraeutic abdominal massage). These are proceeded by customized ayurvedic medicines, nourishing supplements and rejuvenating therapies to bring the body back into balance. It’s also important to cure gut related issues while treating PCOS to improve metabolism and digestion.

Once these sessions are completed at Ananda, a home plan will be shared comprising dietary guidelines, exercise guidelines and supplement list. An online consult will be done each month to track progress and make treatment changes as and when required. The progress and recovery is different for every one.

Customized meals play a significant role in this entire process of treatment and subsequent maintenance. Reduction of simple carbohydrates, dairy, processed food, simple sugars, caffeine and addictive substances is essential, with fortification through millets, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits with low glycemic index, essential fatty acids and regular hydration. Herbs and herbal drinks are also mandated to help the system expel toxins and heal faster.

This entire process is fortified with using customized yogic postures and meditative practices that work on the female reproductive system. Asanas like Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Dhanurasana work on strengthening the abdominal region, increasing blood flow and reducing stress.

The physical asanas also help in toxin mobility and working of the lymphatic system, which are then expelled out of the body eventually. Meditative and breath work practices help reduce stress that accompanies PCOS. Healing the emotional issues like anxiety, depression, low self esteem are a critical aspect of the treatment plan.