Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to improving fertility. Learn about infertility and its causes, Vajikarana, hormonal balance, stress and...
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to improving fertility with a range of natural fertility boosters. Fertility in both men and women is affected by many factors these days, like stress, pollution, improper diet and sedentary lifestyle to name a few. It's important to cleanse the body from toxins and nourish it with optimum nutrients to ensure that mind and body are in ideal state to procreate. Both men and women can benefit from Ayurvedic remedies, which have been used for centuries to enhance fertility. Stress is a significant factor in fertility, and Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety can be effective in reducing stress levels.
Ananda’s Fertility Enhancement programme has been created with Ayurveda for fertility in mind. Led by physicians of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and spiritual psychologists, the programme enables cleansing and strengthening the vitality of the entire hormonal and reproductive system for healthy progeny.A combination of Ayurvedic fertility herbs and lifestyle changes are used as part of Ayurvedic remedies for infertility. These herbs can help regulate hormones, improve reproductive health, and increase the chances of pregnancy. Ayurvedic medicine for anxiety and stress is also beneficial during pregnancy, as it can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Vajikarana – the Ayurvedic science of enhancing fertility
Vajikarana is the branch of
Astanga Ayurveda that deals with issues of fertility. In long-term therapy, it improves the quality and quantity of reproductive elements. It is effective in improving overall fertility, sexual health, and healthy progeny.
Vajikarna therapy uses a four-step comprehensive procedure to improve the health of the shukra dhatu at all phases of life.
This time-tested protocol works on:
• Pacifying dosha (disturbed circulatory force) imbalances affecting the shukra dhatu
• Nourishing the shukra to maintain its quality and quantity.
• Increasing production of the crucial tissue using this customised method.
• Promoting reproductive seed genesis in older age groups even if the quantity is deficient.
Understanding Infertility & Ayurvedic Treatment for Fertility
There are multiple social, mental, and physiological causal factors that cause couples to face difficulty in conceiving despite years of trying. Around 25% of cases also could be unexplained infertility where there is no identifiable cause in both man and women.
Globally, and particularly in industrialised nations, the rate of fertility and the pace of population growth are continuously declining. The worldwide fertility rate is hindered by the increasing age of women trying to conceive in busy metropolitan settings and the rising cost of raising children in nuclear couples. Increased usage of chemicals and pesticides is also recognised as a causal element, particularly in cases of male infertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The prevalence of PCOS has been on the rise, with estimates suggesting that it affects around 5-10% of women worldwide. It is characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can lead to fertility challenges, making it difficult for women to conceive. Ananda's PCOS Management Programme offers a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach to address PCOS, while the Fertility Enhancement Programme directly addresses several fertility related concerns through its integrative approach.
The number of couples relying on stressful and costly assisted fertility methods like IVF is also increasing proportionately. In this context, it is very relevant to look at the wisdom in the traditional science of Ayurveda for fertility. There is no single Ayurvedic medicine for pregnancy because Ayurveda believes in developing a holistic solution to infertility and health in procreation.
The factors that are of prime importance in the process of conception according to Ayurveda for fertility is not just healthy sperm and ovum. There is an equal emphasis given on metabolic function, hormonal balance, mental and emotional health, and the interconnection between these factors and healthy sperm or ovum.
A Satvik diet is abundant in lifeforce.
Ayurveda for Fertility Guidelines
1. Satvik Diet
A Satvik diet is abundant in life force, while a diet which is predominant in stimulants like alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and refined sugars will lack life force. As part of Ayurvedic fertility treatment, a satvik diet is recommended- this comprises fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils and pulses that are locally available, seasonal and prepared freshly for consumption.
In this context, genetically modified seedless grapes or antibiotic and hormone infused meat cannot be considered as satvik and conducive to proper nourishment of reproductive tissues. Milk which is produced from cattle that are reared outdoor and are naturally grass fed instead of grains is also considered satvik. Use of sprouted beans and activated nuts/seeds are also recommended as superior nourishment sources and will act as natural fertility boosters.
2. Agni- Digestive Fire
Good digestive fire with the ability to metabolize the nutrients and absorb the finest essence from them is essential to nourish the reproductive cells in Ayurvedic remedies for infertility. Ayurveda understands that a series of the metabolic process leading to food being converted to nutrients and various body tissues must be perfectly balanced at every stage for the nourishment of sperm and ovum.
Starting your day with a glass of warm ginger tea and including digestive spices like cumin and ajwain will make sure that the Agni is activated and maintained to help proper tissue nourishment.
3. Regular Detoxification
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of regular internal cleansing to promote optimal tissue nourishment and overall well-being. Over time, our bodies accumulate toxins resulting from a combination of internal and external factors, including complex chemicals and metabolic waste known as Ama. Ama can negatively affect physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural functions, directly impacting sperm quality in men and the regularity of ovulation.
The cleansing method in Ayurveda is tailored to individual body types and the severity of Ama symptoms. By adopting cleansing practices specific to each person's needs in the Ayurvedic treatment for fertility, the body's natural detoxification processes can be supported, allowing for improved reproductive health and overall balance. The Ananda Holistic Detox is a comprehensive way of nourishing the body and filtering toxins.
Hormonal Balance in Ayurvedic Remedies for Infertility
Enzymes and hormones in our body serve as messengers and mediators of change. In Ayurveda, these are recognized as a specific type of fire known as Dhatu Agni, referring to the cellular fire within each tissue. Each tissue, or dhatu, has its own distinct Dhatu Agni responsible for supporting the metabolic processes within that particular tissue.
Of the seven different types of Dhatu Agni, the Sukra Dhatu Agni specifically relates to the hormones involved in reproductive functions for both men and women. According to Ayurveda for fertility, it plays a vital role in regulating and influencing the reproductive processes within the body.
In Ayurveda, Dhatu Agni is classified based on the functional aspects of hormones, rather than the chemical classification used in modern medicine. The treatment approach focuses on balancing the feedback mechanism of Dhatu Agni, rather than relying on external introduction of additional hormones. Ayurvedic treatment for fertility is based on understanding the effects of different foods and herbs on these hormonal functions, rather than directly targeting a specific hormone. By harmonizing and supporting the natural functioning of Dhatu Agni, Ayurvedic remedies for infertility aim to address the root causes of imbalances rather than solely focusing on individual hormones.
The regulation and functioning of hormones in our body involve a complex interplay between opposing hormones produced from distinct anatomical locations. For instance, Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is produced in the stomach, while Leptin, the hormone that inhibits appetite, is produced in our fat cells. A similar dynamic exists between progesterone and estrogen. In light of this, Ayurvedic fertility treatment recognizes the importance of addressing not just the affected gland but also improving the coordination and balance within the body's functions, particularly focusing on achieving balanced Agni (digestive fire) and doshas (mainly Pitta and Vata).
Therefore, in treating hormonal function, Ayurveda for fertility emphasizes a holistic approach that considers the overall functioning of the body. By promoting balance and harmony among various factors, Ayurveda recognizes the necessity of a comprehensive approach to effectively address hormonal imbalances. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of different bodily systems and aims to restore overall well-being rather than solely targeting individual glands or hormones.
Furthermore, Ayurvedic fertility treatment methods take into consideration the effects of opposing hormones, allowing the body to learn and adapt through the recovery process. In contrast, the modern medical system often relies heavily on hormone supplementation, leaving minimal opportunity for the body to naturally learn and rebalance. While synthetic hormones may be necessary in certain medical conditions, they can disrupt the delicate feedback mechanism that facilitates hormone balance within our body. Ayurveda for fertility recognizes the importance of supporting the body's innate healing and self-regulatory abilities, allowing for a more sustainable and holistic approach to hormonal health and a focus on natural fertility boosters.
Stress and Emotional Health for Fertility
Women experiencing infertility often report higher levels of anxiety and depression, indicating the presence of stress. While it is evident that infertility itself causes stress, the direct impact of stress on infertility is still not fully understood. However, recent studies have demonstrated that a cognitive-behavioral intervention can significantly enhance pregnancy rates, and traditional Ayurvedic fertility treatment follows the same thought process.
Moreover, it is well-established that stress and anxiety disorders can profoundly affect hormone regulation and digestive functions. Given that stress has become an integral part of our modern lifestyle, incorporating methods to mitigate its effects within our daily routines is crucial for improving fertility outcomes. By actively addressing and managing stress and learning about Ayurvedic medicine for anxiety and stress, individuals can potentially create a more favorable environment for fertility and reproductive health. Explore Ananda’s Stress Management programme for a holistic approach to a healthy, happy life.
Ayurveda recognizes stress as a beneficial factor that can help us grow and improve by challenging our adaptive capacities. However, when our body and mind are not in a balanced state, unmanaged stress can create tensions within the body and cloud our thoughts. This, in turn, leads to flawed decision-making and improper actions, further disrupting the natural equilibrium of our body, mind, and soul. This cycle of stress can contribute to specific health conditions such as psychologically induced erectile dysfunction or functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.
According to Ayurveda for fertility and yoga, the true remedy lies in achieving harmony among the mind, body, and soul, allowing us to effectively navigate and transcend stress. This involves techniques such as meditation, which can serve as a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting personal growth. By practicing meditation and other holistic approaches, individuals can learn to harness the power of stress and elevate themselves to higher levels of well-being and evolution as part of the Ayurvedic treatment for anxiety.
In Ayurvedic fertility herbs, certain plants like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) have stood the test of time as adaptogenic remedies. These herbs are recommended as part of Ayurvedic medicine for pregnancy for their potential to enhance fertility and reduce stress and are natural fertility boosters.
By incorporating natural fertility boosters such as these herbs and adopting a holistic approach to stress management, individuals can support their overall well-being and improve their fertility outcomes. Understanding and nurturing our unique constitution while effectively navigating stressful situations can contribute to a healthier and more balanced state of being.