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Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Through Ayurveda
Definition:Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men. It is located just below the bladder and top of the penis. This gland surrounds the urethra ( the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out through the penis ).It is a very astonishing fact to know that the condition BPH has been explained in ayurveda long back. The anatomical position of prostate gland, symptoms of BPH and its remedies are explained by Acharya Sushruta. The anatomical position of prostate gland is described in ayurvedic classics as followsIn Yogaratnakara it has been described as --" NAABHERADHASTHAATSANJAATAHA SANCHAARI YADI VAACHALAHA |ASHTEELAAVAD GHANO GRANTHIROODHWAR MAAYATA UNNATAHA || " Which means " Below umbilicus (NAABHI), there is a hard gland which is little bit bulged and changes its place some times and some times stays stationary. This gland is like "Ashteela" (A small stone used to sharpen swords). This gland when affected by vitiated vata causes a disease called "vataashteela" (or benign prostate hypertrophy) Sushruta explains the structure , anatomical position of prostate gland and symptoms of BPH as follows. "SHACRANMAARGASYA BASTHESHCHA VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAIASHTEELAAVADGHANAM GRANTHIMMOORDHVAMAAYATA MUNNATAM|| " Which means - the place between rectum and bladder is occupied by vitiated vata it affects the easy flow of urine, stools and semen by enlarging the gland " Ashteela". The prostate gland enlarges in all men as age advances. BPH is very common and affects one third of men who are over 50. A person suffering from BPH does not have the increased risk of prostate cancer.Functions of Prostate gland. One of the main functions of the prostate is to produce a fluid, which contribute to the liquid portion of semen and this liquid allows the sperm to move freely. The gland is divided into peripheral, transitional and central zone. The overgrowth takes place in central zone which leads to BPH. Effects of BPH Prostate gland surrounds urethra. When prostate gland enlarges, it constricts the urethra reducing the urine flow. The emptying of bladder becomes very difficult because of this.Causes of BPH According to present medical concepts the actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown.But the causes of BPH are very well explained In ayurveda which is based on tridosha theory.The causes of vataashteela or BPH are explained as follows. Causes for vataashteela according to dosha theory:vataashteela is caused by vitiated vayu and apaana vayu ( a subcategory of Vayu) ( APAANA VAYU is located in two testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groins, anus and colon. Functions of apana vaayu are Ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine, stools, elimination of menstrual blood and expulsion of fetus. ) The vitiation of vayu and apaana vayu is caused by 1. Controlling the urge of urination2. Controlling the urge of defecation 3. Over indulgence in sex 4. Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food 5. Old age 6. General weakness 7. Indigestion 8. Physical and mental overexertion Symptoms of BPH ? Difficulty in starting to pass urine ( hesitancy ), ? A weak stream of urine, ? Dribbling after urinating ? The need to strain to pass urine, ? Incomplete emptying of bladder. ? Difficulty to control the urination urge. ? Having to get up several times in the night to pass urine, ? Feeling a burning sensation when passing urine. ? Passing urine mixed with blood (indication of infection) Symptoms of vatashteela are described as follows. " VINMUTRAANILA SANGASCHA TANNAADMAANAMCHA JAAYATE| VEDANAA CHA PARAA BASTOU VAATAASHTEELETI TAAM VIDUHU || " The vitiated ashteela gland when enlarged is called as "vatashteela". This enlarged gland causes 1. Obstruction to easy flow of urine. 2. Obstruction to Easy passage of stools and gas 3. Bloating of Stomach. 4. Pain in bladder. When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed then one should seek proper medical advice. Diagnosis A digital rectal examination will be performed to examine the size of prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum. A distended bladder can be felt per abdomen. Ultra sound examination will be done to determine the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. Routine urine test will be done to rule out infections. A prostate gland tissue may be collected using a needle to check for cancerous cells. Ayurveda tips for SELF-CARE If symptoms are mild, the following methods can be tried for relief: 1. Vata gets vitiated when natural urges are controlled. Hence do not control the natural urge of passing urine. Urinate when you first get the urge. 2. Go to the bathroom even if you do not have urge. 3. Alcohol, tobacco, coffee increase vata and vitiate it. Hence avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee, especially after dinner. 4. Vata gets normalized and vitiation comes down when body is warm. This can be accomplished with regular exercises and keeping the body warm. 5. Mental exertion leads to increase of vata. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at home. 6. Avoid foods which cause constipation as constipation causes vitiation of vata. Other general tips 1. Avoid drinking fluids from two hours before going to bed. 2. Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms. 3. Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids throughout day. Prevention BPH can be prevented by - 1. Consuming low fat diet 2. Including lots of fiber in diet ( fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber). 3. Visiting your family physician as soon as you notice any symptoms while passing urine. Apart from these many effective herbal remedies have been mentioned in Sushruta samhita and Yogaratnakara. Author:Dr.Savitha Suri , ; B.A.M.S Biography of Dr.Savitha Suri Qualifications: Dr.Savitha Suri has completed graduation in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (B.A.M.S) from Government college of Indian Medicine (GCIM), Mysore in 1988 .This college belongs to University of Mysore ,Karnataka, India She is practicing Indian System of Medicines since 16 YRS in Mysore, Karnataka, India.She has contributed health related articles and articles about Ayurveda in state level News papers, magazines and Health related web sites. Dr.SavithaSuri is a regular health Columnist to a regional newspaper. Website http://www.ayurhelp.com/ Email mailto:doctor@ayurhelp.com
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SOURCES: 1 - Centers for Disease Control ? National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, June 19, 1999. 2 - Pain Central: What Causes Back Pain? 3 - Pain Foundation: Back Pain 4 - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Low Back Pain Fact Sheet 5 - PubMed: Efficacy of a chair with magnets in the prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting. 6 - PubMed: The treatment of acute low back pain--bed rest, exercises, or ordinary activity? 7 - Summary of a 12-month double-blind, clinical test of magnetic mattress pads. Kazuo Shimodaira, M.D. Tokyo Communications and Kouseikai Suzuki Hospitals, Tokyo, Japan. 1990. 8 - "Use of magnetic therapy for chronic pain" by Joseph Kandel, M.D. and David B. Sudderth, M.D. The Arthritis Solution. TIPS & GUIDELINES FOR A HEALTHIER BACK The National Institutes of Health provides guidelines for maintaining a healthier back. 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When lifting: ·Don't try to lift objects too heavy for you! ·Pull in your stomach muscles, keep your head down and in line with your straight back, and lift with your legs. ·Keep the object close to your body. ·Do not twist when lifting. ·Do not carry an object in one hand if it causes you to lean to one side. (Use both hands, or carry an additional item to balance the load.) Exercise: ·Always warm-up and stretch before exercise or other strenuous activity. ·Following a prolonged period of inactivity, begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. (Ask a physician or orthopedist for recommended exercises appropriate for your age and requirements.) ·Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding for 30 minutes a day can increase muscle strength and flexibility. ·Yoga or Tai Chi can help stretch and strengthen muscles, and improve posture. Everyday habits: ·Maintain proper nutrition and diet to reduce and prevent excessive weight (especially around the waist area). ·If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes spinal disks to degenerate. - Magnetic Advantage -Your source for magnetic therapy news,research, and natural pain relief Learn About Falun Dafa I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for almost 5years now. The name of this practice is Falun Dafa.
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