Fibroids in the Uterus

Fibroids in the uterus are benign and non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissues of uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumours of the female genital tract and are typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. The cause and growth of fibroid can be hereditary and may also be also related to oestrogen imbalance.

Fibroids in the uterus can be of varying sizes and may range from small to very large. In some cases more than one fibroid can be seen. Majority of fibroids are small in size and do not produce any symptoms while in some cases size, location and number of fibroids can cause pain, bleeding and heaviness.

Ayurwoman fibroids in the uterus

Common clinical features of uterine fibroids

Following are some very common fibroid symptoms:

  • Painful periods
  • Heavy bleeding during or in between periods.
  • Pain or heaviness in the lower abdomen
  • Pain on low back and thigh region
  • Larger uterine fibroid(s) pressing on bowel causing constipation and fibroid pressing on bladder causing frequent micturition.

Ayurvedic treatment for fibroids

According to ayurveda, Uterine fibroids are growths in mamsadhatu of uterus (growth in muscular tissue of uterus). It is a kapha dominant disorder. Other two doshas such as pitha and vata are also involved but to a lesser degree. So, ayurvedic treatment has to be a combination of the following:

Ayurvedic diet

Even though your practitioner may provide you with a comprehensive diet chart, some tweaks in everyday eating regime can go a long way in reducing the intensity of fibroid symptoms. First step is to increase the intake of kapha pacifying foods. As per ayurvedic theory, this change in diet will reduce ama or it will reduce the toxin formation and accumulation. Along with that increase the proportion of Pitha pacifying food. This is helpful in balancing hormone changes and in arresting bleeding. Food and herbs with bitter, astringent and pungent qualities have drying and healing qualities.

These dietary changes will have very positive effects in increasing metabolism and in a reduction of body’s tendency to form fibrotic cellular changes from kapha and ama.

Lifestyle changes that may mitigate fibroid symptoms

While life style changes cannot remedy uterine fibroids, certain changes in one’s lifestyle to balance the three doshas that are out of balance can complement the treatments. Listed below are some suggestions which can complement the ayurvedic treatment for fibroids.

Vata pacifying lifestyle changes:

  • Waking up before kapha time and doing appropriate and moderate exercises to reduce excessive kapha dosha
  • Having dinner before kapha time (avoid very late dinners)

Pitha pacifying lifestyle changes:

  • Reducing hot sun and excessive exposure to heat
  • Reduce excessive hot drinks
  • Reducing alcoholic beverages
  • Anger management (if relevant)
  • Yoga

Ayurvedic herbs for fibroids

Single herbs such as Asoka, Guggul, Kanchanara, Varuna and Aloe Vera have a very good impact on uterine fiborids. These herbs individually or in combination can be taken in an appropriate vehicle such as milk, ghee or honey. Your ayurvedic practitioner will recommend the optimal timing for taking the right herbs and herbal preparations because timing of medication is of utmost importance.

Ayurvedic medicines such as Pushyanuga choornam, Chandraprabha tablet, Kanchanara guggulu, varanadi ganam, Aloe Vera compounds and medicated ghee are also very effective for arresting bleeding, reducing pain and discomfort and in preventing further growth of tumor.

Ayurvedic treatments such as herbal douche with decoctions and utharabasti with indication specific medicated oils also have a scrapping effect on uterine fibroids.

Panchakarma as a treatment for uterine fibroids

Ayurvedic cleansing or panchakarma is very effective in regulating hormones and correcting the pathology. Virechana and vasthi (including utharavasthi) while reducing the pathology substantially increases fertility rate. Vamana has positive effects for people with the following traits:

    • People suffering from hypothyroidism
    • People with sluggish digestion
    • People who are not lean in nature (medium build or over weight)

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are very common nowadays. Ayurvedic treatments combined with dietary changes, lifestyle changes and regular yoga can give long lasting relief for people suffering from fibroids.