Ayurvedic Treatment For Infertility: Are They helpful?

As per WHO infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse .”

While conventional medications and treatments are available, alternative medicines such as Ayurveda have also been tried and tested for solution to infertility .

If you are intend to try Ayurvedic infertility treatment, Please consult a professional Ayurvedic practitioner who can guide you through the treatment.

In this post, we will explain you with the possible Ayurvedic approach for treating infertility in both men and women.

Can Ayurvedic Medicines Cure Infertility?

Ayurvedic medicines are said to help towards improving health to increase the person’s fertility. A study found that Ayurvedic medicines are effective over conventional fertility treatments . The study noted that “Ayurvedic approach to fertility strives first to improve the health of the patient leading to a higher likelihood of pregnancy.”

The usage of ayurvedic herbs, along with healthy diet and healthy lifestyle may improve fertility . However, further research and clinical trials are needed to prove that Ayurvedic treatment can actually cure infertility.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Infertility in female:

The Ayurvedic treatment of female infertility requires the use of herbs and the changes in diet.

Ayurvedic herbs for female infertility

Ashoka (Saraca asoka): The herb has therapeutic properties, and is often suggested for females having fertility issues .
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa): Lodhra might restore the estrogen and progesterone ratio in the body . The herb can also help to increase the levels of luteinizing hormone or LH and follicular stimulating hormone or FSH.
Shatavari (Asperagus racemosus): Shatavari can strengthen the uterus, thereby boosting the female fertility

Ayurvedic dietary changes for female infertility

According to Charaka Samhita, the fertility of a woman may be increased or treated by restoring her physical, mental, and emotional health to its natural levels. To achieve natural equilibrium, Ayurveda prescribes healthy changes in diet and lifestyle. Foods such as pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, black cumin, beetroot, beans, can help in this equilibrium.

Hot and spicy foods might adversely affect the female reproductive tissues (Artava Dhatu) and, hence , should be avoided.
Some of the foods that help to improve the Artava Dhatu or the female reproductive organs are dates, broccoli, and asparagus.
Aamalaki (Emblia officinalis) and Shatawar (Asparagus racemosus) can also help to maintain the balance between FSH and LH

Ayurvedic Treatment For Infertility in men:

The Ayurvedic treatment approach towards male infertility also uses herbs and dietary changes.

Ayurvedic herbs for male infertility

Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens): It can help improve libido. The herb might also enhance sperm quality and quantity .
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It may also contribute in increasing the libido and enhancing the semen parameters
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): It might help improve fertility by bringing about a significant reduction in oxidative stress
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): It can help elevate the testosterone level

Ayurvedic dietary changes for male infertility

According to Ayurveda, too much heat can increase the pitta, which, in turn, may weaken the Shukra Dhatu, which refers to the sperm and semen . Spicy foods might weaken the Shukra Dhatu and lower the sperm count.
Some of the healthy foods and spices like turmeric, cumin, asparagus, dates, and almonds can improve Shukra Dhatu.
Daily practice of yoga might improve sperm count, mobility, and quality. It can also help to improve the libido and incidences of erectile dysfunction .

Some Ayurvedic Therapies For Male And Female Infertility

Sometimes, infertility in both males and females can arise due to weakened digestive fire or Agni caused by unhealthy dietary practices). The weakened Agni can lead to the accumulation of toxins or Ama, mainly produced in the stomach due to incomplete digestion of food.

The elevated Ama levels will block vital body organs and channels including fallopian tubes. Therefore, to treat infertility, it is important to eliminate the toxins or Ama from the body.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that targets to eliminate toxins from the body by detoxifying enemas, steam baths, oil massages, and dietary modifications. Below are therapies used in Panchakarma combined with other steps that could help in removing infertility in both men and women.

Shirodhara therapy

Shirodhara therapy aims at restoring the hormonal balance. Shirodhara, as the name suggests, involves pouring warm correcting therapeutic oils on the forehead (third eye area).The third eye area is known to be closely associated with the pineal as well as the pituitary gland. Hence, Shirodhara therapy may help restore the healthy production of hormones (including FSH, LH) by the pituitary glands. The therapy may also reduce stress and anxiety, both of which may trigger fertility problems.

Basti enema therapy

Basti therapy involves the administration of Ayurvedic enema or decoctions into the colon through the rectum to eliminate the toxins out of the body. In addition to restoring the healthy balance of Vata Dosha, Bast Therapy also facilitates the proper release of ovum from the ovarian follicles

Yoga
Some of the yoga poses, which can also help improve fertility include Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Setu Bandhasana (Supported Bridge pose), and Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall pose). You may perform the yoga postures under expert supervision.

Eliminating unhealthy habits

One is also expected to adopt a healthy lifestyle and give up smoking, alcohol, aerated beverages, stale food, and caffeinated beverages.

What Causes Infertility as per Ayurveda ?

Ayurveda considers Vata (Space and Air), Pitta (Fire and Water), and Kapha (Earth and Water) as the three vital doshas that contribute towards regulating the forces of nature. According to Ayurveda, an equilibrium between the three doshas goes a long way to enhance the overall health and well-being of an organism.

Any chages in this equilibrium may have a negative influence on health, resulting in health conditions, including infertility. The following are some points about how an imbalance in the doshas may increase the risk of infertility .

The Vata Dosha is responsible for the proper functioning of the entire reproductive physiology. Vitiation of this dosha may, therefore, affect the ovulation process, thereby affecting fertility. Severe stress, anxiety, fear, trauma, regular fasting, unhealthy eating habits, strenuous exercise, may all contribute towards disrupting the Vata balance.

Vitiation of the Pitta Dosha may scar the fallopian tube, which may affect.

The proper balance of Kapha Dosha is essential for the healthy functioning of the Shukra Dhatu. Vitiation of the Kapha Dosha may surface due to sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle practices, oily and spicy foods, or even cold. The vitiation may result in uterine fibroids or thickening of the fallopian tubes.

Ayurveda also states that increased sexual activity may deplete the Shukra Dhatu (semen and sperm), which may result in infertility or Klehya.A decrease in Shukra Dhatu may also be triggered by excess heat.
Unwillingness, mental stress, and anxiety of one or both the partners may also lead to infertility.
Genetic factors may be a contributing factor too.

The Ayurvedic treatment with dietary changes, yoga, pranayama, detoxification therapies (Panchakarma) aims to restore the balance between the three fundamental doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body. The balance between the three doshas can contribute towards boosting fertility in both sexes.

Consult a professional Ayurvedic practitioner to know and learn about the various infertility treatment methods. If you are already on a conventional, non-Ayurvedic treatment, then consult your doctor before adopting Ayurvedic infertility treatment methods.

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