Infertility Management in Ayurveda

Overview

Infertility is common problem nowadays and it need solution which is having less complications & affordable. Infertility is fully explored in ancient literature Atharvaveda.

Infertility according to Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, infertility is considered as a condition arising from the imbalances of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha which control the activities of the body). It’s not simply about the inability to conceive, but it encompasses the overall health and well-being between both the partners. Ayurveda, offers a holistic approach to managing infertility.

Causes of infertility

Infertility may be due to male or female factors. Causes of infertility in woman include ovarian factors, tubal factors, age-related factors, uterine problems, PCOS, endometriosis etc. Menstrual cycle can be affected by many factors, such as diet, emotional instability, excessive physical exercise, life-style, and stress responsible for creating an imbalance of the Doshas (control the activities of the body-Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Infertility in Ayurveda

Here are some key Ayurvedic principles and treatments.

1. Treatment of Ama (when undigested food creates toxins in stomach) also treatment of Agni (the power of digestion), including the use of digestive and carminative (relieving gas) Ayurvedic formulations, eating meals at proper time and schedule. Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments help to eliminate Ama thus corrects Agni. Healthy Agni will also contribute to healthy Ojas (vigor or essence of vitality).
2. Vatanulomana / Vata is the main dosha involved in infertility. So correcting the functions of Vata is very important in the treatment of infertility. Routine exercises and strict diet schedule will help in Vata dosha balancing.
3. Śodhana is the detoxification or purification process, which involves the transformation of any harmful drugs into beneficial safe ones. Strict dietary regimen to be followed after Sodhana, this detoxification therapy helps in the expulsion of the toxins from the body. This therapy helps to correct ovarian, tubular and uterine problems causing infertility.
4. Ayurveda treatments nourish the body, revitalize the mind and strengthen the immune system, thus releasing tension and removing impurities from the body.

Ayurvedic herbs used in the treatment for infertility:

The most commonly known and used herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemousus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) are extremely useful, which helps to create hormonal balance between the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and the Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

1. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps the body manage stress and may improve reproductive function.
2. Considered a “queen of herbs” for women’s health, Shatavari is trusted to nourish the female reproductive system and support hormonal balance.
3. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), this Ayurvedic herb is to purify the body and support immune function, creating a favorable circumstance for conception.
4. Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), may improve sperm quality and motility in men.