Treating Endometriosis the Ayurveda Way: A Complete Guide

Endometriosis is a painful condition in women, mostly in their 30s and 40s. The word endometriosis is derived from ‘endometrium’, which is a tissue in the inner lining of the uterus. During periods uterus sheds off its wall that is formed of endometrial cells.

When these endometrial cells get attached to the tissues outside the uterus, on ovaries and Fallopian tubes it is called endometriosis. Endometrial implants are not limited to ovaries and Fallopian tubes. It can affect uterus, vagina, and cervix. In rare circumstances, even the brain, liver and lungs can get affected with endometriosis.  

You can also read about Estrogen Dominance 

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Symptoms of endometriosis vary from one person to another.  Endometriosis can give you crippling pain at different times of your cycle which can disrupt your life and interfere with your everyday routine.  

• Pain before or during a period
• Pain during or after sex
• Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
• Pain in passing urine and bowels
• Ovulation pain, including pain in the thigh or leg (this can also happen normally in some women)

Besides pain, women suffering from endometriosis will experience 

1. Irregular bleeding
2. Intermittent bleeding (bleeding between periods)
3. Bladder and bowel problems
4. Constipation or diarrhea
5. Frequent urination
6. Abdominal bloating
7. Lack of energy
8. Anxiety and depression due to ongoing pain

A few factors which can increase your risk of getting endometriosis are –

1. Getting periods before you were 11
2. Having periods lasting more than 5 days
3. Extremely painful cramps during menstruation
4. A family history of endometriosis
5. Low immunity 

Treating Endometriosis the Ayurveda Way

Ayurveda views endometriosis as a combination of vitiated Kapha, Pitta and Vata doshas. Kapha dosha controls the growth of endometrial tissue in the uterus and Pitta dosha controls uterus and Vata is responsible for any movement within the body.  Endometriosis is more common in women between 24 to 45, which is the Pitta period of life in a woman. Besides, the imbalance in vata, pitta, and kapha, low ojas (energy/stamina) can also cause endometriosis.

The disease starts from the uterus, the center of pitta and it disrupts the function of kapha which provides lubrication and tissue renewal in the uterus. Due to deranged kapha, there is an overproduction of endometrial cells and it gets deposited outside of the uterus and the vagina. The discharge of blood during the periods is controlled by Apana vayu and if we consider the modern medicine’s theory of retrograde menstruation, we can see the involvement / obstruction of Apana Vayu which holds Pitta (blood) and causes it to move up and around.

Treatment in Ayurveda 

Ayurveda believes, most chronic diseases start when toxins accumulate in the tissues and begin to disrupt the delicate balance. The buildup of toxins can also obstruct the channels of circulation and elimination in the affected areas.

Therefore, the treatment plan focuses on purging the body of the toxins. Toxic build up can also obstruct the channels of circulation and elimination. This blockage prevents proper nutrition from reaching the tissues and also prevents the removal of the tissue waste. As a result of this toxic buildup, the natural defenses are lowered and the natural biological rhythms are disrupted. The objective of Ayurveda treatment is to build dinacharya according to your prakriti. Panchakarma and nutritional therapies are required to control pitta and kapha and the patient needs to stay away from alcohol and smoke.

Endometriosis