PCOS i.e. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome has emerged as a major disorder which undermines not just the reproductive health of women but also one which truly degrades the quality of life and self-esteem. A metabolic disorder with an imbalance of multiple hormones, PCOS triggers a plethora of signs and symptoms. Stubborn signs and symptoms of PCOS like weight gain in the mid-section of the body, skin pigmentation especially around the neck, irregular periods, and infertility pose a major challenge for successful management.
Being a complex metabolic disorder, PCOS requires a multi-modal management requiring a skilful combination of Ayurvedic medications, dietary modifications which complement each patient’s unique body type (or Prakriti), Yoga, exercise and Ayurvedic Panchakarma. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy works on the actual imbalances which lead to PCOS like sluggish metabolism, insulin resistance, massive imbalance of reproductive hormones, imbalanced fat metabolism etc. rather than adopting a short-sighted approach of managing only the symptoms. Ayurvedic Panchakarma help in cleansing, detoxifying and restoring the hormonal and metabolic imbalance that plague women with PCOS.
Four Most Effective Panchakarma therapies which help in the successful management of PCOS are:
1. Vamana:
Vamana is a cleansing and detoxifying Panchakarma which involves systematic and planned removal of toxins by inducing emesis (vomiting). Vamana is typically done during the spring season for best results. Vamana helps in balancing hormones, boosts fertility and helps weight loss. It is crucial for long-term successful management of PCOS. Vamana is an advanced Panchakarma and has specific indications and contraindications. It may not be suited for all PCOS patients, hence careful consideration is required before undergoing Vamana.
2. Virechana:
Virechana is yet another detoxifying Panchakarma which involves removal of toxins by inducing purgation (increased bowel movements). Recommended during the fall season, Virechana is extremely effective in obesity, irregular or heavy periods, hormonal imbalances, skin pigmentation and the multitude of other symptoms triggered by PCOS. Like Vamana, Virechana also has specific indications and contraindications and may not be recommended for all.
3. Basti:
Basti chikitsa is one of the most effective Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy for PCOS especially for boosting fertility and ensuring healthy conception. A painless therapy by nature, Basti involves a series of medicated enemas performed over the specified number of days. Basti consists of various Ayurvedic medicinal ghee, oils and kashaya or herb decoctions which are customized as per specific health needs of every woman. Basti nourishes the reproductive system and detoxifies it at the same time. Hence, it is one of the most highly recommended therapies in PCOS.
4. Udvartana:
Udvartana is an external Ayurvedic therapy which involves rigorous dry powder massage to the entire body. By boosting circulation of blood and lymph, udvartana helps to detoxify skin which is the largest organ of our body. It also helps to boost metabolism and regulates fat metabolism thus helping faster weight loss.
Many women accept defeat to this truly life-altering disorder as most conventional treatments fail to give long-term relief. It is important to focus on long-term relief and management of PCOS, rather than taking a narrow-minded approach of just ensuring menstrual regularity!
Many women endure incredible discomfort, lose precious time and ultimately their health due to such short-cut approaches. Ayurvedic Panchakarma is truly emerging as a beacon of hope in the management of PCOS. Rectifying metabolism and digestion are two major benefits of Ayurvedic Panchakarma. Panchakarma not only helps in better management of PCOS, it also helps in restoring health and improving quality of life. Also, health issues like allergies, recurrent infections etc. which commonly accompany PCOS are managed well with Panchakarma.
Note: Careful assessment by a qualified Ayurvedic Physician is extremely important before undergoing any Ayurvedic Panchakarma as Panchakarma procedures have specific indications and contraindications.