Endometriosis and Ayurveda
In light of Endometriosis awareness month, I want to talk about Endometriosis from the Ayurvedic perspective. There is plenty of information out there on Endometriosis from the western view, but I will briefly cover some information here. Endometriosis is a debilitatingly painful condition that affects 10-15% of menstruating women, that is 1 in 10 women! Endometriosis can cause painful menstruation, altered menstrual cycles, and even infertility. Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus, which usually flows downward and out, starts to build up and move into the muscle tissue (adenomyosis) or reverse its flow. Retrograde flow causes the endometrium to flow upward into the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. Once in the abdominal cavity, the tissue can accumulate on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder, intestines, and neighboring pelvic organs. This can irritate the surrounding tissues and cause cysts and scar tissue formation. Endometrial-like tissue has been found all over the body, including around the heart and in the brain.
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From an Ayurvedic perspective, the area from the navel to the knees is governed by Apana Vata. Apana governs the downward elimination functions in the body. The downward flow includes bowel movements, urination, menses (or semen), and labor & delivery. When Apana is out of balance this can lead to symptoms of colon disorders, hemorrhoids, delayed labor, urinary problems, and endometriosis. This imbalance can move all over the body, explaining tissues found all over the body. Different Dosha imbalances can cause different symptoms in each individual and require different treatments. Vata imbalance can be expressed as constipation and pain in the pelvic area, lower back, during intercourse, ovulation, elimination, or all the time. There tends to be more insomnia and anxiety as well. Pitta imbalances can be expressed as heavy bleeding, spotting, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and pain and blood in the urine or stools. Many of these symptoms mimic other disorders, it is important to talk to your doctor to diagnose endometriosis and rule out things like IBS, UTI, PCOS, and tubal pregnancy. According to Ayurveda, Apana Vata imbalances can be caused by diet and lifestyle choices that produce Ama in the body. Ama is the word used for toxins or undigested food. This undigested material is unusable to the body, and if it continues to accumulate it can be pushed into weakened tissues, such as the reproductive tissue or endometrial lining. Depending on the specific imbalance of the individual, this Ama can start to build up and block the downward flow, causing many of the symptoms previously listed.
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So what can be done? The Ayurvedic approach to aid in rebalancing the body with a retrograde flow would be to strengthen the individual's digestion, remove Ama, balance the specific Doshas that are out of balance, and support Apana Vata, the downward flow of the body. Much of this is diet and lifestyle related, and going to be different for each person, but one of the most common imbalances in Ayurveda is the Apana Vata imbalance. It is of the utmost importance to support the body's downward flow or it can continue to weaken tissues and move up the body. We can support this flow in many ways, here are a few:
Take time to rest and eat a light diet during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. This allows the body to focus on the elimination process.
It is important not to suppress the natural urge to eliminate. This seems obvious, but with a busy lifestyle, sometimes we may not notice if we have to go, how long we've been holding it, or how often we hold or suppress the urge.
Avoid inserting anything into the vagina during menses. This can block the downward flow and contribute to a retrograde flow. This includes avoiding intercourse and avoiding tampons or a menstrual cup as well. This is strictly to allow the menstrual flow to move out unblocked.
A castor oil cleanse can be done on day 14 or 15 of the cycle (ovulation) to remove any excess Doshas or Ama from the GI tract. Start with 1 tbsp before bed. Wait until the next cycle to do this again.
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To aid in pain management while lifestyle, diet, and self-care practices are being integrated, there are many approaches, each specific to the person and imbalance. Some general recommendations would be:
A compress (like a handkerchief or small towel) dipped in warm oil and essential oils is laid over the uterus to aid in pain management and prevention of further tissue growth. Some oils to use are flaxseed, castor, or CBD oil, depending on body type. Clary Sage EO can be used for pain, as a muscle relaxant, for nervous tension, and for hormone regulation. Use caution because of its ability to influence hormones and do not use it during pregnancy, with mastitis, or estrogen-dependent cancer. Chamomile can also calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. Fragonia can also be used for inflammation, muscular discomfort, and hormone balance.
A warm water bottle or heat pack can be used locally to reduce pain and inflammation.
Brami is an herb that can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and inflammation, and to calm the mind. Tulsi-Holy Basil can be used to settle the nervous system and strengthen the nerve tissue. Jatamansi is a nervine that supports the nervous system, the hormone cycle, and pacifies all three Doshas.
Marma therapy can also be used with oil on the lower abdomen. Place the left hand on the heart and the right hand on the lower abdomen over the uterus. Massage this area in a slow and gentle clockwise motion. This can relax and reduce tension in the lower abdomen and back, calm the mind, and balance bladder, bowel, and menstrual disorders.
A wearable tens unit can also be used for pain management.
If you struggle with Endometriosis or painful periods and are looking for an alternative approach, you can schedule an Ayurvedic consultation here:
