HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN MALE HEALTH PROBLEMS?

ABSTRACT

Worldwide increase in male health abnormalities can be seen with increase in  infertility rate and there is very less awareness about the problems which is  making it very challenging to address. The lifestyle factors like smoking and abuse of drugs, Fast food, Use of preservatives and chemical substances in food and malnutrition is impacting male health world wide  and it is also a problem for healthy progeny. In Ayurveda there is a branch called Vajikaran which deals with virility, germinal cell quality, well being and treatment of various sexual dysfunctions. Every couple of any socio-economic group explores ways to have a good healthy progeny. With the help of ayurveda they can adopt a code of conduct which will help them to  improve the male health and quality of sperm. Role of diet and various herbs in Ayurveda also plays a very important role in male health problems. Achrayas have described the formation of shukra dhatu by which all the other sapta dhatus also get nourishment. Ayurvedic formulations not only help in treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunctions but they also look for overall male health i.e. good physique, complexion, strength and desire for healthy progeny.

INTRODUCTION

WHO acknowledges that Men are less knowledgeable than women about their health problems.The lifestyle practices like eating fast food , sugar sweetened beverages, consumption of alcohol and uncontrolled smoking, not taking proper sleep is leading to the depletion of all the seven fundamental dhatus in the body which leads to serious problems like Erectile dysfunction (ED), Oligospermia (low sperm count), Asthenozoospermia (sperms with low mortality), Premature ejaculation (PE), Low libido etc. WHO definition for sexual health is “A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity……” . Ayurveda gives prime importance to health and in the case of male health “vajikarana” gives prime importance to all the aspects of it. From generalized weakness, strength to qualitative and quantitative issue of sperm production and other reproductive/sexual disorders. There are various vajikarana aushadhi(herbs) described in ayurveda. Vajikarana in ayurveda is not sexology, it not only limits the increasing sexual potency and quantity of semen but it also provides complete physical and mental strength.

MAIN CAUSATIVE FACTORS FOR MALE HEALTH PROBLEMS

The main factors which are explained in various classical texts are chinta (Worry); Karma karshnya (Excess work) jaraya (Old age) vyadhi (Disease) and common symptoms are durbala (weakness), klaibya (Impotence), sadana (Malaise) pandutva (Pallor) mukha shosha (dryness of mouth).

Common male reproductive health problems

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the recurring inability to achieve or maintain an erection which is sufficient for sexual activity. When vata dosha gets vitiated it can get lodged in any dhatu or strotas (Channels) which leads to avrodh(Barrier) of that Strotas which will in advance contribute to sanchaya awastha (accumulative phase) of the disease.
• Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of sexual intercourse without contraception.It is the inability to fertilize.The average sperm count has fallen from 113 million/ml in 1940 to 66 million/ml in 1992.
• Oligospermia is low sperm count when sperm concentration is less than 20 million sperm/ml. Can be due to Smoking, recreational drugs, varicocele, STD’s, benign prostatic hypertrophy, Occupational exposures like heat, benzene etc.
• Premature ejaculation is persistent or recurring ejaculation with minimal stimulation before,during and shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it. It is a very sensitive issue and men avoid consulting it with a doctor. This condition can arise due to a sympathetic nervous system, Diabetes, abnormal hormonal levels, anxiety, relationship problems.
• Urinary tract infections in men are less common but are painful and uncomfortable to handle. Upper tract infections are in ureters and kidneys. The lower tract infections occur in the urethra, prostate and bladder. Common symptoms in UTI are frequent bathroom breaks with painful micturition and burning sensations while urinating. Tenderness in the lower abdomen and blood in the urine is also common. This can be diagnosed by urine examination and Ultrasonography.
• Scrotum varicose veins is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum and  can happen due to poor function of valves which are responsible for continued flow of blood and it  is also a primary cause of infertility in males.
• Low libido is a decrease in the frequency of sexual desires for a temporary period or long term.  A person with ISD (inhibited sexual desire) will start and respond to their partner’s desire for sexual activity. Common causes are due to low testosterone levels, depression, less physical activity, increased weight, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, excess use of alcohol and drugs.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non cancerous condition when the prostate gland is enlarged. Is it more with people who are in their 60’s? BPH can be treated by medicines and surgery. Common symptoms are frequent or urgent need for urination, Weak urine stream and the patient is not able to fully empty the bladder. There can be burning sensation and pain while micturition.

VAJIKARANA – ONE OF THE BEST WAY FOR COMBATING MALE HEALTH PROBLEMS

Vajikarana branch of ayurveda intends to improve the quality, virility of germinal cells as well as treatment of various sexual dysfunctions. It provides awareness about Sexual dysfunctions, Dietary regime, role of mind in male health problems it also provides various therapeutic formulations for the betterment of male health and healthy progeny for the better future.

Vajikarana chikitsa has to be provided after rasayana chikitsa as per acharya charak as rasayana chikitsa provides nourishment to all the sapta dhatus from rasa to shukra but vajikarana specifically nourishes the shukra dhatu. The scarcity of shukra dhatu is replenished by vrishya dravyas (vajikarana dravyas/Aphrodisiac herbs) so one should use the vajikarana formulations to maintain the dosha and dhatu balance in the body.

CLASSIFICATION OF VAJIKARANA HERBS

1. Shukra janak/shukra vridhikarasukrala –  dravyas which facilitate and increase production of shukra eg Ashwagandha  (withania someniafera), shatavari ( asparagus racemosus) ,goghrita (cow milk ghrita) etc they are divided into 2 types i.e. ushna and shita.
2. Shukra pravartaka Dravyas – which facilitates the ejaculation of shukra (semen) example visamusti (strychnos nux vomica), jatiphal (myristica fragrans) kasmard (cassia occidentalis).
3. Shukra janak pravartaka – Dravyas having both properties janak and pravartaka (Promotes production and increases the production) comes in this category example goghrita, jeevak ( microstylis wallichii) kakoli ( roscoea procera) kapikacchu ( mucuna pruriens) , shatavari (asparagus racemosus)
4. Shukra stambhaka – Dravyas which decreases the saravta of the shukra dhatu (semen)and  helps during sexual act. Eg. Haritaki (terminalia chebula), bala (sida cordifolia) etc.

There are so many formulations, recipes and regimens mentioned in vajikarana. Proper use of these formulations can help a person gain good physique, potency, complexion, will be sexually exhilarated and will have healthy progeny.

VAJIKARANA AS TREATMENT OF VARIOUS MALE HEALTH PROBLEMS

The treatment by  vajikarana depends of various factors and will be different for every person according to his  desh (place ), kala (time), ritu (season), bala (mental and physical strength) prakriti of the person etc .There is two types of chikitsa(treatment) shodhana and shaman. For men’s health one should start by balancing the three doshas and removing the vitiated one.Shodhan chikitsa will work as a catalyst in the treatment. First shodhan chikitsa should be given before getting the vajikarana chikitsa for the maximum benefits.

• Shodhan chikitsa includes purwa, pradhana and pashchat karma. These include panchakarma procedures like snehana, sweden,vaman, virechana, basti etc. The diet of the patient will also be according to prakriti, dosha and bala at the time of the administration of chikitsa.
• In shaman chikitsa, acharya charak has explained that ‘vaji’ means horse; it’s the symbol of potency thus vajikarana means chikitsa which provides horse’s vigor. By the proper use of herbs a person can attain good strength, complexion, and become sexually potent (cha chi 2.2/ verse 30). Commonly used Formulations for Shamana Chikitsa are: Vrihani gutika,Vrishya gulika,vajikaram ghritam,opatyakari shashtikadi gulika,medadi yog etc

PLANET AYURVEDA’S OFFERS VERY POTENT HERBAL REMEDIES FOR MALE HEALTH PROBLEMS

Planet Ayurveda is a dedicated institute which follows traditional Ayurvedic principles and is providing non-compromised consultations world wide with potent medicines. Run by highly qualified, experienced and reputed Dr. Vikram chauhan and Dr Meenakshi chauhan. All the medicines are tested in modern labs for their authenticity. The Tribulus power pack is made for problems related to men’s health. It contains

Product Description

1. Atirasadi Churna

Atirasadi churna is one of the herbal powders prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It is very beneficial for men’s health promoting strength and reproductive health care. It has around 13 ingredients like safed musli (chlorophytum borivilianum), kali musli (Curculigo orchioides), semal musli (Salmalia malabarica), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), kesar (Saffron),vidari khand (Dioscorea tuberosa) etc. This churna contains a mixture of medicines which helps in production of semen and  which facilitates the ejaculation of the semen. 

Dosage – 1 Tsp with plain water after meals twice daily.

2. Tribulus Power

Tribulus power is a herbal preparation in capsule form by Planet Ayurveda . It is beneficial in building strength, relieving Inflammation, treating urinary tract disorders and is also used as aphrodisiac for treating decreased libido and sexual complications, Gokshura (tribulus terrestris) it is tridosha hara i.e. it balances all the three doshas. It has madhura rasa(sweet in nature) with guru and snigdha guna and has sheeta virya. It is very helpful for nourishment and improving strength. It acts as an aphrodisiac and is agnikrit (helps in digestion) and shulgina (relieves pain).

Dosage – 1 – 2 Capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Chandraprabha Vati

Chandraprabha vati is a very potent  preparation of Planet Ayurveda in tablet form. Its Ingredients include Shilajit (Asphaltum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Vacha ( Acorus calamus)\, Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Yavakshar (Potassium carbonate), ela (Elettaria cardamomum) etc. It helps in erectile dysfunction and maintains vata dosha balance and it also helps in preventing urinary disorders like mutra krich (dysuria) mutraghat (urine retention) and vitiation of shukra dhatu(disorders of semen).

Dosage  – 1 to 2 tablets twice a day after meal by Luke warm water or milk.

4. Shilajit Capsule

Shilajit capsule is a preparation of Planet Ayurveda in Capsule form.It is the  Standardized  extract of shilajit (asphaltum) it helps in nourishment of all the sapta dhatus having qualities like rasayana, it breaks down the toxins and also acts as yogavaham (acts as catalyst).

Dosage – 2 capsules twice a day with plain water or milk after meals

5. Tribull Oil

Tribull oil is an Planet Ayurvedic herbal formulation in oil form. It contains decoction contents and kalka dravyas of 14 ingredients like Decoction of Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), Gambhari chal (Gmelina arborea) and kalka dravyas like Jaiphal ( Myristica fragrans), Palash beej (Butea monosperma) that are shukra janak and pravartak like ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), shatavari(asparagus racemosus), palash beej (Butea monosperma), gokhru bada (pedalium murex) and helps in maintaining male sexual health in balance.

Dosage – Local application on penis daily or alternate day.

Conclusion

In men of any socio economic status, any demography there is less awareness and more shyness in asking for help for the reproductive health problems in males. There are well documented treatments which are available in ayurveda like vajikarana chikista for common problems like erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, oligospermia (low sperm count), Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) etc. Ayurveda has a vast share of formulations and treatments which can help in overcoming these problems.