Ayurveda, a health system from India dating back 5,000 years, focuses on holistic health by looking at your mind, body and spirit, as well as the environment you are in. Through a combination of natural treatments and supplements, Ayurveda is a possible choice for infertility treatment. However, there are dangers that come with Ayurvedic medicine and the supplements you might take. Be sure to find a legitimate Ayurvedic practitioner and get a second opinion from your regular doctor.
Belief System
The Raj Maharishi Ayurveda Health Spa in Fairfield, Iowa, explains that with Ayurveda, you follow a tranformation process with seven different steps to maintain health in your reproductive system. The idea is that if any of these areas are blocked or not properly taken care of, it might result in an infertility problem. These seven areas are an imbalanced nervous system, stress, slow digestion, inadequate nutrition, toxins in your body, a weak immune system and natural biological rhythms that are disrupted. Ayurveda works to change your diet, get rid of toxins and help you deal with stress.
Supplements
Ayurvedic medicine often includes the use of supplements within the treatment for various conditions. In the case of infertility, Ash of Gold, known as "swarna basma" in India, is one supplement used for male infertility. Research has not confirmed the benefits of Ash of Gold, although an article in the July through September issue of the "International Journal of Ayurveda Research" explained that it has shown positive results. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Yoga
Yoga comes from the same belief system as Ayurveda and can be used along with it. In the book "Yoga as Medicine," edited by Dr. Timothy McCall, yoga instructor John Friend explains that stress can counteract fertility. Examples of this include that the body reduces blood flow to the pelvic area when a person is stressed and that stress negatively affects the menstrual cycle. Friend poses yoga as a possible solution, noting that yoga can relieve stress and that specific poses, like Cat/Cow, can help you relax your pelvic muscles and bring blood flow to that area.
Warning
The Centers for Disease Control warns that some Ayurvedic practitioners use heavy metals in treatment for certain conditions, which can lead to a risk of lead poisoning. Some Ayurvedic medicines that pose a risk are ones for infertility in women, although the report did not specify the medicines. This poses a threat both to the woman and the fetus if the woman becomes pregnant. Perform research and talk to your doctor before taking any Ayurvedic medicines.
References
- The Chopra Center: Ayurveda -- The Science of Life
- The Raj Maharishi Ayurveda Health Spa: Natural Ayurveda Fertility Treatments at the Raj Health Spa
- "International Journal of Ayurveda Research"; Seminal Gold Content in Healthy Fertile Men in India; Vinod Jain, et al.; July -- September 2010
- "Yoga as Medicine"; Timothy McCall; 2007
- "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report"; Lead Poisoning Associated With Ayurvedic Medications -- Five States, 2000 -- 2003; J. Araujo, et al.; Jul. 9, 2004
