Endometriosis- Ayurveda perspective

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the inner lining of the uterus (artava dhātu) begins to grow outside the uterus.

This condition leads to pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, and chronic inflammation.

Ayurvedic View:

Its characteristics are similar to Vāta-Pradhan Yonivyāpada and Artava-Dushti.

Key Shloka – Explaining the Root Problem

“वायुः स्त्रीणां सर्वयोनिविकाराणां कारणम्।”

(Charaka Samhita – Chikitsa 30)

Meaning: Disturbed Vāta is the cause of most female reproductive disorders.

In endometriosis, this means:

• Vāta becomes disturbed → tissue relocates incorrectly

• Pitta contributes → inflammation, burning pain

• Kapha accumulates → cyst formation, sticky adhesions

How it Forms:

Ayurveda describes a similar process in Artava-Dushti:

“दुष्टं रक्तं स्रवेत तीव्रं पीडाकरं च।”

(Ashtanga Hridaya – Sharira 1)

Meaning: When menstrual blood is unhealthy, it causes pain and abnormal flow.

This aligns with:

✔ Painful periods

✔ Heavy bleeding

✔ Brown spotting

✔ Chronic pelvic pain

Why It Happens:

• Irregular eating and sleeping habits

• Stress and emotional stress

• Consuming excessive cold foods (ice-cold drinks, curd at night)

• Fast food and highly processed food

• Overexertion or suppressing natural urges

Ayurveda refers to this as “Apathyasevana” – unhealthy habits → disturb Vāta → disturb Artava.

Ayurvedic Treatment Logic:

Shloka:

“निर्हरणं च दोषाणां शमनं च हितं स्मृतम्।”

(Charaka)

Meaning: First, remove the harmful doṣas, then pacify and nourish the body.

The treatment involves 3 steps:

Step 1 – Reduce Blockage & Stagnation (Apāna Vāta correction)

Basti therapy is beneficial because Ayurveda states:

“बस्तिः वायोः प्रधान उपचारः।”

(Charaka)

Meaning: Basti is the primary treatment for Vāta disorders.

This helps with:

• Painful periods

• Constipation

• Pelvic congestion

• Movement of misplaced tissues

Step 2 – Reduce Inflammation & Cyst-like Growth

Ayurveda describes cystic/nodular conditions under Granthi.

“वातपित्तकफैः ग्रन्थयः सञ्जायन्ते।”

(Sushruta)

Meaning: Vāta pushes, Pitta inflames, Kapha forms the lump.

Therefore, herbs and ghee preparations aim to:

• Reduce inflammation

• Stop abnormal blood flow

• Shrink cyst-like growth

Step 3 – Restore Hormonal Balance & Healthy Menstruation

This follows the principle:

“आरोग्यं मूलं नारीणां नियमितः ऋतुचक्रः।”

(non-classical paraphrase from Ayurvedic gynecology concepts)

Meaning: Women’s health relies on a balanced menstrual cycle.

Diet, sleep, yoga, and herbs help stabilize Vāta–Pitta and regularize cycles.