Ayurveda for BPH

Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) is the swelling of the prostate gland, which is very commonly seen after 50 yrs.

This hypertrophy can sometimes also lead to prostate cancer. The famous Ayurvedic text Yogranakara defines BPH as: naabherad hasthaatsanjaatha sanchaari yadi vaavaachala astheelaavad ghand granthiroodhwar maayata unnatai, which means below the umbilicus there is a hard gland which is a little bit bulged and changes its size sometimes. This gland when affected by vitiated vata causes a disease known as vataastheela, i.e. BPH.

Causes of BPH:

  • Vitiation of apan vayu due to
  • 1) Controlling the urge of urination
    2) Controlling the urge of defecation
    3) Overindulgence in sex
    4) Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food
    5) Old age
    6) General Weakness\ physical and mental over exertion
    7) Indigestion

    Symptoms of BPH:
    1) Increased frequency of urination
    2) Feeling of urine still remaining inside even after urination
    3) Obstruction to easy flow of urine
    4) Have to wait for a while to micturate
    5) Bloating of stomach
    6) Pain in bladder

    Diagnosis: It can be diagnosed through a blood test known as Prostate Specific Antigen. Its value rises in BPH .It is also confirmed via Ultrasonography by measuring residual urine, i.e. the amount of urine remaining inside the bladder after urinating, and above 150 ml needs attention.

    Treatment according to Ayurveda:

  • Take equal amounts of punarnava churna, gokshura churna and shilajit churna and mix them all. Take this powder in quantities of one fourth table spoon once or twice a day with warm water atleast for 2 months.
  • Perform uddiyan bandh and moolbandh. These are yogic exercises where in the anus is contracted upwards and umbilicus is pulled inwards with holding of breath as long as you can. This exercise increases the blood flow to the prostate thereby reducing hypertrophy. It should be done atleast 10 times at one stretch. One sitting is enough for a day.
  • With respect to food, take high amounts of pumpkin and sunflower seeds as it has lots of zinc which will be very beneficial in reducing prostate hypertrophy.
  • By – Dr. Hiren Parekh