Ayurvedic Treatment For Levator Ani Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Our pelvis contains viscera like the bladder, rectum, and pelvic genital organs; all these organs are surrounded and supported by the muscles of the pelvic floor. Many people suffer from pelvic floor disorders like pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, constipation etc. There is a disorder which is due to the spasm of the pelvic floor muscles which is known as the levator ani syndrome. Mainly it is due to the spasm of the levator ani muscle. We will be discussing the levator ani syndrome in this article.

INTRODUCTION

Levator ani muscle is the broader muscle of the pelvic floor which attaches anteriorly to the pubic bones and posteriorly to the ischial spines and to the thickened fascia of the obturator internus muscle. It is the most important muscle of the pelvic floor as it helps in the voiding of the urine, defecation, sexual function. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or in the state of continuous spasm which causes discomfort in the related areas.

It is known by different names like:

1. Chronic anorectal pain
2. Chronic proctalgia
3. Levator spasm
4. Pelvic tension myalgia
5. Piriformis syndrome
6. Puborectalis syndrome

In ayurveda this problem can occur due to the vitiation of the vata dosha in the pelvic area. The main site of vata dosha is below the navel and the pelvic area is dominated by the vata dosha. There are 5 types of vata dosha pran vayu, udaan vayu, samaan vayu, apan vayu (sush/nidan/1/12). The vata dosha which is present in the pelvic floor is known as the apan vayu. This type of vayu is responsible for the passage of urine, feces, semen, and fetus outside the body. Vata dosha is responsible for the movement and dryness in the body, and in levator ani syndrome there is stiffness and spasm of the levator ani muscles which is due to the afflicted vata dosha in the body.

CAUSES OF THE LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME

There is not known exact cause of the levator ani syndrome, it can be associated with the following conditions

1. Stopping the urge to urinate and passing stool, in ayurveda also this is known as veg dharan which aggravates the vata dosha in the pelvic area.
2. This can be related to the vulvodynia
3. Injury around or on the pelvic area
4. Intercourse also if it is painful
5. There can be chronic pelvic pain related like IBS, endometriosis or interstitial cystitis

According to Ayurveda, these conditions will aggravate the vata dosha mainly apan vayu which is in the pelvic area and will create the symptoms of levator ani syndrome.

SYMPTOMS OF THE LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME

As this is a syndrome it will cause many associated symptoms like:

1. Pain - Patient may experience pain which is usually not associated with the bowel movement. It can be mild to severe, which is an on and off type.
2. Urinary and bowel problems - Due to the dysfunction of levator ani muscle there is disturbed urinary and bowel problems like bloating, urge to urinate, often urgently or without being able to void urine, pain in the bladder.
3. Sexual problems - This condition can cause pain in during the intercourse or after intercourse in women and painful ejaculation in men, premature ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction in men.

TREATMENT

Different approaches are there to handle this condition like

• Physiotherapy which includes massage, heat and biofeedback from a physiotherapist who is trained in pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Muscle relaxants can be used like gabapentin or pregabalin.
• Corticosteroid or botox injection on the affected area.
• Having acupuncture therapy
• Nerve stimulation therapy
• Sex therapy

HOME REMEDIES

Different home remedies can be used to have symptomatic relief from the discomfort of the levator ani syndrome

1. Patients can take over the counter pain relievers
2. Sitz bath in warm water can be of help
3. Different exercises like deep squats, happy baby poses, leg up the wall.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

As this is a vaat dominated disorder, the treatments which will pacify the vata dosha will be able to treat the levator ani syndrome. Panchkarma procedures like snehan (oelation) in the form of massage, sweden (sudation), basti karma (herbal enema), basti karma is the best treatment for any disorder related to the vata dosha. Conservative treatment can be done with the help of herbs which will pacify the vata doshas. Herbs should be used in the form of ghrita or oil forms that are really effective for the vata dosha.

TREATMENT FROM PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda has many medications which are able to treat the vata dosha of the body. It has a wide variety of medication to treat the diseases related to the vata dosha. There is a perfect combination of medications for levator ani syndrome which are made under the pure and hygienic environment all the medications are standardized according to ayurvedic pharmacopeia which are made under the guidance of expert ayurvedic doctors. These medications are free from the fillers and preservatives.

LIST OF MEDICATIONS WHICH CAN BE USED ARE:

1. Avipattikar Churna
2. Yograj Guggul
3. Arogyavardhini Vati
4. Navkarshik Churna
5. Dhanwantharam Thailam
6. Ashwagandha Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Levator Ani Syndrome

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Avipattikar Churna

This churna contains ingredients like triphala, pippali (Piper longum), sonth (Zingiber officinale), lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), Nishoth (Operculina turpethum) etc all these ingredients are very effective for the treatment of the vata dosha, mainly for the treatment of the apana vayu.

Dosage - 1 teaspoon thrice 10 mins before a meal with warm water.

2. Yograj Guggul

This contains major ingredients like gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), guggul (Commiphora mukul), rasna (Alpinia galanga) this medication will act as a very good muscle relaxant and prevents the pain related to any area in the body.

Dosage - 2 tablets twice a day with warm water after meals.

3. Arogyavardhni Vati

Main ingredients in this formulation are haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), shudh shilajit (purified asphaltum), kutki (picrorhiza kurroa), shuddha parad (purified mercury) this medication is used in wide variety of disorder and it can be used for the treatment of levator ani syndrome as this will decrease the pain and help in regular bowel movements.

Dosage - ½ tablet twice a day with plain water.

4. Navkarshik Churna

This churna is patent medication of planet ayurveda it contains ingredients like amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bahera (Terminalia bellirica), vacha (acorus calamus), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) etc all these ingredients are helpful in the balancing vata dosha and will relieve the symptoms like muscle pain.

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoon twice a day with warm water.

5. Dhanwantharam Thailam

This oil contains ingredients like balaa (Sida cordifolia), yava (Hordeum vulgare), dashmoola (group of 10 herbs). Massage with this oil will be helpful in strengthening the pelvic muscles and reduce the vata dosha.

Usage - apply locally after warming up and then give hot fomentation over the muscular area.

6. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules contain extracts of the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is helpful in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and reducing the pain.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice after meals with plain water.

CONCLUSION

This is a disorder in which there is discomfort in the pelvic floor due to the spasm of the levator ani muscle. This is a really painful condition in which there symptoms like bloating, pain in the pelvic area, difficulty in voiding urine and feces. This disease is not having any treatment in modern medication; only symptomatic relief is there as this disease arises due to the aggravation of vata dosha due to various reasons in the pelvic floor; it can be treated according to that. The medications and procedures which will pacify the vata dosha in the body will be helpful in treating the condition. For more information visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

Bowel Obstruction Treatment in Ayurveda

If someone is experiencing persistent pain in the abdomen and feels bloated all time and also feels like something is obstructed in the gut or feels as if the body is too exhausted to pass the gas all these are maybe the signs of bowel obstruction. This is a serious condition in which a person is unable when these intestines are in diseased form, then these functions may hamper and even the movement of chyme through the intestines and cause obstruction due to any cause. So in today's article, we are going to discuss bowel obstruction and its Ayurvedic treatment through herbal remedies.

INTRODUCTION

Bowel obstruction is a seriously complicated condition. In this disease, where digestive channels primarily small intestines become obstructed. The obstruction occurs when the lumen of the small or large intestines is completely or partially blocked. The path of the digested food could be obstructed and prevent the result from reaching the desired location. Along with food, the fluids are also obstructed in this condition and make this condition worse with time. This obstruction is the result of fibrous band adhesions in the abdomen after surgery.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT FOR BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

We can correlate this disease with badhgudodar under the chapter udar roga in Charaka Samhita. This disease is caused due to the intake of hairs or any other foreign particles accidentally, recurrent yawning, and intake of excessive food at once. These causes will lead to the symptoms of badhgudodar such as excessive thirst, burning sensation in the body, fever, pain in thighs, cough, and dyspnea, retention of urine and feces, retention of flatus, venous engorgement over the abdomen.

ETIOLOGY / CAUSES

Bowel obstruction has many causes and some of them are:

• Adhesions
• Hernias
• Bowel cancer
• Some scar tissue
• Damaged blood vessels
• Volvulus
• Impacted feces

CLINICAL FEATURES / SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of this condition will depend on how severe the obstruction is, so the common signs and symptoms of this condition are:

• Severe constipation
• Tenesmus
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen belly
• Inability to pass the gas
• Severe abdominal pain

RISK FACTORS

The risk factors for this disease are:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Hernia
• Colon cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Scar tissue from surgery

COMPLICATION

If this condition is left untreated then the following complications may arise: 

• Intestinal wall to die due to tissue death
• Peritonitis

DIAGNOSIS

A doctor will go through the medical history for making a proper diagnosis. Apart from this other diagnostic methods are:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Urine examination
• CT abdomen
• MRI abdomen
• X-ray abdomen

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT FOR BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Sweden must be done (sudation) to melt the doshas in the body. Then administration of Snuhiksheer (Extract of Calotropis procera) along with other theekshana (piercing properties) herbs that are mixed in gumutra along with tila taila (Sesame oil) and saindhav lavan (Rock salt). Enema is prepared and administration of firstly niruha basti and then anuvasana basti should be done.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Planet Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic firm that deals with herbal remedies. This is a herbal manufacturing company where herbal formulations are prepared by using the standardized extracts of potent herbs. These extracted herbal formulations are really effective in managing many conditions related to the disturbed digestive system and other problems too. The formulations prepared by this company do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers, chemicals, etc. These herbal remedies are really potent to manage various conditions arising due to Bowel obstruction. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of bowel obstruction are as follows:

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Avipattikar Churna
2. Abhayarisht
3. Kumari Saar
4. Panchsakar Churna

Herbal Remedies for Bowel Obstruction

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Avipattikar Churna

This churna (powder) formulation is a classical Ayurvedic medicine. It has ingredients like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)  Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), etc. These all ingredients in this formulation works very well in pacification and balancing the pitta dosha along with the vata dosha too. Avipattikar churna is generally known to have a healing effect on the lining of the stomach due to its antacid properties. This classical remedy is useful in managing conditions like constipation, heartburn, indigestion, gastritis, and others too. This churna has really good results in bowel obstruction too.

Dosage - ½ tsp before meals twice a day with warm water.

2. Abhayarisht

This is a classical formulation used in mild to severe constipation. This is an Ayurvedic liquid preparation that is prepared using the fermentation method by using the herbs like  Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), mahua flower (Madhuca longifolia), Munnaka (Vitis vinifera), vayavidanga (Embelia ribes), and many others. This fermented medicine is very effective in opening the blockage in the intestines due to its laxative effect. This formulation is really helpful in reducing inflammation in the gut.

Abhayarishta acts as a vata anulomana means it pacifies vata dosha and it also has an impact on digestion too. It enhances the Agni (digestion fire) and stabilizes the digestion process. This syrup has good results on almost all digestion-related ailments including intestinal obstruction too.

Dosage - 2 tsp twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

3. Kumari Saar

This saar has kumari or aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis). The formulation is prepared in such a way that it adds fiber to the digestive tract to loosen the hard stools in the gut. It provides a soothing effect on the digestive tract. It helps in clearing out obstructions and helps in opening the obstruction present in the intestine. Kumari saar also has certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and these properties make it more potent to be used as a choice of formulation in bowel obstruction. It enhances the all-over metabolism of the digestive tract. It's the best natural formula to detox the body.

Dosage - 2 tsp in equal amounts of water in the morning time.

4. Panchsakar Churna

This churna (powder) is a very effective herbal blend of many herbs like Sonth (Zingiber officinale), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Senai (Cassia angustifolia), choti harad (Terminalia chebula) along with saindhav lavan (rock salt). The formulation is very effective in providing relief in the obstruction in the intestinal tract. It also balances the potassium level in the body. This herbal powder also provides relief in the recurrent cramps in the abdomen along with feelings of nausea and vomiting. The formulation is very potent in correcting the metabolism.

Dosage - ½ tsp twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

CONCLUSION

Bowel obstruction is something that can not be ruled out easily and the patient feels that something is always in the abdominal cavity. Usually, the condition is the result of strictures, colon cancer or rectal cancer, volvulus, etc. But by providing good and effective herbal supplements this condition can be treated well. So the above-mentioned formulations can be used and effectively manage this disease. All the herbal products of Planet Ayurveda are totally natural and do not have any kind of side effects because they are free from chemicals and preservatives.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Marma Therapy - Purpose, Benefits, Precautions & More...

WHAT IS MARMA?

Marma is the vital parts or areas of the body. This term comes from the Sanskrit word Mri means death. There is a Sanskrit phrase, "Mariyatiti marma" this means there is a likelihood of death or serious damage to health, when these points are inflicted or when it hurts. Marma is also referred to as any open, exposed, weak or sensitive part of the body. In Ayurveda, these points on the body are located at the intersections of veins, muscles, joints, bones, ligaments and tendons. These points are considered vital points because they are infused with prana (life force energy). These vital points can be activated by touch or massage and their violation may be life-threatening. Marma points play a great role in Ayurveda's healing power. These are the doorways into the body and consciousness.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MARMA

The combination of Mansa (muscles), Sira (Blood vessels), Snayu (tendons and ligaments), Asthi (Bones), and Sandhi (Joints) is known as Marma. Mainly, life exists in these vital parts. That is why any trauma or deformity in these points leads to serious complications¹.

CLASSIFICATION OF MARMA

Acharya Sushruta mentioned that "Saptotaram marmashatam" means there are 107 marmas in our body. These 107 marmas are divided into five parts:

According To The Location On The Body:

• On lower extremities - 11 in the right leg and 11 in the left leg- total 22 (Kshipra, Talhridya, Kurcha, Kurchshir, Gulfa, Indrabasti, Janu, Aani, Urvi, Lohitaksh, and Vitap) 
• On upper extremities - 11 in the right arm and 11 in the left arm- total 22  (Kshipra, Talhridya, Kurcha, Kurchshir, Manibandh, Indrabasti, Karpur, Aani, Urvi, Lohitaksha, and Kakshdar) 
• On the chest and stomach - 12 (Guda, Basti, Nabhi, Hridya, 2 Stanmool, 2 Stanrohit, 2 Aplapa, 2 Apstambha)
• On the back - 14 (2 Katiktarun, 2 Kukundar, 2 Nitamba, 2 Parshavsandhi, 2 Brihati, 2 Ansphalak, 2 Ansa)
• On the head and neck - 37 (4 Dhamniyan, 8 Matrikayein, 2 Krikatika, 2 Vidhur, 2 Phan, 2 Apanga, 2 Avarta, 2 Utkshepa, 2 Shankh, 1 Sthapani, 5 Simanta, 4 Shringatak, 1 Adhipati)

According To Anatomical Positions:

• Mansamarma - 11 (4 Talhridya, 4 Indrabasti, 1 Guda, and 2 Stanrohit)
• Shiramarma - 41 (2 Nila, 2 Manya dhamani, 8 Matrikayein, 4 Shringatak, 2 Apanga, 1 Sthapani, 2 Phan, 2 Stanmool, 2 Aplapa, 2 Apstambha, 1 Hridya, 1 Nabhi, 2 Parshavsandhi, 2 Brihati, 4 Lohitaksha, and 4 Urvi)
• Snayumarma - 27 (4 Aani, 2 Vitap, 2 Kshadhar, 4 Kurcha, 4 Kurchashir, 1 Basti, 4 Kshipra, 2 Ansa, 2 Vidhur, and 2 Utksepa)
• Asthimarma - 8 (2 Katiktarun, 2 Nitamba, 2 Ansaphalak, and 2 Shankh)
• Sandhimarma - 20 (2 Janu, 2 Karpur, 5 Simant, 1 Adhipati, 2 Gulfa, 2 Manibandh, 2 Kukundar, 2 Avarta, and 2 Krikatika)

According To The Effect On The Body:

• Sadya pranhar marma - Injury to these points causes sudden death. They are 17 in number (4 Shringatak, 1 Adhipati, 2 Shankh, 8 Kantha sirayein, 1 Guda, 1 Hridya, 1 Basti, and 1 Nabhi) 
• Kalantar pranhar marma - Injury to these points will cause death after some days. They are 33 in number (2 Aplapa, 2 Apstambha, 2 Stanrohit, 2 Stanmool, 5 Simant, 4 Talhridya, 4 Kshipra, 4 Indrabasti, 2 Katiktarun, 2 Parshavsandhi, 2 Brihati, 2 Nitamba) 
• Vaishalyaghan marma - life till the foreign body is in body and if it removes it will cause death. They are 3 in number (2 Utkshepa, 1 Sthapani)
• Vaikalyakar marma - 44 (2 Janu, 4 Aani, 4 Urvi, 4 Lohitaksh, 4 Kurcha, 2 Vitap, 2 Karpur, 2 Kukundar, 2 Kakshdar, 2 Krikatika, 2 Vidhur, 2 Ansa, 2 Ansphalak, 2 Apanga, 2 Phan, 2 Nila, 2 Manya, 2 Aavarta)
• Rujakar marma - 8 (2 Gulfa, 2 Manibandh, and 4 Kurchshir)

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MARMA?

Basically, there are four basic purposes of Marma:

• Remove blockage in the channels known as Strotas
• Pacifies Vata dosha
• Gives physical, mental, and emotional relaxation
• Powerful and dynamic transformation at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level

WHAT IS MARMA THERAPY?

Marma Therapy is a traditional Ayurvedic massage technique that helps in sustaining the flow of energy throughout the body. By just stimulating these marma points, they produce vital energy along with a complex system of subtle channels called Nadis. Basically, this marma therapy provides relief from various pains. It is also believed that marma therapy provides instant relief from pain than any analgesics. This therapy aims at changing or improving biochemistry inside the body.

HOW TO PERFORM MARMA THERAPY?

During Marma therapy, deep stimulation should be given to the marma points on the body. The Marma therapy should be performed by a trained Marma therapist. Because this needs constant pressure and perfect technique to stimulate the marma points and provide better results. This should be performed like:

• Constant pressure with the help of thumb or finger
• Put pressure on marma points at least 20 times
• To know whether the pressure is accurate or not, if the patient feels light pain on putting pressure then this means the pressure is accurate and continue with the procedure

BENEFITS OF MARMA THERAPY

The benefits of Marma therapy are:

• It provides relief from acute or chronic pain 
• Detoxification at all levels
• Balances all three doshas
• It releases neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin for improved cognitive functions and deeper sleep
• This therapy releases stagnant energy and stimulates the internal organs, hormones, and other chemicals to help meet all the needs of the body.

PRECAUTIONS FOR MARMA STIMULATION

We have to take some precautions before doing Marma therapy:

• Knowledge of exact points of marma
• The patient should be fed with light food
• The amount of pressure should be known
• If the patient has low satva (less tolerating power) then the procedure should be in a lying position
• Incorrect stimulation may lead to swelling in that area
• Don't use any kind of wooden or steel object for therapy because the hands are the best instrument for safe and accurate therapy

TRIMARMA

Acharya Charak mentioned the three important marma in our body. They are included in Pranayatana i.e. site of Prana (life). We know that as the base is destroyed, the dependent is also destroyed. Likewise, the destruction of any of the three marmas may destroy the individual prana. These three marmas i.e Shira, Hridya, and Basti are the important organs that represent the different systems of the body and those are the Nervous system, cardiovascular system, and Urinary system respectively.

These Trimarma are explained in the Charak Samhita in the 26th chapter of Chikitsasthan. These three marmas are the center points of life. Any injury to these three marmas causes sudden death of the individual. These three organs are the central authoritative organ of the sensing system of the body.

SYMPTOMS OF MARMAGHAT (INJURY TO THE MARMA POINTS)

Any trauma to the Marma points will always lead to grave injury. If a person survives from that injury then a deformity will create for the lifetime. Common symptoms of Marmaghat are:

• Giddiness
• Fainting
• Dyspnea
• Heaviness in the body
• Burning sensation all over the body
• Loss of strength and power
• Excessive sweating
• Numbness

CONCLUSION

Marma therapy is very helpful in clearing the blockage in the channels of the body which is responsible for an imbalance of doshas, especially Vata dosha. These marma therapies increase the pain threshold and rejuvenate the major chakras of our body which further results in the enhancement of physical, mental wellbeing. This therapy will yield marvelous results in the management of chronic pain disorders. It is very important that every Ayurvedic physician should know the marma points and how to do marma therapy and what else can be the consequences.

REFERENCES

1. Sushruta Sharirsthan 6/16