“Ayurveda And Yoga “are somehow interrelated. Ayurveda is the science of life or living, while yoga is the practice of science; thus, both have an inevitable connection with each other. Both originated as a part of the incredible systems from Vedic Knowledge and together encompass healing disciplines in our body. On one aspect, Ayurveda addresses all areas of medicine and healing of the body and on the other, Yoga deals with the purification of the mind and consciousness. Thus, together, they complement each other and encompass all of human life and the entire universe.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a mere syndrome. Much research has shown that polycystic ovarian syndrome is mainly caused due to a sedentary lifestyle and tight schedule busy, stressful life where no time for a proper meal, good food, and proper sleep and exercise is almost nill to practised. 

The science of Yogasanas actually works at the root cause of PCOS, i.e., stress and Obesity. Yoga is much deeper than just the physical level. Yogasanas help to release deeply stored stress in the system, which can help to improve PCOS symptoms like ;

• Sudden weight gain – by practising some active Yogasanas, which helps provide cardiovascular workouts and thus helps in weight management.
• Helps to combat insulin resistance -holding weight-bearing poses builds muscle. In turn, increased muscle mass helps to combat insulin resistance.
• Helps promote hormonal balance-  Regular practice of specific yoga asanas is believed to support hormonal balance and relaxation at the same time, potentially helping regulate adrenal and cortisol levels in individuals dealing with the stress associated with PCOS.

Any sort of medicine will only work in a patient when the mind accepts it 

Understanding PCOS/PCOD and Its Impact

PCOS is a complex condition with diverse manifestations, impacting both physical and reproductive health. Its multifaceted nature involving hormonal, metabolic, and psychological factors underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

PCOS is a common female endocrine disorder affecting the reproductive system and functioning.

What happens in PCOD?

Due to various causative factors like stress, sedentary lifestyle, etc, there will be an increased production of androgen ( a hormone) by the ovaries, which suppresses the maturation of ovarian follicles. So, the ovum does not get properly formed and released (anovulation occurs)

While in the concept of Ayurveda, due to our Ahara Vihara (food habits and sedentary lifestyles), and manasika vikaras (emotional, stress factors) leads to vitiation of Vata-Kapha Dosha converted into Vata-Kapha Artava Dushti leads to PCOS.

The Role of Yoga in PCOS/PCOD Management

The science of Yogasanas works at two primary root causes of PCOS, i.e., Stress and Obesity due to improper digestion. Yoga is much more profound than just the physical body level.  Yogasanas address multiple aspects related to PCOS. The combination of stress reduction, muscle building, and hormonal balance through yoga offers a holistic approach to managing PCOS symptoms. The mind-body connection in yoga appears to play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being.

Yoga is a great stress buster in women’s life. Tress can even lead to unwanted weight gain. Entering a peaceful state lowers the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to store fat. Yoga eases any stress through breathing techniques, especially by doing Pranayamas that bring complete relaxation to the body. Relaxation can work to offset the effects of hormonal imbalance and by avoiding negative emotions and irritability. Yoga strengthens the muscles, improves the hormonal levels, maintains balance, and combats insulin resistance. 

Yoga Poses for PCOS/PCOD Management

Even though all Yoga has a wide breadth of practice. From a gentle flow to advanced poses reserved for experienced ones. Following Yogasanas are 

Good to practise in PCOS;

Dhanurasana 

It helps to stimulate the function of the reproductive organs, relieves menstrual discomfort, and helps normalise the menstrual cycle. I

Balasana 

One of the vital yoga poses included in PCOS natural treatment is the child’s pose, which brings about relaxation by soothing the Central Nervous System. It also releases lower back tension, menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms and normalises blood flow throughout the body

Padmasana 

Padmasana, also known as Lotus Pose, is a basic meditation pose that is often included in the 

Pranayama breathing exercise. This pose helps in pelvic stretching hormonal balance, which is vital for PCOS treatment. It helps to reduce menstrual discomfort, control blood pressure, ease childbirth and relax the mind.

Naukasana 

The boat pose, or Naukasana, is one of the useful Yogasanas for PCOS treatment that engages the core muscles, helping to strengthen and tone the abdominal area. It puts controlled pressure on the abdominal region, increases blood flow to the reproductive organs and enhances the functions of the ovaries.  

Suryanamaskaram

Suryanamaskara has many benefits  like;

• Improves blood circulation in the body

Due to the active inhalation and exhalation process involved, the lungs are constantly ventilated, and the blood remains oxygenated. It’s a great way of detoxing your body and thus helping to get rid of excess carbon dioxide and other toxic gases.

• It’s a magical mantra for weight loss

When done at a fast pace, Suryanamaskaram is a great cardiovascular workout that stretches the abdominal muscles while simultaneously helping you reduce excess weight around your stomach. The Asanas also result in toning your arms and abs and giving great flexibility to your spine. Moreover, It helps to strengthen your entire skeletal system, including your ligaments.

• Promotes a regular menstrual cycle

If one is facing the problem of an irregular menstrual cycle, these Asanas will help you suppress this irregularity, and if practised daily, it ensures an easy childbirth.

• Anti-anxiety and Calming

Surya Namaskar helps to improve memory and the nervous system. Moreover, it stabilises the activity of the endocrine and thyroid glands, thereby reducing anxiety and inducing the sensation of complete calmness and tranquillity.

Badhakonasana

Badhakonasana, or Butterfly pose, is a simple and easy-to-do yoga pose that works wonderfully for natural PCOS treatment. This Asana helps to open up the pelvic region and promote relaxation, which in turn helps to reduce stress and relieve discomfort related to menstruation. But you must have a relaxed and calm mind while practising this yoga pose. 

Paschimottasana

This asana stretches the lower back, hamstrings and hips. It improves fertility and relieves stress. Tones the abdominal-pelvic organs. Balance the menstrual cycle

Read More:

PCOS Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala

Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Cure PCOS

Ayurvedic Treatment for PCOS and Infertility in Women

Creating a Personalized Yoga Routine

Since PCOS is not a disease but is an abnormal condition which is mainly caused by the sedentary lifestyle that we follow and the mental stress in today’s world. Thus, if one needs to cure this abnormal condition, more than any medicines and other external treatment, one needs to give more importance to the food they intake by following a healthy lifestyle and the stress to be avoided to an extent which can be easily possible by regular practice of Yoga on a daily basis, where you are giving time to your body for healing from inside and helps in maintaining a balance between body and mind. Getting a proper consultation and proper advice from an Ayurvedic physician and certified yoga instructor will help you choose the yoga asanas as per your concerns and the condition of the body. By involving Yoga on a daily basis, one can notice the change in own body not in a day but gradually help out one with PCOS.

 Incorporating Yoga into Daily Life

By giving a new start with a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle with regular practice, Yogasanas itself will result in a good result in PCOS. Involving yoga on a daily basis in a daily routine will help one to be attached to oneself and help one to heal from the inside. PCOS can be cured by properly analysing the condition taking medications and modifying the diet and lifestyle as per advice of a physician. Yoga, along with a healthy diet helps to lose weight.

Reasons that Yoga might help the weight loss process 

include: 

1. Effective stress management, reducing the likelihood of stress eating. 
2. Increased body awareness, specifically relating to hunger and satiety Mindfulness and mindful eating. 

What Makes Dheemahi Special in Ayurvedic PCOS Treatment?

Dheemahi is dedicated to providing personalised Ayurvedic treatments, focusing on traditional methods and expert consultations. The emphasis on patient health and wellness, along with a result-oriented approach, reflects a commitment to holistic well-being. The unique approach involves a series of discussions during your initial decision-making process to make sure that we will be able to match your expectations with our treatment. Based on the discussions with our team of expert doctors, we will design the best treatment package personalised to your needs