“Ayurveda and fertility – the dosha analysis fertility practice” was initially published in The Ribbon Box and is shared here with permission.
Exploring alternative avenues for fertility support? Ayurveda’s time-tested wisdom may hold the key.
An ancient form of medicine that originated in India, Ayurveda and fertility combine in a gentle, holistic approach to understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of reproductive well-being – and pretty much everything else!
Ayurveda and fertility – an expert Q&A
We sat down with Mani Maran, a Singaporean Vaidyar with over 30 years of experience and an Ayurveda specialist at Thrive Journey, to learn more about Ayurvedic fertility practice.
Thrive Journey is your go-to for holistic support when trying to conceive (TTC). Our online Fertility Wellness program combines qigong yoga, Ayurvedic nutrition and support, and relaxation techniques with a clinically tested approach to preconception planning.
Want to learn more? Read on as we cover off:
- The Ayurvedic approach to fertility
- The three Doshas
- How their balance impacts your reproductive well-being
- Some of the personalized insights Ayurveda offers
- Tailored fertility support you can expect
Now, over to Mani.
The Ayurveda 101
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is often seen as the mother of all traditional healing methods. It is a complete system with eight branches addressing various aspects of the body and mind.
It is a bit tricky to pin down precisely because it has been shaped by various wise people and yogis over the years.
However, in a nutshell, Ayurveda equips us with the knowledge to understand our unique nature and live life at our healthiest and best.
There is also Modern Ayurveda and classical Ayurveda. I inherited classical Ayurveda from my father, and very few practice it. In contrast, Modern Ayurveda is very similar to modern conventional medicine, which doctors practice.
How does Ayurveda, with its focus on Doshas, approach fertility?
The term Dosha in Ayurveda translates to ‘disturbances’. Ayurveda practitioners believe that conditions like infertility can occur when any of the three Doshas (or a combination of them) becomes excessive.
Ayurveda holds that an excess of Dosha happens when an individual’s lifestyle has impacted their body for an extended period, affecting the digestive qualities and rendering food indigestible. If this indigestible food is not eliminated quickly enough, it becomes putrified and toxic.
In Ayurveda terminology, this putrified food is called ‘Ama.’ Ama is the culprit behind the excessive Dosha, which subsequently affects the proper functioning of various tissues and organs, leading to diseases and imbalance.
So, what are the three Doshas?
The three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha —constantly undergo changes influenced by internal and external factors and interact with one another.
- Vata governs all movements within the body and mind.
- Pitta transforms food into energy and thoughts into action.
- Kapha provides stability and grounding, allowing our bodies to carry out various activities.
It must be corrected to attribute specific functions to each Dosha, a mistake often made when using a ‘Dosha quiz.’ While a quiz might be fun online, it should be something other than professionally applied.
For instance, labelling individuals with a Pitta Dosha as inherently angry is flawed. All three Doshas can express anger, but how they manifest it differs significantly.
How can we explain the concept of balance in Ayurveda and fertility?
Our body and mind operate under the influence of these three Doshas. It’s important to note that achieving a state where all three Doshas have the same degree of qualities, i.e., balance, is neither feasible nor accurate!
The term ‘balance’ is likely introduced to signify that the three Doshas have stabilized after removing excess Dosha. In essence, stability equals balance here! The potential for improved fertility arises when the system achieves stability by eliminating excess Dosha.
Ayurveda and fertility support
All three Doshas can influence reproductive health. Here’s a quick overview of the Ayurvedic perspective.
Note – Imbalances in the different Doshas can present with identical symptoms, and a particular Dosha imbalance only indicates ‘tendencies’ towards specific symptoms – so it’s not as straightforward as simply saying that symptom X means that Dosha Y is imbalanced!
This is why consulting with an experienced Ayurveda practitioner is crucial to accurately trace the chain of causality to the ‘root cause’.
Dosha imbalance and menstrual issues
- Vata Dosha: Imbalances in Vata are thought to cause irregular or painful periods, light bleeding, and fertility challenges due to disruptions in blood and hormone flow, as Vata governs movement and circulation.
- Pitta Dosha: Pitta imbalances may result in heavy bleeding, hot flashes, and irritability during menstruation. Governing digestion and metabolism, Pitta issues can lead to inflammation, infection, and excessive body heat.
- Kapha Dosha: An imbalance in Kapha, governing structure and lubrication, may contribute to heavy, sluggish periods, fluid retention, and ovulation issues. Excessive mucus can lead to sluggishness, slowness, and blockages.
Dosha imbalance and specific fertility-impacting conditions
- Fibroids: Ayurveda associates fibroids with Kapha imbalance. Excess Kapha can lead to the formation of cysts and tumours.
- PCOS: Ayurveda views PCOS as a combination of Pitta and Kapha imbalances. Pitta contributes to inflammation and hormonal imbalances, while Kapha is said to lead to insulin resistance and weight gain.
- Light menstruation: Vata imbalance is often associated with light or irregular periods. The lack of Vata’s grounding and nourishing energy is believed to lead to inadequate blood production.
- Heavy menstruation: Heavy bleeding is often associated with Pitta imbalance. Excessive heat and inflammation in the body can lead to heavy and prolonged periods.
- Anovulation: Ovulation is a delicate process that requires a balance of all three doshas. An imbalance in any Dosha can disrupt ovulation and lead to infertility.
- Endometriosis: Ayurveda views endometriosis as a result of Vata and Pitta imbalances. Vata governs movement, and an imbalance can lead to the displacement of uterine tissue. Pitta regulates inflammation, and an imbalance can contribute to the pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis.
What does a Dosha analysis look like?
At Thrive Journey, Dosha analyses through a one-on-one online consultation with me.
We’ll include a thorough review of your daily lifestyle routine, a personalized interview, and observation. This comprehensive approach enables us to pinpoint the ‘root cause’ of infertility.
Sometimes, a pulse reading known as ‘Naadi Parikshai’ can further refine the analysis. The pulse readings disclose your current constitution (Vikriti) and your constitution at birth (Prakriti). The disparity between these two states guides me in determining the corrective measures needed to restore balance.
What does Ayurveda suggest to restore balance to your Dosha and improve fertility?
Ayurveda recommends a mix of lifestyle adjustments, including eating and diet, exercise, and sleep.
Additionally, Ayurvedic formulations are created to help manage and eliminate excess Dosha. Ayurvedic oil massages, an essential detoxification tool, will also be advised.
These components are considered a standard package meant to be done together, not separately.
After the standard treatment package, a 7-day cleanse known as ‘Panchakarma’ is suggested to ensure a more thorough removal of toxins.
Whether you’re looking for alternative support or looking to complement more conventional approaches, the timeless principles of Ayurveda offer one of the best genuinely holistic perspectives available.
Are you keen to kick-start your fertility journey with this ancient wisdom? The Thrive Journey platform offers the following online programs:
- Yoga and Ayurveda for Fertility (3-day FREE program)
- Fertility Yoga for Doshas (30-day program tuned to your menstrual cycle and Dosha)
- Ayurvedic Fertility Diet (30-day nutrition program with access to Mani’s Ayurvedic recipes)
Hop over to Thrive and sign up for their virtual health hub to access these courses, plus a wealth of other resources created to support you physically, emotionally, and mentally through your journey to conception.