Tag: Pitta Dosha

Prostate Cancer: Types, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Prostate issues are prevalent health conditions that mainly affect men, particularly as they age. The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder, responsible for producing seminal fluid. Common prostate concerns include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, often causes urinary problems such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and incomplete bladder emptying. Prostatitis involves inflammation of the prostate, typically accompanied by pain, fever, and urinary discomfort. Prostate cancer, a malignant disease, is one of the most common cancers in men, with age, family history, and lifestyle being significant risk factors. In this article we will discuss this in detail and we will discuss its ayurvedic aspect and its management.

Prostate

Introduction

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and is roughly the size of a walnut. It is located at the base of the bladder, and the urethra, a tube that carries urine and semen through the penis, passes through it. The prostate produces an alkaline fluid that helps nourish sperm, which is eventually expelled from the body as semen during ejaculation. The prostate undergoes two primary phases of growth. The first occurs during puberty when sex hormones from the testes stimulate the gland to reach an average weight of about 20 grams. The second phase of growth starts in a man’s thirties.

Approximately 25% of the men aged 55 and older experience some form of prostate issue, with this number rising to 50% by the age of 70%. In the early stage of prostate condition, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

Types

There are various types of prostate disorder, including :

  1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) : A noncancerous prostate enlargement that can cause symptoms like frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.
  2. Prostatitis : Inflammation or infection of the prostate, It can lead to pain, fever, trouble urinating, and pelvic discomfort.
  3. Prostate Cancer : The growth of malignant cells in the prostate, it is the most common type of cancer in men, with symptoms that may include urinary problems and, in advanced cases, more severe signs of illness.
  4. Prostate Abscess : A pus-filled infection in the prostate, often due to bacteria, causing pain, fever, and issues with urination.
  5. Prostate Stones : Hard mineral deposits that form in the prostate, potentially causing pain, swelling, and urinary difficulties.

Causes

The cause of prostate disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but some common factors include :

Factors Affecting Prostate Health

  • Age – As men get older, the likelihood of developing prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, increases.
  • Hormonal Changes – Hormones like testosterone can play a role in prostate growth and may contribute to conditions like BPH or prostate cancer.
  • Genetics – A family history of prostate problems, particularly prostate cancer, can increase the risk of developing similar issues.
  • Infections – Bacterial infections may lead to prostatitis, causing inflammation and pain in the prostate.
  • Inflammation – Chronic inflammation of the prostate can lead to prostatitis and may be related to autoimmune conditions or infections.
  • Diet and Lifestyle – A diet high in fat and low in vegetables, as well as lack of exercise, may increase the risk of prostate conditions like cancer. Obesity and smoking can also contribute.
  • Genetic Mutations – Specific mutations in genes like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
  • Chemical Exposure – Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as those in pesticides or industrial products, may increase the risk of prostate disease.
  • Sexual Activity – Frequent or unprotected sexual activity may increase the risk of infections leading to prostatitis.
  • Chronic Health Conditions – Other health problems, such as diabetes, may contribute to an increased risk of prostate issues.

Symptoms

The symptoms of prostate disease can vary depending on the type of condition, but common signs include:

Common Symptoms of Prostate Problems

  • Frequent Urination – A need to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia).
  • Weak or Interrupted Urine Flow – Difficulty starting or maintaining a steady stream of urine.
  • Painful Urination – Discomfort or burning sensation while urinating.
  • Difficulty Emptying the Bladder – A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination.
  • Blood in Urine or Semen – Presence of blood in the urine or semen, which may indicate infection or more serious conditions like cancer.
  • Pain in the Pelvic Area – Discomfort or aching in the lower abdomen, back, or pelvic region.
  • Painful Ejaculation – Discomfort or pain during or after sexual activity.
  • Erectile Dysfunction – Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, which may be related to prostate problems.
  • Fever and Chills – Common with prostatitis (inflammation or infection of the prostate).
  • Urgency to Urinate – A sudden, strong need to urinate, which may be difficult to control.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of prostate disease involves several methods, combining medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging procedures. Common diagnostic approaches include:

Common Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Conditions

  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – A healthcare provider performs a physical exam by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to check for any irregularities in the size, shape, or texture of the prostate.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Higher levels may suggest BPH, prostatitis, or prostate cancer, though further testing is required for confirmation.
  • Urine Test (Urinalysis) – Analyzes a urine sample to detect signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities that may indicate prostatitis or other prostate-related issues.
  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) – An ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the rectum to obtain images of the prostate, helping assess its size and detect irregularities or tumors.
  • Biopsy – If prostate cancer is suspected, small tissue samples may be taken from the prostate for microscopic examination.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Produces highly detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues, especially useful when cancer is suspected.
  • Cystoscopy – A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to examine the prostate and bladder for abnormalities.
  • Urodynamic Testing – Evaluates how well the bladder and urethra function to help identify conditions affecting urinary flow.
  • X-ray – May be used to check for bone involvement if there is concern that prostate cancer has spread.

Treatment

The treatment for prostate disease depends on the specific condition, its severity and the overall health of the patient. Its common treatment includes:

Treatment Options for Prostate Conditions

1. Medications

  • Alpha blockers
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
  • Antibiotics
  • Pain relievers
  • Hormone therapy

2. Surgery

  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
  • Prostatectomy
  • Laser surgery
  • Prostate biopsy

3. Radiation Therapy

  • External beam radiation
  • Brachytherapy

4. Cryotherapy

5. Chemotherapy

6. Lifestyle Changes

  • Dietary adjustments
  • Exercise
  • Fluid management

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurveda, Prostate problems are generally considered to be linked to imbalances in the body’s three doshas Vata, Pitta, Kapha. These imbalances can manifest as inflammation, enlargement and dysfunction of the prostate gland.

Vata Imbalance

Vata dosha governs movement, circulation and nerve function. When vata is imbalanced, it can lead to symptoms such as dryness, increased frequency of urination, difficulty in urination and weak urine flow which is common in BPH.

Pitta Imbalance

Pitta dosha controls metabolism, digestion and inflammation. An Imbalance in Pitta can lead to inflammation, heat and infection in the prostate, which contributes to conditions like prostatitis and swelling.

Kapha Imbalance

Kapha is responsible for structure, stability, and lubrication in the body. An imbalance in kapha can lead to excessive mucus, fluid retention and swelling, which may contribute to prostate enlargement (BPH). Excess Kapha can lead to sluggish urinary flow, difficulty in passing urine, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.

Herbal Remedies for prostate problem by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified ayurvedic company that offers a wide range of herbal formulation that helps to manage chronic conditions. All their formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. Planet Ayurveda’s formulations are 100% pure, herbal, and chemical free. They provide effective solutions for various health concerns. One of them is the Prostate CAre Pack for prostate problems.

Product description

1. Shilajit Capsule

This capsule is a standardized pure extract of Shilajit (Black Bitumen). Shilajit contains essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also has properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic. It is traditionally used to support hormonal balance, including testosterone levels. Since testosterone levels are linked to the prostate, it helps to maintain a healthy prostate.

Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with warm water

2. Tribulus Power

This capsule is a standardized pure extract of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris). It promotes overall urinary health and helps to strengthen the urinary tract. It has antioxidant effects that help reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage, making it helpful in prostate-related problems.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with warm water

3. Varunadi Vati

This tablet is a pure extract of Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Varun (Crataeva Nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul). All these herbs help support urinary health and reduce inflammation. Varunadi Vati has antioxidant properties that may help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

This tablet is a pure extract of Kanchnar Bark (Bauhinia Variegata), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica), and Varuna Bark (Crataeva Religiosa). It has the ability to support the lymphatic system, promote detoxification, and reduce inflammation. Kanchnaar Guggul helps detoxify the body and remove excess toxins, which may support overall prostate health.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water

5. Prostate Support

This tablet is a standardized pure extract of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), Varun (Crataeva Nurvala), Kanchnaar (Bauhinia Variegata), Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), and Saralghan (Pinus Roxburghii). This formulation helps enhance urine flow and support optimal prostate function. Herbs like Kanchnaar help control excess prostate growth and reduce inflammation, thereby helping to maintain the prostate gland.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water

Conclusion

In Conclusion , Ayurvedic treatment for prostate problems offers a comprehensive, holistic approach that targets the root cause of the condition by balancing the body’s Vata, Pitta and kapha dosha . Planet Ayurveda’s Prostate care pack helps to manage prostate problems by balancing the vata, pitta, and kapha. They help to reduce inflammation, swelling and prostate enlargement.

Concept of Sapta Dhatu in Ayurveda

Sapta Dhatu in Ayurveda

Abstract

According to the Ancient Ayurvedic texts- to maintain Swasthya i.e. health our Sharira (body) needs to have maintained compatibility between Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Basically, harmony among these components is essential to maintain health. ‘Sapta Dhatu’(The seven bodily tissues) as the name itself says – ‘Sapta’ means seven and ‘Dhatu’ is that which supports or better to say holds the body. Let’s discuss it in detail!

Sapta Dhatu in Ayurveda

Introduction

According to Texts and Samhitas of Ayurveda, these Dhatus provide

Nourishment & growth to the entire body. Here the 7 dhatus consist of

  • Rasa (Plasma, WBC, lymph)
  • Rakta (RBCs & platelets)
  • Mamsa (Muscle tissues)
  • Meda (Adipose/fat tissue)
  • Asthi (Bones/Skeletal tissues)
  • Majja (Bone marrow)
  • Shukra (Reproductive tissue)

These are responsible for prime functions of the body. Rasa which is first

among all the dhatus provides nourishment to the other 6 dhatus. Rasa indicates Ahara rasa (Chyle) which is absorbed from Ahara is the diet we consume. Dhatu refers to the 7 structural components of the body, Acharya Sushruta in (S.Su.14/10) says that Rasa dhatu provides nourishment to rakta dhatu, rakta dhatu to mamsa dhatu, mamsa dhatu to meda dhatu, meda dhatu to asthi dhatu and so on.

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रियाः।

प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थइतिअभिधीयते॥  (S.Su 14/41)

  • Acharya Sushruta says that the sense of well being of Atma (soul), Mana (mind) and Indriyas (sense organs) is attained by a state of equilibrium between dosha, dhatu and mala. And alteration in them causes diseases.
  • So, Ayurveda believes that all the dhatus are nourished by the food we eat. If vitiation of dosha takes place in any dhatu then it will affect all the next dhatus.
  • When dhatus are at the state of equilibrium, it prevents diseases,elements of tissues develop properly hence it slows down ageing. Each of these seven dhatus have their own updhatus (Produced by dhatus during metabolism), particular pramanas (normal values) in Anjali pramana (its a unit of measurement of liquid in Ayurveda) & predominance of different
  • Mahabhutas (According to Ayurveda all living and nonliving things are made of 5 mahabhuta – Prithvi, Agni, Vayu, Jala & Akash are called Panchmahabhutas).
  • According to Acharya, Sushruta dosha gets severity (mahatwa) and stability (sthiratwa) when it invades the Dhatus of the body. It becomes even more difficult to manage, when they have invaded the deeper dhatu and say this should be treated as soon as possible to avoid severity.

Rasa Dhatu

Rasa dhatu has a predominance of Jala Mahabhuta. So this predominance keeps rasa dhatu in liquid form. Rasa basically means something that is mobile, hence this dhatu provides mobility. Dhatu which is circulated continuously in the body is the Rasa dhatu. This dhatu is formed from previously digested food.The important karma/function of Rasa dhatu is Prerana that means satisfaction or feeling of freshness. Acharya Sushruta in S.Su15/51 says that Rasa dhatu by supplying fluid & minerals to every cell of the body keeps the body and mind fresh.

  • Predominant Mahabhuta – Jala
  • Updhatu of Rasa Dhatu- Stanya (breast milk), rajas (menstrual fluid)
  • Pramana – 9 Anjali

Physiological Functions of Rasa Dhatu Includes

When the rasa dhatu is in sam awastha that is neither increased or decreased the person feels cheerful, happy and as it nourishes the skin so the skin too looks nourished moisturised and also it nourishes the next dhatu that is rakta dhatu.

When the rasa dhatu depletes it makes one’s skin dry and hard, the person is pale, lean, fatigued, the person can’t tolerate loud noises or voices, the person experiences exhaustion, thirst, feeling of fear, pain in chest.

When the rasa dhatu elevates the person loses appetite , saliva secretion increases, nausea, vomiting, feels heavy, feels cold and sleeps a lot more than usual and bad taste in mouth is felt.

Rakta Dhatu

The physiological function of rakta dhatu that can be correlated to blood (RBC,WBC & Platelets) in modern Science.

  • Updhatu of Rakta Dhatu – Kandara (tendons) & sira (blood vessels)
  • Predominant mahabhuta – Agni & Jala
  • Pramana – 8 anjali

The main function of rakta dhatu is to nourish mamsa dhatu. The rakta dhatu is inseparable from the Pitta dosha. So when rakta dhatu decreases from its usual pramana it diminishes the pitta dhatu and that makes the person feel cold.Even the lustre of skin loses and becomes dull and dusty.

Elevation of Rakta dhatu increases the guna (properties) of Pitta dosha and that makes the person feel warmer than usual. The built up heat in the body, tries to release it along with the malas of the body.this ultimately increases bowel movements of the body even the stools can be loose too. This also increases the frequency of urine.

Mamsa Dhatu

The physiological function of Mamsa dhatu is to strengthen the body, to build tissues of muscle in various regions of the body like in the neck, shoulders and thighs. Also the Mamsa dhatu provides nourishment to Meda dhatu.

  • Updhatu of Mamsa Dhatu includes Vasa (fatty material), Shat twacha (seven layers of skin).
  • Predominant Mahabhuta – Prithvi
  • Pramana – Male – 500 & Female – 520 in nos.
  • Depletion of mamsa dhatu causes debility to the sense organs,it emaciates the cheeks and buttocks,or collapse of blood vessels may also take place, and a person can also experience joint pain.
  • Elevation of the Rakta dhatu can cause obesity, breathing disorders, increase of the abdomen and flanks, fatigue, bad smell from one’s body etc.

Meda Dhatu

Meda dhatu which can be correlated to Adipose Tissue in modern, The General function of meda dhatu is Snehan (that which provides lubrication). Its function consists of nourishment of asthi dhatu.

  • The Updhatus – sweda(sweat) Snayu (ligament), sandhi (joints).
  • Predominant mahabhutas are Prithvi & Jala.
  • Pramana – 2 anjali

If  Meda dhatu depletes it can cause enlargement of spleen and also difficulty in movement of joints. Its depletion also increases the urge to eat fatty food.

When Meda dhatu increases than its usual amount the person feels tired and fatigued, fat in regions like abdomen, neck, thighs etc. the person has a foul smell in his/her sweat and experiences breathlessness.

Asthi Dhatu

Asthi dhatu can be correlated with the skeletal tissues or the bones. Dharana can be considered as the general function of Asthi dhatu.

  • Its updhatu includes Danta (teeth).
  • Predominant mahabhuta are Prithvi & Vayu.
  • Pramana – 360 in nos.

So as per qualities of vayu mahabhuta, Asthi is dry & rough and as like prithvi mahabhuta it is strong & heavy. Physiological functions of Asthi dhatu are that it gives good stability and structure to the body along with a hard working capacity. It nourishes the majja dhatu.

When the amount of Asthi dhatu decreases that its required amount there will be pain in bones (pricking type of pain) & the bones become porous which makes the bone prone to fractures even with a mild trauma. Depletion of this dhatu also leads to hair fall, fragile nails or even falling of teeth.

Similarly, increase in the dhatu leads to unusual growth of bones, teeth can be developed one over the other.

Majja Dhatu

This dhatu is located deep inside the asthi dhatu and are formed when during the formation of asthi dhatu a cavity is left in them, it is formed by nourishing tissues of fat. The Majja dhatu strengthens the bone and also makes the bone flexible. It also balances the dryness of asthi dhatu.

  • Its updhatu is Kesha (hair).
  • Predominant mahabhuta – Jala
  • Pramana – 1 anjali

So, depletion in the levels of Majja dhatu weakens the bones which eventually causes pain in the joints, giddiness and also the depletion of this dhatu causes depletion of Shukra dhatu too.

Elevations in the level of this dhatu leads to heaviness of the whole body especially eyes.

Shukra Dhatu

Shukra is the seventh and the final dhatu in the dhatu formation cycle. Ayurveda considers shukra as the male semen and the female egg. Hence a person with healthy shukra has a brightness of confidence in his/her eyes, and also has a brighter skin.

  • Predominant mahabhuta is Jala (water)
  • Its updhatu is Ojas (immunity)
  • Pramana – ½ anjali

In case of depletion of Shukra dhatu ejaculation is delayed or even semen mixed with blood can ejaculate, which ultimately causes pain in the testicles. The person will also be weak and an increase in thirst can also be seen. Exhaustion, dryness in mouth, general body aches, impotency can also be seen.

Elevation in Shukra dhatu may lead to a person’s increased desire towards

coitus, development of stone in the seminal tract can take place.

Conclusion

The above article concludes that the elevation or depletion of any particular dhatu leads to disease. That’s why all the dhatu should be nourished well for their proper functioning and to attain good immunity in order to stabilise the body. A proper harmony between the doshas and dhatus should also be maintained in order to attain a healthy life.