By Dr. Avantika K. Killa
Uterine fibroids (also called Myomas) are benign (non-cancerous) growths made up from the muscle and connective tissue of the Uterus. Fibroids can grow as a single nodule or in clusters, ranging from 1 mm to 20 cm in diameter or even as large as a watermelon. These growths can develop within the wall of the uterus, inside the main cavity, or even on the outer surface. Fibroids are most common in women aged 30–40 years.
Symptoms
The few most common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal cramps, vaginal bleeding (non-menstrual), pain during sex, low backache, frequent urination, constipation, miscarriages, and even infertility in some cases.
Fibroids that do not show any symptoms, are small or occur in a woman who is nearing menopause often go away on their own, especially after menopause because of the estrogen withdrawal. The large ones, however, if left untreated, can continue to grow, both in size and number, making the symptoms worse and may sometimes burst. Pain becomes more intense; bleeding becomes heavier along with severe cramping and can interfere with a person’s quality of life leading to complications such as hypertension and anemia.
Yoga and Naturopathy play an important rescuer here with the help of which you can prevent the occurrence, reduce the size of your fibroids gradually, check fast progression and manage the symptoms well without taking the hormonal pills which have their own ill effects.
Yoga, known to be the only mind-body medicine includes specific postures (Asanas) which focus on improving blood circulation towards the pelvic and lower back region leading to better oxygenation and biosynthesis of hormones. Breathing (Pranayama) and Meditation (Dhyana) works on regulating the Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal–axis which corrects the imbalance between Estrogen: Progesterone and reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone).
Yoga Asanas for Fibroids:
- Badhakonasana
- Upvishthakonasana
- Paschimottanasana
- Chakrasana
- Pawanamuktasana
- Sarvangasana
- Halasana
- Matsyasana
- Gomukhasana
- Ardhamatsyendrasana
- Vajrasana
Pranayama:
- Kapalbhati
- Agnisar
- Anulom Vilom
- Ujjayi
Bandha & Mudra:
- Viparitakarani
- Ashwini mudra
- Uddiyan bandha
- Moola bandha
Meditation Practices:
- Breath awareness,
- Yoga Nidra
Naturopathy to Manage Fibroids
The key components of Naturopathy which can help manage Fibroids naturally are by firstly correcting the diet. Adding lots of fruits (especially pomegranates and papaya), veggies (more of spinach and broccoli), whole grains (parboiled rice, oats, buckwheat, millet, rye), flax seeds, soy products to diet can help combat fibroids by stabilizing the estrogen levels. Also, a high fibre diet will increase the elimination of excess estrogen.
Reducing the intake of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, dairy, meat, and foods high in saturated fats is more important in fact. These items make it difficult for the body to regulate hormones, making cramps and bloating increase.
Additionally, mud pack to abdomen, hot and cold hip bath can help relieve the symptoms and work on the Liver. Fewer beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract coupled with an overgrowth of yeast can affect the liver’s ability to process hormones and the colon’s ability to eliminate estrogen.
About the author:
Dr. Avantika Krishna Killa is a qualified Naturopathy and Yoga Physician, who takes an integrative medical approach to health.
