This modern trending life is full of competition, deadlines, expectations and this has overstressed men. Stress and hormones are interrelated. The more the stress the more is the possibility of hormonal imbalance in men as well as women.
Stress
Stress is a body response to any kind of threat or demand where the nervous system reacts by releasing stress hormones that include adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones awakens the body for an emergency action. When a person is stressed, one can hear the palpitations, blood pressure rises, faster breathing, smarter senses, there’s an increase in physical strength and stamina, reaction time speeds up, concentration increases and so does focus.
Stress within limits is good and supportive for health, but when the stress levels cross the limits, it is very harmful and can damage the mind and body.
What are hormones?
Hormones are substances produced especially in an endocrine gland, which is usually carried in the bloodstream and has an effect on another part of body. Hormones regulate many biological process, simple needs like hunger to reproduction, metabolism and emotions.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that is responsible for male puberty, facial hair growth, bone density, strength, muscle mass growth, fertility and performance.
This indicates that imbalance in hormones can lead to many serious life altering problems. Thus to attain a proper balance in hormones one has to deal and control stress which directly or indirectly is the culprit for hormonal imbalances in men as well as in women.
Ayurvedic herbs to reduce stress and hormonal imbalance
Stress and hormonal imbalance are interrelated and go hand in hand. The more the stress, the more is the hormonal imbalance. Here are few ayurvedic herbs that help in reducing both which are caused due to vata imbalance.
- Oil massage with pinda taila, bala taila, ashwagandha tail to the male reproductive organ and the entire body relieves stress, strain and acts as an aphrodisiac.
- Vajikarana drugs such as, Ashwagandha, shilajit, musli, vanga bhasma, kapikacchu, kokilaksha, Gokshura. These herbs are available in different combination in the form of powder, capsules, tablets, lehyas, asavas and arishtas. These herbs pacify vata and help in toning up the muscles and increase libido and vigor and effectively treat hormonal imbalance.
- Varun (crataeva nurvala) – It is very helpful in dysuria, urinary retention and hormonal imbalances. 1tsp powder twice a day with warm water is recommended.
- Amalaki (Emblica officinale) – It is a natural antioxidant and a rejuvenator. Builds immunity and strength. Thus protects a person from stress and hormonal imbalance.
- Ashoka – It can be taken in the form of powder, ghee or arishta which balances the doshas as well as hormones reducing the symptoms.
- Shatavari – This herb is the mother of herbs in treating hormonal problems. Capsules, powders, syrup and lehyas can be taken on daily basis.
- Have 1 tsp of ginger paste with 1 tsp of honey 2-3 times a day has been proven beneficial.
- Watermelon juice is considered as a natural Viagra which increases the blood flow that in turn maintains hormone levels.
- 1tsp yashtimadhu churna, 1 tsp cow’s ghee, 1/2 tsp honey mixed together and taken with a glass of milk is considered to be the best libido booster.
- Pranayam and yoga should be practiced regularly.
Panchakarma Chikitsa
- Snehana (oil massage), swedana (steaming)
- Shirodhara – It’s a procedure where hot medicated oils , decoctions, buttermilk is poured gently over the forehead. This therapy relaxes and stimulates the nerve cells and soothes the brain relieving from stress, fatigue, depression. Similarly shiro pichu, shiro basti are performed.
- Nasya – It’s a therapy where medicated oil is poured into the nostrils which reaches the brain. It rejuvenates the brain cells and stimulating the nervous activity.
- Virechana – This is a procedure where the person is made to purgate with oral medicines for a number of times. It eliminate excess pitta and detoxifies the liver, colon and purifies blood. Thus helps in proper hormonal balance.
Panchakarma therapy expels the toxins and vitiated doshas out of the body making the body fit and healthy.
In today’s sedentary lifestyle stress is a part and parcel of life which has it’s own effects on our health. The stress levels play a key role in male as well as female hormone levels. This hormonal imbalance is responsible for male reproductive dysfunction leading to impotency and infertility. It becomes crucial to avoid stress and maintain the hormones to lead a healthy family life.
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