How Healthy is Your Prostate?
Recently Brian sought help regarding his prostate. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is part of a man’s genito-urinary system. It’s job is to secrete a milky fluid, to nourish and increase viability of sperm. When the prostate becomes enlarged it can obstruct the flow of urine.
Brian was having difficulty passing urine. Sometimes the flow was weak and sometimes it seemed to stop and start. His sleep was disturbed at night as he often woke to relieve the pressure on his bladder. After seeing his doctor a blood test revealed Brian had a high PSA level which was a concern.
Brian did not know if his symptoms were due to a hormonal imbalance causing a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or from a growth in his prostate. He understood that many men over 45 have some prostate enlargement but symptoms are rarely noticed before the age of 60.
Now at age 55, with a high PSA level, Brian wanted to take action while waiting to complete further investigations. He hoped that in doing so, he would reduce his PSA levels to within the normal range and restore an easy flow when urinating.
Ayurveda and Prostate Health
Ayurveda explains it is possible for a man to have healthy prostate function into old age. Even though prostate problems generally occur later in life, they are a result of imbalances created much earlier.
The main causes of prostate disorders according to Ayurveda are:
- suppressing the natural urge to urinate
- lack of fluid
- lack of exercise
- the build-up of impurities or ama which mixes with tissue and impairs tissue formation
- excessive sexual activity
- and an unhealthy daily routine
Brian’s Story
When considering Brian’s situation the picture of imbalance in all three doshas emerged. Imbalance in Apana Vata was evident as Vata Apana governs the colon, lower abdomen, elimination and reproductive areas. Kapha imbalance was indicated due to the accumulation of ama or impurities in Shleshaka Kapha obstructing flow of urine. Pitta imbalance was indicated due to inflammation and symptoms of heat in the blood.
Brian was 55 and at the start of Vata time of life. The season when he came was winter when the influences of Vata are strongest in nature. Brian had also been under extreme stress with a history of feeling anxious and disturbed sleep. He often had loose bowel, suffered from impatience, anger and was at odds with family members.
Recently he had been made redundant. Socially he drank regularly, preferring Rum or Beer, and meal times were irregular and secondary to his lifestyle. Food choices were based upon what was easy with regular use of frozen, canned or processed foods and take away meals. He regularly experienced indigestion and acid stomach.
Brain’s diagnosis caused him to take stock. He was ready to make some lifestyle changes.
Prostate Health Action Plan
Brain’s health needed to be supported on all fronts. This is what was recommended:
Establish a regular daily routine of early to bed, regular meal times, regular meditation twice daily, with yoga asana and pranayama, and listening to Gandharva Veda during the day with Sama Veda at bedtime.
Have a 30 minute walk or be active most days.
Eat a wholesome diet of homemade meals – favour freshly cooked, warm and easy to digest foods, sweet fruits, whole grains, quinoa, moong dhal, turmeric, black pepper, asparagus and pumpkin seeds.
Eat a light breakfast of freshly stewed or baked pear, followed by a bowl of warm cereal according to appetite, garnished with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.
Have your main meal at lunch. Favour moong dhal, warm cooked vegetables, rice/quinoa with fresh chutney, and use Prostate Balance Spice Mixture. Eat with full attention and sit for 5 minutes at the end of the meal. Then have a stroll to aid digestion for 10-15 minutes.
Have a light and tasty evening meal of soup by 6pm.
Recipe: Steam 1/2 cup of fresh beans, 1/2 cup of celery and 1/2 cup of zucchini for 8 minutes. Then blend with 1/4 cup of parsley, 1/3 cup of coconut milk or 1/4 of an avocado, with the juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1 tsp of Prostate Balance Spice Mixture and 1 pinch of rock salt. After serving garnish with 1 tablespoon of toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Eat with full attention.
Sip hot water (boiled for 10 minutes) regularly through the day until 7pm. (Brian liked Pitta tea and added a Pitta tea bag to the water which he sipped every 15-30 minutes.)
Avoid coffee and alcohol.
Helpful herbals included:
- Prostate Balance (MA1595) to help balance testosterone levels, support vitality, promote healthy prostate size and function, purify the urinary tract, and support the body’s immune system.
- Take Ash Gourd/Amla paste (MA3323) for emotional and mental balance, and to aid sleep.
- Take Gastro Support (MA320) after meals to support balanced digestion.
- Amrit Kalash Ambrosia and Amrit Kalash Nectar as a tonic and for immune and antioxidant support.
- Have a daily oil massage prior the morning shower. Rejuvenation Massage Oil for Men.
Be in the company of the wise
To Brian’s delight after 2 weeks he was having some nights where he woke only once and flow was already improving. His mood had softened and he was more generous and compassionate with others and himself. He no longer felt so uncomfortable after eating. His complexion was less florid.
Four weeks later at his hospital visit Brian found his PSA levels had dropped significantly and were now in the normal range. On ultrasound his Prostate was a normal healthy size. Brian felt the changes he had adopted had made a real difference. He had applied for and got a new job. Brian had received a wake up call. His experience of happiness, energy and vitality that comes from a regular daily routine, wholesome and nourishing food, good digestion, deep rest of meditation, good sleep, and a more positive attitude to life, were gains he would take with him throughout life.
If you are concerned about your prostate health always seek advice from your medical practitioner.
Wishing you the bliss of balance
Linda Sinden, Maharishi AyurVeda Consultant
Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our health articles. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity.
Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz
Mobile: +64 212237525
Skype: Linda.Sinden
DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Maharishi AyurVeda and neither the information nor the products are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult a health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician before making significant changes to your diet or routine.
