ROLE OF PANCHAKARMA IN GYNAECOLOGICAL DISEASES

Artava, Shonita, Asrika, Raja, Rakta, Lohita, Rudhir and Pushpa are some of the words used in the Ayurvedic classics to denote menstrual blood or ovum. Some Acharaya consider Artava as Updhatu of Rasa while others consider it as Updhatu of Rakta. Artava is Agneya and has characteristics similar to Rakta. According to Ayurvedic science, Artava, in various forms, maintains women's reproductive health. When Artava becomes vitiated, it can become the prime cause of diseases in women. Hence, Artava is considered a prime element in maintaining women's health. As the normal function of Artava can maintain the balance in the female reproductive system, the same balance can get disturbed when there is vitiation of Dosha, manifesting conditions like Artava Dusti and Yonivyapada. Panchakarma can play a vital role in treating these abnormal conditions.