Dr. Sudha Naren Sheth Sheth

INDICATION

• Vata diseases.
• Dryness of the body.
• Constipation.
• Neuro muscular & skeletal diseases.
• Preparation for detoxification therapy (Vaman and virechana). Oleation (snehana) – Internal is carried out as singular therapeutic measure for many diseases but in majority of the cases it is done as preparatory treatment for shodhana therapy (Vaman and virechana)

PROCEDURE

Oleation (Snehana) – Internal is carried out mainly with the help of medicated ghee selected accordingly to the disease & dosha condition in gradually increasing doses after assessing the agni. At times combination of various other material like oil, ghee, vasa, majja or their combinations are used. There are two methods for internal oleation:

1.  Acchha sneha. Where a sneha drug (Ghee or other) is directly ingested without any addition except a pinch of saindhava.
2. Vicharana sneha. In this case the sneha is mixed with some or other food & eaten or it is taken by some other route than oral route

DIET

Before The oleation (snehana) – internal has to be taken on empty stomach if it is to be used for shodhana therapy. The patient should have taken his last food atleast 10 hrs prior to snehapan. After Patient is advised to have only warm water after snehapan (normaly ghee). If other material is used for snehana then accordingly various soups are to be used. Patient is not supposed to have anything except hot water until he still has the smell of the ghee in his eructation. Food should be consumed only when patients feel hungry. Heavy, very spicy & junk food must be avoided during the course of the treatment.

BENEFITS

1. Oleates the body.
2. Moisturizes the entire body from within outside.
3. Improves the elasticity of the body.
4. Increases the mobility of the all the systems.
5. Alleviates the vata.
6. Reduces the pains, aches from the muscle & adjoining skeletal system.
7. Dislodges the toxins of the body & helps in bringing to the GI tract.

CAUTION

The oleation (snehana) – Internal should not be carried out without consultation. Should not be used in the patient with intolerance without testing. The doses has to be increased gradually.

Cancer or the big ‘C’ can affect any part of the body including the female reproductive system. These types of cancer are known as gynaecological cancers. Gynaecological cancers occur when normal cells start growing in an uncontrolled manner. There are many different types of gynaecological cancers which are named as per the organs in which they first develop. These include:

1. Ovarian cancer: Cancer that affects the ovaries and ova
2. Uterine cancer: Cancer that begins inside the uterus
3. Cervical cancer: Cancer that begins in the cervix or the section of the reproductive tract between the uterus and vagina
4. Vaginal cancer: Cancer that begins in the vagina
5. Vulval cancer: Cancer that originates in the opening of the vagina, labia minora or labia majora, clitoris or mons pubis
6. Fallopian tube cancer: Cancer that affects the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus
7. Placenta cancer: Pregnancy related cancer

Gynaecological cancers are more commonly diagnosed in cases where the woman has a family history of cancer or has mutated genes. Advancing in age, exposure to hormones, and diethylstilbestrol can also increase the risk of suffering from such cancers. Additionally, viral infections such as human papilloma virus, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking have also been identified as risk factors for cancer.
However, a woman may suffer from these types of cancer even if she does not fall into any of the above risk factor categories. Hence, it becomes important to focus on the symptoms. The symptoms of gynaecological cancers depend on the organ from where the tumour originated, the size of the tumour and it’s rate of growth.

Some of the symptoms which may be noticed are:

1. Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
2. Bleeding after intercourse
3. Unusual discharge from the vagina
4. Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area
5. Swelling of the abdomen
6. Painful intercourse
7. Itching or burning sensations in the genital area
8. Lumps, warts or sores in the genital area
9. Unusual bladder and bowel habits

Gynaecological cancers can be treated by using chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapies or surgery depending on the stage of the cancer and the type of cancer. Hence, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better it is. Keeping the risk factors in mind, if the above symptoms are noticed, the doctor may ask for a number of tests to diagnose gynaecological cancers.

These tests include:

1. A pap smear
2. Pelvic examination
3. Blood tests
4. CT scan, ultrasound, MRI or any other form of imaging tests
5. Biopsy scan 

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist and ask a free question.

One of the silent diseases in the female population, endometriosis can be symptomless for years and sometimes even decades, but can sometimes manifest itself quickly. The uterus is lined on the inner side by a tissue known as endometrium. When this tissue is found in other parts (fallopian tubes, abdomen, near the ovaries, etc., it is known as endometriosis.

Causes: The exact cause for endometriosis is not clear. There is a possibility that during the regular period, there could be spilling of the tissue back into the fallopian tube, from where it reaches the ovaries or other organs and gets implanted.

There are certain predisposing factors for a woman to develop this condition, including genetic correlation and non-menopausal women. The female hormone estrogen is essential for the development of endometriosis. There are also immunological reasons attributed to the development. It can range from minimal to mild to moderate to severe.

Symptoms: From being completely benign to causing severe pain, endometriosis can present itself in varying ways. The implanted tissue can be minimal like a small lump to large clumps. The symptoms are not dependent on the size of the implanted tissue, however, 

1. Painful menstruation: One of the most common causes of non-menstrual cramps, the pain is different from usual menstrual pain, starts a few days before the period and can last up to after the period.
2. Pelvic pain: One of the most common causes of pelvic pain, this can happen wherever the implanted tissue is. In severe cases, this tissue can also bind different organs, forming what are called adhesions. The bladder or the bowels may adhere to the uterus. These are more painful than individual lumps of tissue outside the uterus.
3. Intermenstrual bleeding: There could be spotting to severe bleeding between the regular cycles.
4. Painful sex: There is a deep pain within the pelvis and it can lead to losing interest in sex.
5. Infertility: The most severe symptom and complication is not being able to become pregnant.

Diagnosis: A detailed patient history, discussion on symptoms followed by ultrasound and laparoscopy can help in diagnosing endometriosis.

Treatment: If there is no symptom and fertility is not an issue, then it is possible that no treatment is required. However, depending on symptoms and complications, the following are done.

• If pain is the only main problem, painkillers are administered
• Surgical treatment may be required if there is severe bleeding and adhesions complicating the situation. 

This will also relieve other symptoms:

1. Hormone therapy is also an option for treating endometriosis.
2. If you are having pelvic pain and irregular bleeding, bring it up with your doctor. Even if it is not endometriosis, a thorough check up will put your mind at rest. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

If your period is irregular or nonexistent, you won't benefit from the effects of high estrogen. The point of highest estrogen is your pre-ovulatory stage. If you're on a 28 day cycle, ovulation occurs from days 12-16 (though it varies, depending on your stress level, the foods you eat, the exercise you're doing, etc). This means that pre-ovulation occurs on about days 8-11 (but again, it varies from woman to woman).

Your first step in regulating your periods is figuring out what's causing an irregular menstrual cycle. Once you determine the cause, you'll be better able to find an effective treatment.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids - salmon, sardines, fish oil supplements

The blood vessels in your ovaries are tiny, which makes them vulnerable to damage and poor circulation. Smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol can negatively affect your ovarian blood vessels, which blocks hormones and blood flow. Fish oils enhance blood circulation, reduce damage from free radicals, fight the effects of aging, and increase dopamine (which improves your mood!).

2. Non-white foods to regulate your menstrual cycle

Most natural foods are not white, so you can assume that if a food is white, it is probably processed to the point of being unhealthy! To make your menstrual cycle regular, avoid white flour, sugar, white potatoes, white bread, white pasta, and white rice. They disrupt your menstrual cycle by creating insulin surges that result in fat storage. This excess fat storage negatively affects ovulation and your periods - and can cause irregular periods. The simple tip on how to get regular periods: stop eating food that is white.

3. Protein - cottage cheese, lean meats, nuts to balance your hormones

Finding sources of balanced protein can be a challenge for busy women, but it is a must for hormonal balance. The more you balance your hormones, the more regular your menstrual cycle will be. Plant proteins are especially good for enhancing fertility and hormonal balance: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cheese, hard boiled eggs, soy chips, hummus, canned sardines, and edamame.

4. Healthy beverages - because your cycle is affected by what you drink

Another 'food' to make menstruation regular is nettle leaf tea. The ingredients are so healthy: Organic Fennel Seed, Organic Ginger Root, Organic Cinnamon Bark, Organic Chamomile Flower, Organic Raspberry Leaf, Organic Anise Seed, Dong Quai Root Extract, Chaste Tree Berry Extract, Juniper Berry Extract, and Organic Parsley Leaf.

5. Vitamin D for regular periods

Vitamin D is a little hard to come by in food, Eat vitamin D-fortified milk products, tuna, egg yolks, salmon, sardines, and (yuck) cod liver oil. This vitamin improves communication between your cells, which stabilizes your hormones. Vitamin D is also vital for cancer protection - especially breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

To increase your vitamin D and make your menstrual cycle regular, make sure you're getting enough sunlight. Where you live and the color of your skin determines how much time you should spend in the sun, but my research tells me that the average North American should spend about 10 minutes in the sun about 2-3 times per week. If you aren't getting enough vitamin D and you want to regulate your menstrual cycle, check out the vitamin D supplement above.

6. Dark chocolate to balance your menstrual cycle

Chocolate contains flavenoids, which have estrogen-like activity and help improve circulation by reducing platelet clumping. Flavenoids also enhance microcirculation in the ovaries and endocrine glands and increase dopamine (a 'feel good' hormone). Not just any old chocolate will do: eat dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids.

But don't eat too much chocolate. You'll gain weight and confuse your hormones, which can contribute to irregular periods.

7. Castor oil and hot water bottles

Here's how to use castor oil and hot water bottles to regulate your period:

Moisten a flannel pack (an old T-shirt will do) with warmed castor oil. Place the oil-side down on your lower abdomen with a hot-water bottle on top of the flannel pack. Cover with a towel. Do this daily for an hour - but not when you're getting your period) for a few months. Then, gradually reduce frequency to twice a month.Your period might become heavier or more painful, but that's just stagnation clearing from the uterus.

8. If your periods are heavy, consider iron supplements

If your periods are both irregular and heavy, you might consider taking iron supplements. One of the common causes of iron deficiency and anemia is heavy bleeding during menstruation. If you don't get enough iron in your diet or the foods you eat, your body's iron stores will diminish and you'll experience fatigue.

9. Learn about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

While irregular periods are common among teenage girls, an underlying hormonal disorder may be the cause of long-term irregular periods in adult women. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by an excess of androgens or male hormones in the body. The imbalance of hormones interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries, which can prevent ovulation and menstruation.

Menstruation begins on average at age 12 for most women, and a normal menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days. Girls should have a regular menstrual cycle within approximately two years after they get their first period, or by age 17 at the latest. If you've been getting your period for more than two years and you're over 17 years old, you may want to talk to a doctor about how to regulate your period - and you may need more than information about foods to make your menstrual cycle regular.