What is Endometriosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS Meaning

Endometriosis is a painful condition caused due to abnormal growth of inner liningof wall of uterus or the endometrium outside the uterus. As this tissue is responsive to the cyclical hormonal changes of menstruation. They continue to bleed on a monthly basis even on the outside of uterus. This leads to build up of tissue around the pelvis, fallopian tubes, ovaries, rectum and intestinal area.^{1, 2}

With endometriosis there is no route for escape and so old blood and cells that deposit in the pelvis may cause congestion and pelvic, intestinal and rectal pain, painful periods, fertility problems etc. ^{1, 2}

Ayurveda explains that endometriosis is as a result of disturbed Vata dosha. Under Ayurveda, there are five sub-types of Vata that govern and direct all movement in the body, in five directions – upwards, downwards, inwards, outwards and around. ^{3, 4}

Amongst them, Apana Vaata is responsible for the downward moving wind that is in charge of initiating all body fluid elimination impulses – e.g. urination, bowel motions, sperm ejaculation, child birth and menstruation. Apana is the basis for removing waste or unwanted materials from the body, if it is interrupted or obstructed for some reason it will begin to create problems. In the case of endometriosis the menstrual blood begins to move upward instead of downward. This means that a portion of the endometrium that should be passed out during menstruation is also propelled upward through the fallopian tubes and into the stomach (peritoneal cavity).^{3, 4}