Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S
Testosterone is a crucial hormone which is chargeable for many essential bodily features and is discovered each in women and men. The first producers of testosterone in males are testicles. In ladies, they’re produced in smaller quantities by the ovaries.
Throughout puberty, there’s a surge of testosterone. It triggers important bodily modifications and exhibits a gradual decline after 30 years of age. It’s typically linked to intercourse drive and may be very a lot important for sperm manufacturing. It additionally influences muscle and bone mass, fats distribution and crimson blood cell manufacturing aside from reproductive well being.
This hormone can considerably influence temper and psychological well being and therefore is chargeable for our complete well-being. Each high and low ranges can result in bodily and psychological points and therefore it is very important have it in a state of stability.
Associated Studying – ‘Testosterone Hormone’
Testosterone: Ayurveda Understanding
Although we don’t discover the direct description of hormones or hormone-like substances in Ayurveda, their idea could be hypothetically understood by making use of Ayurveda fundamentals and fundamentals to their concept.
Testosterone and Shukra Dhatu
Shukra Dhatu is the seventh tissue fashioned within the chronology of ‘tissue forming course of’. The time period ‘Shukra’ is equated with semen however it undoubtedly encompasses sperms and testosterone additionally. So, shukra is an umbrella time period which incorporates below it –
– Semen
– Secretions from seminiferous tubules and epididymis
– Secretions of prostate gland
– Sperms
– Testosterone hormone
– Gonadotropin releasing hormone
– Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Testes axis – the sign regulation wanted for spermatogenesis and the features of testes
Since shukra is fashioned from majja i.e. bone marrow, it also needs to be current in ladies and it can’t be semen or sperms. Ayurveda has talked about seven dhatus and has not specified that they’re current in male or feminine, so it’s apparent that each have shukra.
The shukra in ladies known as road shukra. It’s stated to be produced throughout copulation however like semen / sperms, it could not participate within the formation of Garbha – embryo.
The shukra talked about among the many seven dhatus is not simply the sthanika shukra dhatu i.e. semen or sperm in male and secretions throughout copulation in ladies. It additionally entails the ‘sarva vyapi shukra’ i.e. shukra current all around the physique. The second kind of shukra defined in Ayurveda in all probability pertains to Gonadotropin releasing hormone, axis between hypothalamus, pituitary and testes (ovary in ladies) and testosterone.
In relation to this we are able to additionally see trendy drugs explaining the affect of testosterone on many different tissues together with blood, muscle, fats and bones and on many features and likewise on the thoughts.
Testosterone and Vata
Hormones, in keeping with Late Vaidya Prof SN Ojha sir, hormones are Vata Dharmiya i.e. their features extra or so resemble the features of vata, testosterone too is just not an exception.
Functionally, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which management testosterone manufacturing via launch of GnRH and LH hormones respectively could be in comparison with the Prana Vayu – Apana Vayu axis, additionally is part and parcel of functioning of shukravaha srotas.
Pitruja Bhava: The Paternal Issue
Retas or Shukra – is one among the many paternal elements as talked about in Ayurveda. So, one’s shukra is derived from the daddy. This shukra is chargeable for creation / procreation of one other life.
The male foetus / youngster of a person derives his high quality and amount of shukra from the identical high quality and amount of his father. From this it’s apparent that he additionally derives the ‘shukra making’ equipment or constructions too from his father. The reference ‘Angad angad sambhavasi’ i.e. you’re derived from each organ of mine, exhibits the replication of a person nearly similar to his mum or dad. (That is the a part of the verse which a father utters into the ear of his youngster in the course of the namakarana samskara – naming ceremony).
So, the male genital organs are fashioned from the daddy and so is the shukra. Based on Ayurveda, the intercourse willpower takes place within the second month of the being pregnant. When the form of the embryo resembles pinda (bolus) it ought to be thought of as male. Even the fashionable embryology tells that it’s the seventh week of gestation that the intercourse figuring out area Y gene on the Y chromosome begins to play an essential function in growth of male foetus and this gene initiates the formation of the testicles in male embryos, setting the stage for subsequent hormonal exercise. Seventh week of gestation falls within the second month itself and therefore there’s a match.
This explains the function of testosterone because the driving power behind the differentiation and growth of the male reproductive constructions throughout foetal progress and its continued affect on the event of reproductive constructions after progress from Ayurveda perspective. Thus, the event of penis, scrotum, vas deferens, seminal vesicles and prostate gland happen from the pitruja bhava throughout foetal life and likewise after delivery.
Predominance of Shukra in conception
Ayurveda additionally says that the predominance of shukra (sperm, testosterone) over the artava (ovum) will ultimately end in formation of a male youngster. This displays the Ayurveda clarification of the function of testosterone within the formation and growth of male embryo and its reproductive system.
This implies to inform that man ought to maintain a watch in the direction of the qualitative and quantitative stability of shukra dhatu. This is not going to solely assist in begetting a wholesome youngster but in addition correct growth and maturity of the genital system of his youngster. Shuddha Shukra – semen having ideally suited qualities talked about within the classical literature and likewise optimum amount – half Anjali amount are the determinants of fine high quality and amount semen respectively. This is able to lay the inspiration for a wholesome reproductive system within the foetus and its institution past delivery and for sexual well being and reproductive perform all through the life.
Shukra and puberty
Kesha – hairs, Loma – physique hair and Smashru – moustache are stated to be pitruja bhavas i.e. derived from father. These elements are derived from father however are operational independently in a person (male) as soon as the shukra – his semen and testosterone – will get established and useful within the timeline of progress and growth. Pubic hairs too could be thought of on this clarification by default.
Throughout puberty, the expansion plates within the bones result in speedy progress spurts. Bones are talked about amongst Pitruja Bhavas.
Testosterone is chargeable for sexual maturity and rising libido and intercourse drive throughout puberty and in grownup males. The phrases Preeti – love, affection, attraction in the direction of reverse intercourse or intercourse drive and Harsham – exhilaration, sexual drive or libido defined among the many features of shukra clarify the identical. This additionally exhibits that the idea of testosterone falls below the umbrella time period shukra. Preeti, Harsha and Chyavanam – ejaculation throughout intercourse is feasible when testosterone features to its finest throughout adolescence / puberty or in adults. This explains the maturity of sexual organs (inner and exterior) and sexual maturity of a person.
Shukra vis-à-vis Testosterone in Grownup Life
In adults, testosterone promotes muscle mass, growth and enhances general energy. ‘Shukrayattam Balam Pumsam..’ explains the identical i.e. Shukra is a vital determinant of energy, valour and endurance of a person. Within the context of the reason of kapha, it’s stated ‘Prakrutastu Balam Shleshma’ i.e. ‘kapha in a state of stability is taken into account as bala – energy and endurance’. Shukra is a tissue which belongs to the kapha varga i.e. kapha group. Shukra and kapha have ashraya ashrayi bhava i.e. residence and resident relationship. Shukra is likely one of the tissues by which kapha is situated. The energy giving capability is because of each shukra and kapha bhava in it. However, mamsa dhatu i.e. muscle tissue too is an abode of kapha. This varieties a chemistry between shukra, mamsa, kapha and bala.
It’s stated that testosterone contributes in the direction of upkeep of bone density and influences the fats distribution within the physique. It’s fairly apparent that they’re all interconnected in keeping with Ayurveda. Meda – fats, Asthi – bones, Majja – bone marrow and Shukra – semen / testosterone are fashioned in a chronology and Shukra will clearly have essence and impressions of all of the precursor tissues.
Testosterone aids in manufacturing of crimson blood cells. Based on Ayurveda, shukra dhatu is fashioned from majja dhatu – bone marrow, which is the primary seat of erythropoiesis. Panduta – anaemia is talked about among the many shukra kshaya lakshanas – signs of lower of semen / testosterone.
Testosterone is chargeable for growth of physique and facial hairs throughout puberty and its upkeep all through maturity. Kesha and Loma, as already talked about, are Pitruja Bhavas.
Dhatu Kshaya
Irregular deterioration / depletion or destruction of tissues happen because the individual ages and this occurs attributable to irregular improve of vata attributable to ageing. Ageing and vata improve naturally causes shukra kshaya i.e. depletion of shukra. Vaya – ageing is talked about among the many causes for shukra kshaya.
Shukra Kshaya
Based on trendy drugs, fluctuations in testosterone ranges can have an effect on temper and psychological well being, contributing to circumstances akin to despair and irritability. Sadana – which suggests feeling low or depressed has been talked about among the many signs of shukra kshaya.
As already stated, harsha, Preeti and chyavanam clarify the affect of testosterone on the temper and libido. On the decrease aspect, testosterone can hamper these features.
Signs of Shukra Kshaya (irregular lower in shukra – semen, sperms, testosterone)
– chirat prasichyate shukram shonitameva va – gradual ejaculation, elimination of blood or blood blended semen,
– vrushana medhra toda – ache in testes and penis,
– dhumayati – feeling as if fumes or smoke is being eradicated from the genitals
– mukha shosha – dryness of the mouth / face
– pandutva – pallor, anaemia,
– sadana – weaknenss
– shrama – tiredness,
– klaibya – impotence, sterility, PME, ED,
– shukra apravritti – lack of ejaculation
The fashionable model of testosterone deficiency could also be totally different, however some signs talked about in shukra kshaya undoubtedly match up with the fashionable description.
Causes of Shukra Kshaya
– Jara – previous age, with development of ageing course of
– Chinnta – over considering, stress, psychological imbalances, worries,
– Vyadhibhi Karshanat – being debilitated or emaciated (depletion of tissues) because of the impact of lengthy standing illnesses
– Anashana – not consuming meals, fasting, hunger, dietary deficiency,
– Strinam ati nishevanat – extreme indulgence in sexual actions
Even in trendy science, persistent well being circumstances like kidney illnesses, AIDS, genetic illnesses, cirrhosis of liver, alcoholism, weight problems, illnesses of pituitary glands, infections, autoimmune medicines and stress have been talked about amongst the causes of low testosterone ranges.
Shukra Pradoshaja Roga
When the shukra will get contaminated, it causes impotency, lack of sexual pleasure and erection (erectile dysfunction) and lack of enjoyment in intercourse. The progeny of such an individual will probably be sick, sterile, brief lived and disfigured. Both conception doesn’t happen or abortion or miscarriage will happen. Shukra dushti will convey distress to the couple and progeny.
Related signs are defined within the context of testosterone deficiency or imbalance.
Shukra Vriddhi
When shukra will get abnormally elevated it causes shukrashmari – seminal calculi and Ati stree kamata – extreme craving for girls and intercourse. Excessive ranges of testosterone may cause elevated libido and weird sexual craving.
Shukravaha Srotas
The roots of shukravaha srotas are –
– Vrushana – scrotum / testes – supply of testosterone
– Shepha – penis – whose growth takes place attributable to testosterone, as a secondary sexual character
– Stana – breasts – its presence or absence determines the intercourse of particular person
Tips on how to preserve testosterone to its optimum high quality and amount?
Nidana Parivarjana
If the signs or exams are suggesting testosterone imbalance, one ought to immediately maintain away the causes, eat wholesome meals, do good train, stay away from stress, sleep properly and be glad. With ageing one ought to keep away from vata rising meals and actions, together with extreme sexual indulgence. Even in any other case, one ought to keep away from an excessive amount of vata and pitta aggravating meals and actions.
Stability of Trayopastambha
It’s everybody’s duty to maintain a stability of the three supporting pillars of 1’s life. They’re – ahara – meals, nidra – sleep and brahmacharya – celibacy.
Vega Dharana & Udirana
One shouldn’t forcibly management or withhold the pure physique reflexes urges or which additionally contains the ‘shukra vega – ejaculation reflex’. Equally, one shouldn’t forcibly create or expel the urges which the physique has not created. The identical rule applies to all of the vegas – urges / pure physique reflexes. Vegadharana – forcible withholding of pure physique urges causes aggravation and irregular motion of vata in upward route, which could provoke many illness processes within the physique.
Dharaniya Vegas
One ought to management the untoward excessive finish psychological expressions or feelings together with worries, grief, want, lust, worry, anger, greed, envy and so on. All of them create extreme stress which could influence the testosterone stability. Even with extreme and high-end stress and feelings, vata will get aggravated. It’s vata which controls the thoughts and its features as is claimed ‘niyanta praneta cha manasah’. Shukra pravritti i.e. pure and wholesome ejaculation of semen can also be below the management of vata – testosterone.
Vyadhi and Dosha Pratyanika Chikitsa
The illnesses and doshas that are causal of sexual problems or imbalances of shukra dhatu vis-à-vis testosterone ought to be promptly handled with appropriate interventions.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma, primarily vamana, virechana and vasti as and when required, is not going to solely detoxify the physique and thoughts, however can even detoxify and rejuvenate the genital system. Vasti and Uttara Vasti might turn into the gamechangers in male sexual problems and dysfunctions and to revive and stability testosterone ranges and its functioning.
Rasayana & Vajikarana
Rasayanas work finest in retaining one of the best stability of the tissues, together with shukra. Aside from doing what Rasayana does, Vajikarana medicines will assist in refining and re-tuning the male genital system and the components concerned therein, together with testosterone.
A mixture of shodhana adopted by rasayana or vajikarana as per want, added with disciplined life-style and wholesome meals inclusions are good for testosterone.
Sattvavajaya
Counselling and psychotherapy are essential in dealing with the signs precipitated attributable to testosterone imbalances. Aside from this dhairya – encouraging the individual and atmadi vijnana – making the individual to understand the worth of self and self assist in tackling testosterone associated well being points ought to be included.
Different features to stability testosterone and to stop or do away with well being points precipitated attributable to testosterone imbalances
The beneath talked about are additionally contributory for one to get pleasure from wholesome intercourse life and to keep up the stability of shukra dhatu –
– Following – Dinacharya, Rutucharya and Sadvritta
– Adapting – Achara Rasayana
– Investing in – Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa
Essential Yoga poses that are good for Testosterone well being
– Bhujangasana – Cobra pose
– Setubandhasana – Bridge Pose
– Ustrasana – Camel Pose
– Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose
– Malasana – Garland pose
– Balasana – Little one Pose
– Bitalasana / Marjaryasana – Cat-Cow Pose
– Makarasana – Crocodile Pose
– Salamba Bhujangasana – Sphinx Pose
– Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose
– Paschimottanasana – Seated Ahead Bend
– Supta Baddha Konasana – Supine Sure Angle Pose
– Shavasana – Corpse Pose
– Pranayama
Word – Speak to your Yoga tutor to customise the best Yoga poses as per your requirement.
