Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection with Ayurveda!!!!!

The channel carrying urine, our bodies liquid waste, is called 'mutra vaha srotas'. The origin of the channel begins at the kidneys, the bladder is the container, the ureters are the passageways, and the end or opening is the urethra. Bladder infections (cystitis), inflammation of the urethra (urethritis), and kidney infections are all more common in women than in men. When men have urinary tract infections, it is usually secondary to a more serious health concern such as an enlarged prostate.

Urinary tract infections or UTIs, are infections that occur within the urinary tract, most commonly with the bladder or urethra, causing symptoms of burning upon urination, frequent urination with not much urine, and feeling a frequent urge to pass urine. There can be blood in the urine, or cloudy, strong-smelling urine.

According to Ayurveda, UTIs are due to an imbalance within 'pitta dosha'. Ayurveda's wisdom offers guidelines to balance pitta dosha and strengthen the urinary tract in order to avoid recurring infections. First understanding and removing the cause begins the healing process. Main factors that aggravate 'pitta dosha' and contribute to UTIs are:

*Eating foods that are too hot, sour, or spicy.
*Drinking alcohol.
*Suppressing the urge to urinate.
*Habitually retaining urine in the bladder for long periods of time.
*Exposure to extreme heat, and overexposure to sunlight.
*Emotions of anger, impatience, jealousy.
*Environmental factors such as working with fire, chemicals, or toxic fumes.
*Not drinking enough water

Diet
Ayurveda recommends choosing a diet that will pacify 'pitta dosha' to help cleanse and eliminate the toxins that are bringing too much heat to the body. Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Pure cranberry or pomegranate juice are excellent purifying drinks that reduce excess 'pitta' and also reduce proliferation of bacteria.

The following foods have an adverse effect on the bladder and should be limited or avoided: alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate, refined and processed foods, refined sugars.

Lifestyle
Bacteria can flourish when conditions are warm and moist. Here are a few tips to help you stay cool and dry.

*Empty bladder after taking a bath and sexual intercourse.
*Wear cool, loose fitting cotton underwear and clothing.
*Dry thoroughly after shower or bath. Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming.
*Women should consider sanitary pads for their menstrual cycle, avoiding tampons.
*Cultivate emotions of peace and contentment.

Herbs
Kidney supportive Ayurvedic medicines contain Gokshura and Punarnava, two herbs known specifically for their ability to support proper functioning of the urinary tract. The formula works to cool and soothe the entire urinary system, including inflammed membranes caused by urinary tract infections.

Shatavari is sweet and cooling herb that helps to relieve 'pitta' inflammation in the genito-urinary system. Many current studies have confirmed Shatavari's antimicrobial activity against bacteria that are frequently present in urinary tract infections. Coriander, or Cilantro, is a helpful household spice to have on hand for high 'pitta' conditions such as burning urination. A fresh juice can be taken to instantly dispel excess 'pitta' from the body. Coriander seeds can be used in a tea, either by itself or along with cumin and fennel, as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory for burning upon urination.

Yoga
Include yoga poses that target the kidney and abdominal area such as Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Setu Bhanda Sarvangasana (Bridge pose), and Dhanurasana (Bow pose). These help to massage and tone the kidneys and improve the function of genito-urinary organs.

Pranayama
'Shitali' is a cooling pranayama or breathing exercise that is effective in reducing excess heat in the body. Shitali also helps dispel emotions of anger and frustration. It is a practice that brings tranquility and contentment to the mind. To practice this Pranayama, sit comfortably, with spine long and in alignment.Curl the sides of the tongue up so that they touch each other.Close the lips around the tongue, forming a circle.Begin to slowing inhale air through the "straw" which is the tongue.At the top of the inhalation, release the tongue and close the mouth.Exhale out through the nose.Continue for up to 10 rounds of breath.Sit calmly and notice the cooling effect of this pranayama.

Ayurveda offers the healing tools of self-care - diet, lifestyle, herbs, yoga, and pranayama to support a healthy urinary tract and bring balance to the body.