Psychosomatic disorders

Which diseases are psychosomatic?

To an extent, most diseases are psychosomatic - involving both mind and body.

• There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. How we react to and cope with disease varies greatly from person to person. For example, the rash of psoriasis may not bother some people very much. However, the rash covering the same parts of the body in someone else may make them feel depressed and more ill.
• There can be physical effects from mental illness. For example, with some mental illnesses you may not eat, or take care of yourself, very well which can cause physical problems.

However, the term psychosomatic disorder is mainly used to mean ... "a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors".

Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to be made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. For example, psoriasis, eczema, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is thought that the actual physical part of the illness (the extent of a rash, the level of the blood pressure, etc) can be affected by mental factors. This is difficult to prove. However, many people with these and other physical diseases say that their current mental state can affect how bad their physical disease is at any given time.

Some people also use the term psychosomatic disorder when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, a chest pain may be caused by stress and no physical disease can be found. Physical symptoms that are caused by mental factors are discussed further in another leaflet called Somatisation/Somatoform Disorders 

How can the mind affect physical diseases?

It is well known that the mind can cause physical symptoms. For example, when we are afraid or anxious we may develop:

• A fast heart rate
• A thumping heart (palpitations)
• Feeling sick (nauseated)
• Shaking (tremor)
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• A knot in the stomach
• Fast breathing

These physical symptoms are due to increased activity of nervous impulses sent from the brain to various parts of the body and to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream when we are anxious.

However, the exact way that the mind can cause certain other symptoms is not clear. Also, how the mind can affect actual physical diseases (rashes, blood pressure, etc) is not clear. It may have something to do with nervous impulses going to the body, which we do not fully understand. There is also some evidence that the brain may be able to affect certain cells of the immune system, which is involved in various physical diseases.

What are the treatments for psychosomatic disorders?Each disease has its own treatment options. For physical diseases, physical treatments such as medication or operations are usually the most important. However, healthcare workers will usually try to treat a person as a whole and take into account mental and social factors which may be contributing to a disease. Therefore, treatments to ease stress, anxiety, depression, etc, may help if they are thought to be contributing to your physical disease.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Agni	Fire element, digestive fire.
Agni dipana	Increases digestive fire.
Ahamkara	Sense of separate self or ego. Literally, “I former.”
Alochaka Pitta	Sub-type of pitta which governs visual perception.
Alterative	Blood purifying substances that gradually restores healthy bodily functions.
Ama	Toxic residue of improperly digested food that can become the source of disease.
Ama pachana	Promotes digestion and the destruction of toxins
Amenorrhea	Absence or suppression of menstruation.
Anabolic	Constructive or building phase of metabolism.
Analgesic	A substance that relieves pain.
Anthelmintic	Destroying and dispelling parasites (including bacteria, yeasts and fungus).
Antibacterial	Inhibits or destroys bacteria.
Antibiotic	Inhibits or destroys bacteria and other microorganisms.
Antiemetic	A substance that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal	A substance that prevents and inhibits the growth of fungi.
Antipyretic	Dispels heat and reduces fever.
Antispasmodic	Relieves muscle spasms and cramping.
Antiviral	A substance that inhibits viruses.
Anupana	A Substance that serves as a medium of intake for herbs, such as honey, aloe vera juice, etc.
Apana Vayu	Downward moving sub-type of vata, responsible for elimination of waste products, gas, menstruation and child birth.
Aphrodisiac	Substances that stimulate and/or revitalize the reproductive system.
Arishta/Asava	Traditional medicated herbal wines used in Ayurveda.
Aromatic	Herbs containing volatile, essential oils that aid digestion and relieve gas.
Artava	Female reproductive tissue.
Asthi dhatu	Bone tissue.
Astringent	Substances that firm tissues and reduce discharges and secretions.
Avalambaka Kapha	A sub-type of kapha located in the chest region, mainly in the lungs.
Ayurveda	“Science of Life.” The ancient medical system of India.
Basti	Therapeutic enema, one of the five main cleansing measures of Panchakarma.
Bhasma	Incinerated and purified substance such as a mineral, gem, shell, coral, etc., with potent healing properties.
Bhedaniya	Substances that break down accumulated tissues and waste products.
Bhrajaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the in the skin and governs complexion.
Bhutagni	Digestive fire located in the liver that governs the metabolism of the five elements.
Bodhaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located in the mouth and tongue and is responsible for taste and digestion.
Buddhi	Intellect (individual form).
Carminative	A substance that relieves gas and promotes digestion and peristalsis.
Catabolic	Destructive phase of metabolism.
Cathartic	Strong laxatives that cause powerful evacuation.
Charaka	Author of the ancient Ayurvedic text CharakaSamhita.
Chikitsa	Therapy or treatment.
Cholagogue	Promotes flow of bile from the gall bladder.
Cystitis	Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Demulcent	Soothes, protects and nurtures internal membranes.
Dhatu	The seven main bodily tissues.
Dhatu agni	Specialized digestive fires located in the membranes of each of the seven bodily tissues.
Diaphoretic	Induces sweating and increases the release of toxins through the skin.
Diuretic	Promotes kidney and bladder activity and increases urination.
Dosha	Three basic energetic principles, which determine individual constitution.
Drastic	A strong laxative.
Dysmenorrhea	Painful or difficult menstruation.
Dyspnea	Difficulty in breath, often associated with respiratory and cardiac disease.
Edema	Swelling caused by fluid retention in the bodily tissues.
Emetic	A substance that inducing vomiting.
Emmenagogue	A substance that aids in promoting and regulating menstruation.
Emollient	Soothes, softens and protects the skin.
Enteritis	Inflammation of the small intestine.
Expectorant	A substance that encourages the clearing of phlegm from the lungs and throat.
Galactagogue	A substance that promotes the secretion of breast milk.
Gastritis	Inflammation of the stomach.
Ghee	Clarified butter.
Guna	Attributes, modes of nature that influence creation.
Hematemesis	Vomiting blood.
Hemoptysis	Spitting up blood from the lungs.
Hemostaic	A type of astringent that stops bleeding and internal hemorrhaging.
Kapha	One of three basic energetic principles composed of water and earth.
Kledaka kapha	A subtype of kapha located mainly in the stomach, which is associated with gastric and other mucous membrane.
Kundalini	Serpent like spiritual energy that rises from below the base of the spine when awakened.
Laxative	Substances that promote mild bowel movements.
Lechaniya	Scraping or reducing action.
Lithotriptic	A substance that dissolves and dispels gall bladder and urinary stones and gravel.
Mahat	Cosmic mind, cosmic consciousness.
Majja dhatu	Nervous tissue, bone marrow.
Mala	Bodily waste products.
Malabsorption	Abnormality in the absorption of nutrients across the intestinal tract.
Mamsa dhatu	Muscle tissue.
Manas	Recording or conditioned mind.
Mandagni	Slow or sluggish digestive fire.
Mantra	Sacred sounds, sacred syllables.
Meda dhatu	Adipose tissue.
Menorrhagia	Excess menstrual bleeding.
Nasya	Administration of medication through the nose.
Nephritis	Inflammation of the kidney.
Nervine	Substances that improve the function of the nervous system; may be stimulants or sedatives.
Nirama	Without toxins.
Nutritive tonic	Increases weight and strength and nourishes all the bodily tissues.
Ojas	Refined essence of all bodily tissues, which maintains immunity, strength and vitality.
Pachaka pitta	Subtype of pitta located in the stomach region governing digestion.
Pachana	Digestion; that which promotes digestion
Panchakarma	Five cleansing measures for eliminating ama and dosha from the body (emesis, purgation, enema, bloodletting and nasal medications).
Pitta	One of three basic energetic principles composed of fire and water.
Prabhava	The special potency or action of a substance that cannot be explained by the logic of its taste, energy or post digestive effect.
Prakruti	Eternal principle of matter, primordial energy of creation.
Prana	Vital life force, a subtype of vata governing inward movement.
Pranayama	Expansion of vital energy (prana), a term commonly used for yogic breathing practices.
Purgative	A strong laxative that often causes multiple loose bowel movements.
Purusha	The eternal Self, pure consciousness.
Rajas	Active principle.
Rakta dhatu	Blood tissue.
Ranjaka pitta	A subtype of pitta rooted in the liver and spleen and is responsible the color and formation of blood.
Rasa	Taste; plasma.
Rasa dhatu	Plasma, lymph, white blood cells.
Rasayana	Rejuvenation, rejuvenating therapies and substances.
Rejuvenative	Prevents decay, slows the aging process and revitalizes the organs.
Rhinitis	Sinus inflammation.
Rishis	An enlightened seer or sage.
Sadhaka pitta	A subtype of pitta located in the brain and heart responsible for mental and higher mind functions.
Sama	With toxins.
Sama agni	Balanced digestive fire.
Samana vayu	A subtype of vata present in the small intestine and navel region that governs the digestive system.
Samkhya	The System of Indian philosophy, which deals with cosmic evolution.
Sattwic	Purity, clarity, light, essence.
Sedative	A substance that calms or tranquilizes.
Sedative	Calms or tranquilizes.
Shakti	Divine creative energy, cosmic feminine energy.
Shleshaka kapha	A subtype of kapha present in the joints, which provides lubrication and freedom of movement.
Shukra	Sexual fluid.
Spermatorrhea	Abnormal loss of semen without ejaculation.
Srotas	Bodily channels or pathways.
Stimulant	Improves physical and mental function, increases heat and circulation, dispels chills, and strengthens digestion and metabolism.
Stomachic	A substance that strengthens stomach function
Suppuration	Pus formation and discharge.
Tamas	Inertia, darkness, stability.
Tarpaka kapha	A subtype of kapha associated with the white matter of the brain, cerebral spinal fluid and protective membranes in the nervous system.
Tejas	Superfine essence of pitta, flame of intelligence in the body.
Tikshna agni	Sharp digestion, excessive appetite.
Tikta	Bitter taste.
Tinnitis	Ringing in the ear.
Tridoshic	Balance of the three doshas, balancing to all threedoshas.
Udana	A subtype of vata that governs speech, energy, will power and exhalation
Urticaria	A skin condition characterized by itching or hives.
Vajikarana	A substances that enhance sexual energy and function.
Vasodilator	A substance that causes relaxation of the blood vessels.
Vata	One of three basic energetic principles composed of air and space.
Vedas	Ancient scriptures of India.
Vikruti	Disease, deviation from nature, imbalanced state of the doshas.
Vipaka	Post-digestive effect.
Virya	Energy of a substance such as heating and cooling.
Vulnerary	A substance that heals wounds and prevents infection by stimulating cell regeneration.
Vyana vayu	A subtype of vata governing the circulatory system and the movement of the musculoskeletal system.
Yoga	Union with God, the practical science of self or god realization

Ayurvedic Vajikarana and Shukrala Herbs

In Ayurvedic pharmacology there is a special group ofrasayana herbs, classified as vajikarana, that help to nourish and stimulate the sexual organs and tissues, as well as to promote beauty and sex appeal. Further classifications of herbs that aid in increasing spermatogenesis are referred to as shukrala.

In Sanskrit vaji means “horse” and karana means “power,” to convey the idea of the power or strength of a horse. The closest common Western term for herbs in this category would be aphrodisiacs. Yet because vajikarana herbs nourish the reproductive tissue, they also help to increase ojas, which is the essence of all bodily tissues that can be transformed into spiritual energy.

Vajikarana herbs can act as stimulants, tonics or both. Stimulants are typically heating andrajasic like damiana, fenugreek garlic, and onion. They help to decrease kapha and have more of an invigorating action on the sexual organs. Tonics, whether warming or cooling, are more nourishing and help to restore the overall quality and quantity of the tissues. Some herbs possess both stimulating and rejuvenating properties, such as shilajit, garlic, fenugreek, andashwagandha.

Common Ayurvedic Tonic Herbs For Male Reproductive Health

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

In Sanskrit, ashwagandha means “the smell of a horse,” due to the strong odor of the fresh root, which resembles that of horse urine. It is also considered to bestow the sexual vitality of a horse and is often used in cases of sterility and infertility. Being one of the best male rejuvenating tonic herbs, it promotes spermatogenesis, blood flow and tone to the reproductive organs and regulates hormonal function. It is commonly used to relieve conditions such as spermatorrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, nocturnal emission and enlarged prostate.

Its grounding and deeply nourishing qualities make it one of the best vata pacifying medicines. Due to its warming energy, it can provoke pitta when used in excess. This is especially true when prepared as a tincture, although the powdered herb used in combination with coolingvajikarana herbs such as shatavari, bala, licorice or vidari is fairly neutral. Ashwagandha has anabolic properties and increases the tone and strength of the muscles. Because it helps to combat stress, relax the body and mind, and fortify all the dhatus, it is a perfect herb for targeting many of the contributing factors associated with depleted sexual energy.

In my experience it is a fairly gentle herb with a wide range of uses and one of the most common vata pratyanika herbs. Some key signs and symptoms to look for when considering this herb are generalized low libido, stress, low mental or physical energy, depletion, insomnia, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, worry and depression.

One of the most effective and simple ways to use this herb is to boil 1 teaspoon of the powdered root in a cup of raw unhomogenized cow’s milk for several minutes, sweeten with raw sugar or honey and take before going to bed or first thing in the morning. Those who don’t drink milk can use fresh almond milk or just plain hot water. I personally use this herb in formulation or along with other compounds more than just by itself for most conditions.

It is commonly used in combination with shilajit in male tonic formulas, which should be used with caution by pitta and vata folks or those with excess heat in the body. If kapha is involved in the imbalance, then it is best used along with stimulating spices such as pippali, ginger, cardamom, or fenugreek.

Ashwagandha plays a key role in several traditional compounds that are quite useful to enhance virility, including Ashwagandhadi churna and Ashwagandhadi lehya, a tasty herbal jam that is taken twice daily in doses of 1 to 2 teaspoons along with warm milk or water. Also, ashwagandharishta, an herbal wine preparation that is great for sexual debility as well as afflictions of the mind and nervous system, in doses of 20 to 30 ml twice daily. A moderate dose of the powdered herb ranges from 2 to 6 grams, 2 to 3 times daily.

Due to its sattwic quality, ashwagandha has long been used by the yogis of India to increaseshukra/arthava dhatu and transform it into ojas, thus promoting spiritual energy and enhancing meditative power. Since mental rejuvenation is vital for overall health, ashwagandha is also one of the most valuable medhya rasayana herbs in Ayurveda, and it combines well with othermedhya rasayana herbs such as brahmi (gotu kola or bacopa monniera), shanka pushpi andvacha.

 Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens)

This is perhaps one of my personal favorite vajikarana herbs for men, second toashwagandha, which is its frequent partner in male supportive formulas. It has a sweet and bitter taste, and is quite heavy and oily. When used in moderation it is fairly tridoshic but is mainly used to balance vata and pitta, as it increases kapha and ama in excess.

Kapikacchu is often used along with gokshura for the treatment of spermatorrhea and as a potent aphrodisiac when prepared with other rejuvenating substances, including milk, ghee and honey. A simple milk decoction with these ingredients can serve as an alternative to some of the more elaborate preparations mentioned in the classic texts for increasing the sexual vigor and potency. Combined with diuretics like punarnava and gokshura, it is very effective in the treatment of enlarged prostate and edema. It also helps to buffer stress when used along with other vata balancing herbs like bala, ashwagandha and jatamansi. Typical doses of the powdered herb range from 1.5 to 6 grams. One should avoid it in cases of aggravated pitta or high ama, unless it is well formulated.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Although best known as one of the most important rejuvenating herbs for the female reproductive system, shatavari can also serve as a powerful male tonic. It has a bittersweet taste, is cooling and purifying to the liver and blood, and it helps to target pitta at its main site in the small intestine. When treating male sterility, shatavari is useful to balance heating herbs and foods that are commonly used to improve sperm count like ashwagandha, garlic and onion.

It prevents excess pitta from burning and depleting the sperm and, due to its heavy, moistening and nourishing properties, it is also a useful herb for vata, especially when combined with other vajikaranas like ashwagandha or bala. In much the same way asashwagandha, it can be prepared as a milk decoction in doses of 3 to 6 grams, or taken alone or in combination with other appropriate herbs.

For addressing any emotional components that may be associated with libido issues, shatavaricombines well with cooling nervine herbs like brahmi (gotu kola) and skullcap for pitta related emotions like anger and irritability. If there is more nervousness, worry or anxiety, then it is best combined with calming and grounding herbs like jatamansi, ashwagandha, or tagara. When there is a need for shatavari but there is a concern with excess kapha or ama, then it is best mixed with warming herbs like pippali or ginger.

Because the state of the digestion is of vital importance in restoring and maintaining health, it is good to note that shatavari is also one of the best herbs for balancing pitta in its main sites, the small intestine. It is used to reduce acidity and inflammation, sooth mucous membranes, and promote elimination due to its mild laxative and cooling diuretic properties.

Shatavari is clearly one of best pitta pratyanika herbs and can serve as a chief herb in formulas for many pitta and pitta-vata related conditions. Some good indicators for usingshatavari include general fatigue, low sexual energy, stress, irritability, inflammation, hyperacidity, urinary tract infections, and burning sensations. A typical dose of shatavari is 2 to 6 grams of the powdered herb, 2 to 3 times daily. One should avoid taking this herb in cases of high kapha and ama, or respiratory or sinus congestion.

Since the Ayurvedic approach is very individualized and holistic, the herbs selected for a formula and their proportions will vary depending upon the individuals needs. So let’s say an individual with a pitta predominant constitution presents symptoms of low libido, as well as other complaints such as heartburn, sharp appetite, hypoglycemia, sustained irritability, redness of the eyes and loose stools. Here a formula could use 4 parts shatavari to support the pitta prakruti and vikruti, rejuvenate and protect the reproductive tissues, relieve excess hot and sour qualities of pitta in the stomach, and calm and even neutralize the digestive fire. A supporting herb like vidari could also be added in 3 parts to bolster the sexual and physical energy, further balance pitta in the blood, liver, and GI track, and to help to bulk the stool. To calm the mind, 3 parts gotu kola could be added. Last but not least, 2 parts licorice to help to relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia, support sexual energy and relieve pitta in the intestines and harmonize the formula overall. Such a compound could be taken in doses of 1/2 to 1 tsp. hot or cold infusion, 2 to 3 times daily.

Bala (Sida cordifolia)

Bala means “strength” in Sanskrit, and it is one of the best rejuvenative tonic herbs for vataand pitta. It has a sweet taste, heavy and oily qualities, which may increase kapha when used in excess, and is mildly cooling. As most true rasayana herbs, it nourishes and strengthens all the bodily tissues, especially the plasma, muscle, nerve, marrow and reproductive tissue. Being one of the best anti-vata herbs in Ayurveda, it helps to correct disorders related to deficiency of the body and mind. It plays a leading role in the treatment of balakshaya or chronic fatigue, and can be used when there is exhausted physical or mental strength.

Bala has a tonifying action upon both the male and female reproductive systems, promotes spermatogenesis and fertility, and is very effective in restoring sexual stamina.

Taken internally as well as massaging bala oil or ashwagandha bala tailam onto the penis can significantly improve its tone and help prevent premature ejaculation. For supporting the health of the prostate gland it can be combined with herbs such as gokshura, saw palmetto,ashwagandha, vidari kandha and kapikacchu. A typical dose ranges from 2 to 6 grams, 2 to 3 times daily.

Vidari kandha (Ipomoea digitata)

This starchy tuber is effective in promoting spermatogenesis and works fast when taken as a milk decoction. It is fairly tridoshic when used in moderation and, like ashwagandha, it is lighter for kapha types than shatavari and bala. To treat enlarged prostate it can be combined withkapikacchu or saw palmetto.

It is sweet and cooling, and it promotes ojas and muscle tone and coordination. Vidari is useful for sexual debility associated with nervous tension and adrenal stress. Here it can be used in formulation with herbs including Siberian ginseng, gokshura, licorice and ashwagandha.

The uses of this herb far extend this brief overview, but it is worth mentioning that it is a good alternative if shatavari is either too cooling or heavy, or when ashwagandha may be too warming. It falls right between the two and is of great value as both a vata and pitta pratyanikaherb. A typical dose ranges from 2 to 6 grams, 2 to 3 times daily.

Shilajit (Asphaltum, mineral pitch)

Shilajit increases virility and sexual stamina, while maintaining the normal tone of the genital organs. Many vajikarana herbs have an anabolic effect and increase kapha, whereas shilajitwith its pungent taste and heating energy invigorates, stimulates and scrapes excess kaphafrom the body.

In the case of kapha constitutions or kapha related reproductive imbalances, it is commonly combined with ashwagandha. It can also be used with diuretics such as punarnava to further reduce kapha via the kidneys, or warming stimulants that improve digestion, burn ama and refresh the mind and senses, like ajwan, ginger, pippali or the compound trikatu. For enlarged prostate, it combines well with gokshuradi guggulu, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, punarnava orvidhari.

I recommend using shilajit with other herbs or traditional preparations in doses from 250 to 500 mg twice daily. Precaution should be taken when using shilajit in cases of high pitta or vata due to its heating and scraping action, and during pregnancy.

Pippali (Piper longum)

With the exception of shilajit, most of the herbs mentioned in this article tend to increasekapha, so pippali makes a nice addition to formulas containing these herbs, since it is a rejuvenating herb with a warming, stimulating and kapha reducing action.

Pippali is heating, but its oily quality prevents it from becoming too drying to vata and its sweet post digestive effect makes it more pitta friendly than other hot spices and herbs when used in small amounts. Combined with ashwagandha, it helps to promote blood flow to the reproductive organs.

The primary ways we receive prana is through our breath, water and food. Pippali increasesprana agni, thus raising the life energy and expelling impurities via the breath. It also kindlesjathara and dhatu agni, and improves digestion, absorption and assimilation. Thus it is a key herb for rejuvenation and is used for a wide variety of digestive, respiratory and arthritic disorders. The typical dosage is 1 to 3 parts in complex formulas, or 250 mg to 1.5 grams. One should avoid using pippali in high pitta or inflammatory conditions.

Choosing the Right Herbs

When selecting vajikarana herbs to best suit an individual’s needs it is helpful to first gather as much knowledge regarding the person’s prakruti and vikruti, as well as the characteristics of their condition, the involvement of doshas, tissues, channels and organs, qualitative characteristics of the condition, medical history, contributing factors, strength of digestion, and levels of ama present, as well as their emotional state. This can certainly help to develop a strategy for selecting herbs that will resonate best with the client.

For instance, ashwagandha targets vata at its root and is famous for bolstering sexual energy, but how? By relieving stress, improving muscle tone, calming the mind and nerves, promoting sound sleep, replenishing adrenal energy and stimulating blood flow. There is no wonder how such an herb is perfect for pacifying vata at many levels and how it might support sexual and reproductive health on many levels.

Understanding the dynamic properties of herbs in the light of Ayurvedic principles can help us to choose relatively small amount of herbs to cover the most ground possible. Sometimes even just one herb, if it is well suited to the individual, can be very effective. Another important point to keep in mind is that many rejuvenating tonic herbs are heavy, oily, and hard to digest for those with low agni or high ama. Some individuals will develop gas, bloating or even constipation from such herbs. Here it is important to strengthen agni and cleanse ama before giving heavy herbs, or to combine them with light, warming and stimulating herbs like cardamom, ginger or pippali to make them easier to digest. Alcohol extracts and Ayurvedic medicated wines (arishtas and asavas) like ashwagandharishta or balaristha can help to lighten the properties of sweet, heavy and oily herbs a bit and make them easier to digest because they enter almost immediately into the blood stream.

with thanks :

http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com/category/bodily-systems/