Ayurvedic Concept about Oligospermia

Ayurveda has discussed in length about Infertility ,its causes, about sperm, about reduction in sperm .No doubt that none of the standard texts of Ayurveda mentions about the count of Sperm or Motility of sperm but clearly mentions about qualitative measures about Sperm ( Shuddha shukra Lakshanam). Ayurveda also advocates about do’s & don’t about diet in special connection with Shukra. It has been rightly stated that food articles like milk, ghee, udad (black gram) are good for Shukra whereas the food articles which are having properties opposite to that of Shukra i.e. with more heat, spicy, pungent food items have to be restricted in our diet. It will be of specific need to treat those with the problems of Oligospermia.

?

Ayurveda has mentioned that Shukra is the last vital tissue produced in our body. There is interesting reference saying that there exist Shukra in female as well apart from Raja (Menstrual flow) which can be equated with the ovum according to some of the few contemporary ayurvedic scholars.Ayurveda has advocated a separate branch wich deals with not only the treatment modalities concerning Shukrakshaya (Oligospermia) but also dealing with various other aspects regarding wholistic approach towards better sexual health of an individual under chapters of Vajikarana tantra.Unfortunately this part is wrongly uitilised by many Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals for their commercial purpose, just to make more sales via advertisements of these sex tonics & aphrodisiacs.

?

One of the well known commentator of ‘Charak Samhita’, Chakrapani has discussed these Vajikarana drugs into three categories, although they are not discussed in any of the major three manuscripts of Ayurveda (Brihattrayi – Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam); they are as follows –

?

1. Shukrasrutikara Dravya – the one which helps in maintaining the proper flow of the shukra with stambhana means it also takes care to prevent premature ejaculation of the seminal fluid.
2. Shukravruddhikara Dravya – The one which actually increases the shukra, qualitatively & quantitatively as well. Here the emphasis has been given not to just improve the quantity & quality of Shukra alone but of the all dhatus ( Vital tissues of the body ) with the help of appropriate use of rasayanas ( Rasayanas are those drugs which keeps diseases & aging process away ).These class of drugs are more special importance to our topic of discussion for Oligospermia.
3. Srutivruddhikara Dravya – They contains properties of above two.

?

Shukra ideally should not be equated alone with that of the sperm in modern concept. It is much beyond that. It has be understood on larger broader perspective. There is a concept of Shukravruddhi (condition in which there exists a higher levels of Shukra) which shows symptoms like more urge for sexual act ( which we know it can be seen with low sperm count as well ! ) & presence of Shukrashmari . Where as in the reference of Shukrakshaya? (Condition in which there exists a lower levels of Shukra ) having references with pain in testicular region, inability to see good qualities of seminal fluid, no more viscous, less pearly white in colour etc. has been mentioned.

?

There is a clear cut reference stating that when there is a contact of Shukra (Sperm) & Shonita (stree beeja) (Ovum) {Beeja}, then only there is a possibility of Garbhadan (fertilization of ovum), along with three other factors (i.e. normal menstrual physiological status of the female {Ritu}, normal anatomical status of the uterus {Kshetra}, normal/favorable nutritional supply to that area of uterus {Amboo}). If all these four conditions are fulfilled then only there may be a possibility of Garbhasdharana (conceiving a pregnancy) .

?

Certain Do’s & Don’t

1. One need to remember that there is not a single pill, which can really make a difference in this condition. There has to be a holistic approach .There needs to be ideally life style changes.
2. Stress, frustration becomes the main stay in these cases. We need to teach them how to overcome the stress. One need to realize that unlike all other diseases oligospermia is also one of the diseased condition which can be correctable.
3. With comparatively low sperm count say approximately about 10 to 20 millions/ml. one may still in a position of fathering a pregnancy.
4. Very low count people can initially increase to certain level & then may go for the integrated approach of the therapy , like Ayurveda & Allopathic new techniques, this also gives a better & faster results .as I have seen in my own clinical practice.
5. One need to avoid very pungent, spicy, oily food. Similarly have less intake of sour & salty food.
6. Be away from smoking , alcohols, other addictive habits, since all these have properties opposite to that of Shukra.
7. Shower the testicles with tap water , so that the temperature in & around them can remain cold & can be useful in the process of generation of sperms (spermatogenesis)
8. Avoid wearing tight undergarments since it can increase temperature in & around testes & also exerts undue pressure on testes which might hamper the process of spermatogenesis.
9. Avoid use of Bikes for long run since it can gives jerks to the region of genitalia.
10. Make use of (Black Gram) Udad dal, Draksha (Grapes), Cows Ghee, Milk in your diet. Always consume fresh food. Try to avoid tin food, processed food, steal food.
11. One may think of use of Chicken soup ,or items of chicken in diet if preferring non vegetarian diet. Only keep in mind that the dish should not be too much spicy!?

Certain common Ayurvedic hers & drugs used in the management of Oligospermia –

?

1.Shatavari

2.Ashwagandha

3.Vidarikanda

4.Shweta Musali

5Kishna Musali

6.Kapikatcchu

7.Bala & many such single drugs in a specific combinations along with other formulations are utilized to get better effects in cases of Oligospermia.