Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa S, B.A.M.S

Testosterone is an important hormone which is accountable for many necessary bodily capabilities 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 could be very a lot important for sperm manufacturing. It additionally influences muscle and bone mass, fats distribution and purple blood cell manufacturing aside from reproductive well being.

This hormone can considerably affect temper and psychological well being and therefore is accountable for our complete well-being. Each high and low ranges can result in bodily and psychological points and therefore you will need to have it in a state of steadiness.

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 might be hypothetically understood by making use of Ayurveda fundamentals and fundamentals to their idea.

Testosterone and Shukra Dhatu

Shukra Dhatu is the seventh tissue shaped within the chronology of ‘tissue forming course of’. The time period ‘Shukra’ is equated with semen nevertheless it positively encompasses sperms and testosterone additionally. So, shukra is an umbrella time period which incorporates underneath 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 capabilities of testes

Since shukra is shaped 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 is 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 includes the ‘sarva vyapi shukra’ i.e. shukra current all around the physique. The second sort of shukra defined in Ayurveda most likely 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 capabilities and in addition on the thoughts.

Testosterone and Vata

Hormones, in line with Late Vaidya Prof SN Ojha sir, hormones are Vata Dharmiya i.e. their capabilities extra or so resemble the capabilities of vata, testosterone too just isn’t an exception.

Functionally, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which management testosterone manufacturing by means of launch of GnRH and LH hormones respectively might 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 accountable for creation / procreation of one other life.

The male foetus / little one 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 buildings too from his father. The reference ‘Angad angad sambhavasi’ i.e. you might be derived from each organ of mine, exhibits the replication of a person virtually equivalent to his guardian. (That is the a part of the verse which a father utters into the ear of his little one in the course of the namakarana samskara – naming ceremony).

So, the male genital organs are shaped from the daddy and so is the shukra. In keeping with Ayurveda, the intercourse willpower takes place within the second month of the being pregnant. When the form of the embryo resembles pinda (bolus) it needs 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 necessary function in improvement 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 pressure behind the differentiation and improvement of the male reproductive buildings throughout foetal progress and its continued affect on the event of reproductive buildings 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 in addition after beginning.

Predominance of Shukra in conception

Ayurveda additionally says that the predominance of shukra (sperm, testosterone) over the artava (ovum) will ultimately lead to formation of a male little one. This displays the Ayurveda clarification of the function of testosterone within the formation and improvement of male embryo and its reproductive system.

This implies to inform that man ought to hold a watch in the direction of the qualitative and quantitative steadiness of shukra dhatu. This is not going to solely assist in begetting a wholesome little one but in addition correct improvement and maturity of the genital system of his little one. Shuddha Shukra – semen having best qualities talked about within the classical literature and in addition optimum amount – half Anjali amount are the determinants of fine high quality and amount semen respectively. This is able to lay the muse for a wholesome reproductive system within the foetus and its institution past beginning and for sexual well being and reproductive operate 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 practical within the timeline of progress and improvement. Pubic hairs too might be thought of on this clarification by default.

Throughout puberty, the expansion plates within the bones result in fast progress spurts. Bones are talked about amongst Pitruja Bhavas.

Testosterone is accountable 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 capabilities of shukra clarify the identical. This additionally exhibits that the idea of testosterone falls underneath the umbrella time period shukra. Preeti, Harsha and Chyavanam – ejaculation throughout intercourse is feasible when testosterone capabilities 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, improvement and enhances general energy. ‘Shukrayattam Balam Pumsam..’ explains the identical i.e. Shukra is a crucial 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 steadiness 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 without doubt one of the tissues wherein 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 kinds 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 line with Ayurveda. Meda – fats, Asthi – bones, Majja – bone marrow and Shukra – semen / testosterone are shaped in a chronology and Shukra will clearly have essence and impressions of all of the precursor tissues.

Testosterone aids in manufacturing of purple blood cells. In keeping with Ayurveda, shukra dhatu is shaped 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 accountable for improvement 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 particular person ages and this occurs on account of irregular improve of vata on account of 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

In keeping with trendy drugs, fluctuations in testosterone ranges can have an effect on temper and psychological well being, contributing to situations comparable to despair and irritability. Sadana – which implies 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 facets.

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 positively match up with the fashionable description.

Causes of Shukra Kshaya

–        Jara – outdated age, with development of ageing course of
–        Chinnta – over pondering, 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, continual well being situations 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 likely be sick, sterile, quick lived and disfigured. Both conception doesn’t happen or abortion or miscarriage will happen. Shukra dushti will deliver distress to the couple and progeny.

Comparable 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 ladies and intercourse. Excessive ranges of testosterone could cause elevated libido and weird sexual craving.

Shukravaha Srotas

The roots of shukravaha srotas are –

–        Vrushana – scrotum / testes – supply of testosterone
–        Shepha – penis – whose improvement takes place on account of testosterone, as a secondary sexual character
–        Stana – breasts – its presence or absence determines the intercourse of particular person

preserve testosterone to its optimum high quality and amount?

Nidana Parivarjana

If the signs or assessments are suggesting testosterone imbalance, one ought to immediately hold away the causes, eat wholesome meals, do good train, avoid stress, sleep properly and be completely happy. 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.

Steadiness of Trayopastambha

It’s everybody’s duty to maintain a steadiness of the three supporting pillars of 1’s life. They’re – ahara – meals, nidra – sleep and brahmacharya – celibacy.

Vega Dharana & Udirana

One mustn’t forcibly management or withhold the pure physique reflexes urges or which additionally contains the ‘shukra vega – ejaculation reflex’. Equally, one mustn’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 course, 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, need, lust, worry, anger, greed, envy and so on. All of them create extreme stress which could affect the testosterone steadiness. Even with extreme and high-end stress and feelings, vata will get aggravated. It’s vata which controls the thoughts and its capabilities as is claimed ‘niyanta praneta cha manasah’. Shukra pravritti i.e. pure and wholesome ejaculation of semen can also be underneath 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 needs 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 will even detoxify and rejuvenate the genital system. Vasti and Uttara Vasti could turn out to be the gamechangers in male sexual problems and dysfunctions and to revive and steadiness testosterone ranges and its functioning.

Rasayana & Vajikarana

Rasayanas work finest in holding the perfect steadiness of the tissues, together with shukra. Other than doing what Rasayana does, Vajikarana medicines will assist in refining and re-tuning the male genital system and the substances concerned therein, together with testosterone.

A mix of shodhana adopted by rasayana or vajikarana as per want, added with disciplined way of life and wholesome meals inclusions are good for testosterone.

Sattvavajaya

Counselling and psychotherapy are necessary in dealing with the signs brought on on account of testosterone imbalances. Other than this dhairya – encouraging the particular person and atmadi vijnana – making the particular person to appreciate the worth of self and self assist in tackling testosterone associated well being points needs to be included.

Different facets to steadiness testosterone and to stop or eliminate well being points brought on on account of testosterone imbalances

The beneath talked about are additionally contributory for one to get pleasure from wholesome intercourse life and to keep up the steadiness of shukra dhatu –

–        Following – Dinacharya, Rutucharya and Sadvritta
–        Adapting – Achara Rasayana
–        Investing in – Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa

Necessary 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 – Youngster 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

Notice – Speak to your Yoga tutor to customise the perfect Yoga poses as per your requirement.