Genital Candidiasis - Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes, and Symptoms

What is Genital Candidiasis?

Genital Candidiasis or Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeasts, most commonly Candida albicans. It often affects women, but it can occur in men, too.

In women, Candida is part of the normal flora in many women and is often asymptomatic. Although candida vulvovaginitis is more common in women who are sexually active but there is no evidence that candida infection is sexually transmitted. In patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, the vaginal pH is less than 5.

According to Acharyas, Vata is the main dosha responsible because the reproductive system is considered as the site of Vata. So, chikitsa sutra (treatment principle) involves vata shaman (vata pacifying) therapies along with controlling the infection without causing any side effects.

Causes of Genital Candidiasis

In Ayurveda, the organism itself is not considered to be the root cause of the illness and its classic symptoms. The root cause of candidiasis infection is mandagni or low digestive fire as low digestive fire leads to incomplete digestion of food leading to ajeerna. Incomplete digestion of food, in turn, causes the production of Ama which is the residue by-product of improperly digested food.

Ama is then absorbed into the bloodstream leading to the formation of Amarasa and Ama is predominantly redistributed to the viscous and moist tissues of the body such as: oral cavity, intestines, skin folds, reproductive organs, etc. due to the affinity for its Kapha qualities such as snigdha (unctuous), guru (heavy) and pichila (slimy).

This Ama further putrefies and ferment and inhibits the growth of healthy bacterial intestinal flora and disrupts tissue immunity and permits Candida overgrowth leading to infection.

Ayurvedic Reference of Genital Candidiasis

Symptoms of Genital Candidiasis in Males

In males, it affects the head of penis whose symptoms are:

Itching and soreness
Dull red skin with a glazed appearance
Blotchy rash with white patches
Thick, white, or lumpy discharge under the foreskin or in the skin folds

Symptoms of Genital Candidiasis in Females

Vaginal discharge is typically thick and adherent or with excoriations
External dysuria
Vaginal burning and itching
Dyspareunia
Swelling

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet Management in Genital Candidiasis

Do’s (Pathya)

Consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
Regular physical exercise.
Maintain personal hygiene.

Don’ts (Apathya)

Intake of Kapha aggravated foods such as: madhur (sweet) and guru (heavy).
Excess milk and milk products.
Lack of personal hygiene.
Excess day sleep.
Lack of physical exercise.

Yoga Therapy in Genital Candidiasis

Yoga Asanas such as

Bhujangasana,
Uttanasana etc. are very beneficial.

Pranayam such as Kapalbhati is very effective.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Genital Candidiasis

IAFA provides successful management for genital candidiasis for both males and females. Ayurvedic treatment by IAFA offers a natural, safe and systematic approach that works on the root cause to inhibit Ama formation and bring the vitiated doshas back into equilibrium.

References

Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, by Sahil Gupta, Fungal Infection Chapter No. 41, Page No. 249.
Shastri S Satyanarayana., editor. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha. Reprint edition. Chikitsa Sthana. Chapter 30, Ver. 21-22. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2003. p. 852.
Database on Medicinal Plants used in Ayurveda & Siddha. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha. Reprint edition. Vol. 3. Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI; 2005. p. 206.
Shastri AD, editor. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana. Reprint edition. Ch. 3, Ver. 16. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2013. p. 31.