Shayyamutra (~ Bed wetting)

 

Introduction:

In Ayurveda shayyamutra is mentioned in Sharangadhara samhita. Shayyamutra is involuntary passage of urine during sleep, in contemporary science it is known as Nocturnal Enuresis or Bedwetting. It is a common problem in children. It becomes concern when this problem persists beyond the age of 7years. Although bedwetting is a serious issue, due to which child and family members feel ashamed or embarrassed. It can become one of the causes for stress to child and family.

Most of the children stop bedwetting as they grow older as they reach to 4 to 6 years of age. Even if it persists beyond the age of 6 years, it becomes a cause to worry.

Causes for Shayyamutra :

There are many causes for shyayamutra and it is treatable. Acc to contemporary science bedwetting can also due to genetic cause- if a parent or sibling has the sme issue. Acc to Ayurveda the formation and excretion of urine is controlled by Pranavayu, vyanavayu, Avalambaka kapha, and Apana vayu. Excretion of urine is one of the main functions of Apana vayu, which is controlled by Prana vayu and Vyana vayu. In children < 6years of age there is incomplete development of Dosha and Dhatu’s ( Aparipakwa dhatu avastha). Therefore the Doshas in them are not able to control the proper functioning of excretion of urine. Hence shayyamutra is common among children before the age of 6years.

Other causes for sayyamutra:

a.      Kapha kara Ahara – Intake of excessive sweets, curd, oily foods.

b.     Atinidra – Excessive sleep.

c.      Chinta, Bhaya, Shoka – Stress Anxiety and sorrow.

d.     Emotional poblems, Behavioural problems, and

e.      Worm infestation

Acc to contemporary science, recurring bedwetting may be due to underlying medical conditions like – Urinary tract infections, Diabetes, Constipation, Anatomical malformations of urethra, Spinabifida etc..

 

Ayurveda Treatment principle:

a.      Krimiharana – Deworming.

b.     Normalizing Kapah and Vata dosha’s

c.      Satvavajaya chikitsa – Counseling – to improve the confidence and self-esteem of the child.

d.     Medhya drugs – To improve the brain function.

e.      Other treatment accordingly to treat the underlying cause.

 

Common herbs useful in the treatment of Shayyamutra / Bedwetting:

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (convolvulus prostrates), Vidanga (Emblica ribes), Guduchi (Tinospors cordifolia), Yeshtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Bimbi (Leucas aspera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) etc.