Ayurveda Infertility - Healing Principles of Health

Fertility problems are becoming increasingly common in the modern world, particularly among people living in urban areas. An estimated 15% of couples will have trouble conceiving (UCLA Health, 2020), while in the United States alone approximately 9% of men and 10% of women aged 15 to 44 have experienced fertility issues (CDC, 2013 and Office on Women’s Health, 2019).

Defined as the inability to conceive naturally through unprotected intercourse over an extended period (12 months or more), infertility can cause serious distress among those who are trying for a baby. At Sen Wellness, our Ayurvedic doctors are here to support you throughout your fertility journey and to help you restore a healing balance in your life. Let’s delve a little deeper into some of the possible causes of infertility and how Ayurveda can help.

Causes of infertility, according to Ayurveda

“Sperm should be cold in nature and Ovum should be like fire" / "Soumyam shukram agneyam artavam"

Ayurvedic history has focused on the importance of treating infertility, its causes and the many treatments that can help achieve positive results.

The reality is that there are a wide range of reasons why an individual might be having fertility difficulties and usually there is more than one contributing factor. The physical causes in a woman may be due to a range of health issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes, premature ovarian failure, ovarian or cervical cancers, endometriosis or other menstrual cycle issues. The menstrual cycle is a key factor to consider when looking at the causes of infertility as it can be affected by age, lifestyle, diet, stress, mental health and physical activity. Male infertility can be caused by various conditions that impair sperm production or ejaculation, hormonal imbalance, tubular defects, and testicular cancer. According to Ayurvedic teachings, all of these conditions can be caused by a dosha imbalance of Vata, Pitta or Kapha.

Traditionally, Ayurvedic teachings explain that infertility can be caused by a variety of leading factors such as:

Bad nutrition, poor digestion or a toxic build-up in the body causing specific ailments.
Low sperm count due to overeating spicy, salty and hot food.
Infections or injuries to the reproductive organs.
Overindulgence in sexual activity.
Overly excessive control of sexual urges for extended periods.
Genetics or hereditary predispositions.

Busy, career-driven women living and working in cities are increasingly experiencing a number of these factors, exacerbated by heavy stress, an over-stimulated adrenal system, exposure to environmental pollutants, and a diet which lacks the nourishment needed to facilitate fertility. What’s more, more women than ever before are choosing to have children later, often after the age of 30. In their mid-thirties, some women experience hormonal, metabolic and endocrine imbalances that can affect their fertility, further complicating attempts to conceive.

Managing infertility with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic principles aim to support your overall health by giving strength to the body’s independent healing, whilst balancing your energetic levels. Ayurvedic practitioners take a holistic approach to treating infertility, aiming to improve the overall health and vitality of the individual.

Ayurveda strongly believes that diet plays a crucial role in the prevention, management and healing of disease. Diet management involves a disciplined attitude towards food that increases what is known in Sanskrit as Ojas (where the physical, mental and spiritual health of the body intersect, responsible for overall health, energy and vitality), as well as avoiding the foods and substances that diminish Ojas.

Ojas-enhancing foods such as nut milk, ghee, nuts, avocados, fresh fruit, vegetables and plant proteins can improve the interaction between hormones, whereas processed carbohydrates, starch, meat and processed dairy milk can negatively affect fertility.

A trans-fats-free diet can help to reduce blocked arteries, enhance fertility, and restore the heart and blood vessels. However, other foods that contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, MSG, high fat or other artificial flavours and colours, as well as excessive alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, red meat and refined sugar or carbohydrates, are leading causes of infertility.

Optimum health can be achieved through living life with a healthy approach and choosing natural foods and products that don’t toxify the body or create added stressors and ailments. All of these can be very important factors when helping to balance ovulation and strengthen the fertilisation process. Eating well and living a healthy lifestyle can provide all the effective nutrients and management of infertility needed for health, hormonal balance and getting pregnant.

Ayurveda for infertility recommends these top seven ways to promote a healthy lifestyle in order to enhance and manage your fertility.

Maintain good hygiene habits so as not to obtain any infections or viruses.
Eat a good variety of organic, wholesome food made fresh to nourish your cells and help build healthy reproductive tissues.
Be mindful of your digestion and avoid too much caffeine, alcohol and overconsumption of unhealthy foods.
Choose joyful and happy life experiences to manage stress levels.
Encourage the healthy development of the body’s tissues, including the reproductive organs, also known in Sanskrit as Shukra Dhatu in Ayurvedic medicine.
Get good amounts of sleep!
Enjoy a massage (abhyanga) every day. This is particularly good if you are a Vata or Pitta type. If you are a Kapha then dry body brushing could be a good alternative.

Treatment principles of infertility in Ayurveda

Our founder, Sam Kankanamge, has over 25 years’ experience supporting women with fertility problems at the Sen Wellness clinic on Harley Street, London, alongside some of the world’s foremost professionals in the field of modern fertility medicine. He has translated this experience into a unique programme at the Sen Wellness Sanctuary, addressing a range of factors that contribute to infertility, including:

Biological, metabolic and hormonal imbalances
Emotional, mental and spiritual support
Nutritional health

Our programme also goes beyond Ayurveda infertility treatment to include other holistic approaches, such as acupuncture and cranial osteopathy. All Ayurvedic therapy treatments aim to feed, rejuvenate, improve the immune system, and revitalise the mind, body, and soul. They can be helpful in reducing physical and mental discomfort by nourishing all the body’s dhatus, as well as helping to lower anxiety and eliminate impurities.

There are four main Ayurvedic treatments for infertility

Treatment of Ama Toxins

The build-up of Ama toxins can also lead to the imbalance of Agni (or Digestive Fire) which can cause disease in the mind and body. Thus, the treatment of Ama must include the treatment of Agni. A healthy Agni can therefore contribute to a healthy Ojas overall.

Vatanulomana

The main dosha attributed to infertility is Vata. Therefore, a treatment called Vatanulomana (correction of the functions of Vata) is a key treatment for infertility, supported by a rigid exercise routine and strict nutritional programme.

Swedana

Swedana is a cleansing and stress-relieving therapy recommended for patients suffering from ailments such as asthma, weight, digestion issues, body inflammation and infertility. Based on the temperature, herbal mix and devices used to induce sweat, there are six forms of Swedana: Pinda Sweda or Navarakkizhi; Ooshma Sweda or Bashpa Sweda; Avagaha Sweda; Nali Sweda; Upanaha Sweda; and Patrasweda or Ilakkizhi. During all Swedanas, the sweat-inducing agent is carefully directed along the surface of the body. This movement gently dislocates the toxins inside and channels them to specific sites. This detoxification therapy helps in the expulsion of toxins from the body and can help to correct ovarian, tubular and uterine problems causing infertility.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma helps to eliminate toxins from the body and strengthen the reproductive system, treating ovarian, tubular and uterine issues causing infertility. Scientific research suggests that secondary infertility (when a woman can’t get pregnant after having had at least one successful pregnancy) accounts for roughly 40% of female infertility, due to lifestyle factors. In Ayurvedic tradition, this is in relation to having proximity to the Vandhyatwa disorder. Ayurvedic infertility practitioners may recommend Panchakarma to women suffering from secondary infertility, with the intention of purifying the doshas in the female reproductive organs. Snehapana is then prescribed for oral intake, followed by Virechana, a purge, to produce higher quality ovum.

Ayurvedic herbs used to treat infertility

Infertility is very complex and often the result of one – or a combination – of undetected issues elsewhere in the body. That’s why Ayurvedic herbs are used as part of a treatment plan in order to tackle root cause(s). The most common herbs used to treat infertility are Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, Musali, Shatavari and Amalaki, all of which have extremely useful formations to help synergise hormonal balances between the Follicle Stimulating Hormone and the Luteinizing Hormone.

Our Ayurvedic Doctors at Sen Wellness will be able to prescribe the right combination of Ayurvedic herbs to support you on your wellness journey and to help with specific physical and emotional ailments, including:

Regulating the menstrual cycle
Enhancing your general health and wellness
Revitalising sperm quality, quantity, and motility
Reducing stress hormones
Enhancing sleep
Easing anxiety or erectile dysfunction
Increasing energy
Balancing the endocrine system to improve overall blood flow to the pelvic region and promote fertility
Bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the eggs
Promoting hormonal balance by strengthening the feedback loop between the pituitary, hypothalamus, and ovaries, which controls the levels of hormones produced
Helping to restore natural balance to your body

How does Sen Wellness Sanctuary approach Ayurveda for infertility?

The Ayurvedic approach to infertility treatment at Sen Wellness is holistic and sensitive to your individual needs, desires and constitution. By exploring how your physical health, lifestyle, diet and exercise regime impact your fertility, we can also discover the root cause of any infertility issues, whether that may be due to anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of motivation or emotional imbalances.

When you start to search down the Ayurvedic path, we recommend that you obtain medical tests to determine if there are any genetic, hereditary or physical causes affecting your fertility. We can then assess your health from an Ayurvedic perspective. Shortly after arriving at Sen Wellness, our doctors will curate a comprehensive programme that will address your overall health and well-being on every level, including diet, lifestyle, stress management and exercise routines in line with the appropriate herbal therapies and Ayurvedic treatments.

We understand that the process of conception can be physically and emotionally challenging, and begin to feel helpless if you have been trying for a while. It is difficult to know what route to take, however, an Ayurvedic approach could be the first step in achieving the ultimate gift of a child.

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Sen Wellness Sanctuary

Based on 252 reviews

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Maks B.

While I was searching for a place for the perfect getaway, away from distractions and noise, I came across SEN. The reviews about this place were overwhelmingly positive, with only a few that slightly worried me. I wanted to clarify them so that anyone visiting afterward wouldn’t have to wonder about these points beforehand.

This is a magical place for both body and soul, mainly because of the wonderful and kind people working there, its unique location, and the harmony it exudes. I came here seeking relaxation, but I received so much more. The day begins with yoga. I read that many people didn’t enjoy these classes, but I had a completely different experience—they were excellent in my opinion. Suitable for everyone, they teach a love for the practice.

The food is exceptional varied, healthy, and perfect for a full detox, thanks to the head chef who is amazing and whom I warmly greet. The meals are incredibly good, diverse, and fresh. This is definitely a detox-focused diet, but it delivers great results.

The most important part of my stay became the care provided by Dr. Chamodi and her team. She is amazing and invaluable, taking care of every detail of your stay in line with Ayurvedic practice. Throughout the day, various treatments are offered, all of top-level quality. The massages and their Sri Lankan ambiance became something I deeply miss. Special greetings to Rasange, though the entire team is truly excellent.

SEN is a place with minor flaws, but they are minimal compared to what it offers. If you want to be fully prepared, here’s a tip: you need to be certain about the length of your stay, as management reserves the right not to negotiate the rate set upon arrival. So it’s worth deciding in advance how long you want to stay. Initially, I thought 14 days might be too long, but it turned out to be a wonderfully rejuvenating period.

Additionally, it’s worth bringing products other than Sri Lankan mosquito repellents, as there are many mosquitoes. If you prefer your own yoga mat and want it very clean, bring it along. The only aspect that could be improved is the beach towels and new yoga mats—they need replacement, but this is completely natural. This is a place strongly focused on wellbeing, so it may not bother you at all they are really good but could be little better. I was without mine and it works really fine so don't worry. Its an info for extra pedantic characters and their comfort zone.

Someone mentioned that massage towels are dirty, but that is not true. I checked and discussed this, and it simply isn’t the case. The cleaning stuff is amazing. Thank you guys. U are doing good job.

These are my only two notes. Otherwise, I want to say that this place is truly worth visiting. It has its own microclimate and energy. Located in a completely secluded area, if you value a private beach and being close to the sounds of the sea, this might be the best place in the world. I highly recommend it. Once again, I want to thank the entire team, both the doctors and all the staff, who ensure this place is so exceptional from management, the team from London, to every single employee. I adore you for your energy. Never lose it.
I believe we will meet again soon. Maks

Anon

This is an incredibly special place.

The location is perfect — it is incredibly peaceful and tucked away, yet only a c.3 hour drive from Colombo. With a majestic lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, you feel completely enveloped by Mother Nature. The way the buildings are built allows you to feel close to nature (each treatment room backs onto a small garden, for instance, allowing you to listen to the wind in the trees and even the crashing waves during treatments).

It is hard to do justice to how wonderful the people who work here are in words. This is a heart-led place; I experienced such kindness from each and every member of the team, from the guys who cleaned my room, to the small army of very skilled therapists, to Madu who is front of house and chief of day to day logistics, to the guys serving food and the chefs, to the Ayurvedic doctors, to Sam, who runs the sanctuary with his brother and co-founder.

This is not just a place to receive world class massages and do some yoga next to a pristine beach, this is a spiritual place that will ground you, heal you, and elevate your consciousness, if you let it! The completely delicious organic food will also nourish you from the inside out.

The Ayurvedic doctors are really wonderful — I was a little apprehensive about this aspect as I hadn’t experienced it before, but I really trusted the chief doctor — she explained everything really clearly and I felt very seen and cared for.

I was lucky enough to be at Sen for the Golden Summer Retreat. Our teachers were therefore co-founder Sam, yoga teacher Mariana, and Alex, who led a breathwork session with us (and is a wealth of knowledge on so many topics from meditation to yoga to free driving to marketing & SEO!). I was so moved by Sam’s wisdom and generosity. From meditation sessions to the cacao ceremony, to bits of wisdom shared at dinner, he leads with a grace and open heartedness that is not easy to explain until you have experienced it. Sam and this retreat have set me on a new path that I’m very excited about. Mariana was equally wonderful — her morning yoga and her presence throughout the retreat helped me to feel grounded and she also injected so much fun & lightness into the retreat. Mariana led a breathwork session that is unlike anything I have experienced before — the music was perfect, the way she held space for us, supported us and brought such energy was so authentic and joyful. It will be hard to top that experience in the future.

My long term health — physical and spiritual — will undoubtedly benefit greatly from my time at Sen. I could not recommend it more highly.

I have one tiny bit of feedback I would like to share. For me, I felt sad and distracted whenever people brought phones to yoga in the mornings. Just seeing a phone right next to my yoga mat detracts from the rest of the practice, and from the serenity of being in those beautiful surroundings, for me. (Phones did also go off a few times during class). It was mentioned at the beginning of the retreat to try and not bring our phones to dinner — if this could be stated a bit more clearly/forcefully, and regarding yoga (and indeed all of the ceremonies) as well, I think people would respect this (and they would benefit from it too!)

(An optional digital detox, even just for a few days, might also be an idea — to give people the option of handing in their phone when they arrive (I have done this on retreats before) and maybe have alarm clocks to hand out.)

Fi W.

I came here for a 10 day retreat and experience haven, a sanctuary, and a sacred space where I could rest, restore, and do some deep inner work.

A truly world class experience.

I have never been somewhere that has offered so much care, love and attention both to me and the details of how they make the entire experience deeply personal and special

The treatments were of an extraordinarily high calibre, The food crafted with so much care, I felt very held by Sam, Mariana, Alex and the rest of the Sen team who are all really spiritual and caring people.

For those travelling alone, I can only tell you that it is a very safe place and you will be deeply welcomed

beatriz S.

Our experience in Sen welleness sanctuary has been beautiful, I could say life changing. Special mention to the entire team that work here, they are all very professional and kind.

The sanctuary’s location is at a stunning place between the rekawa lagoon and the beach in the south of Sri Lanka.
10/10, highly recommend it 🩵

Pilar M.

Such a wonderfull and life changing experience. The whole team is welcoming and excellent professionals. Beautifull space, wonderfull location and nature. Very well prepared programme and treatments. Totally recommended.

Stephanie Marinus - Learn Earn & R.

I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough for the experience I had at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. After flying all the way from Canada, it took just three days for Dr. Sam and his compassionate team to give me my life back following my young brother's death. Upon reaching out, I learned the sanctuary was fully booked, but after hearing my plea for help, they somehow made special room for my boyfriend and I. It was an act of profound compassion that set the stage for our entire experience. While my soul was doing the hard work of healing from grief, my body was continuously comforted with restorative Ayurvedic treatments. The daily massages, herbal soaks, and curated therapies were a constant source of peace, a beautiful reminder that while the inner work was difficult, I was being cared for on a physical level. The sanctuary's dedication to holistic well-being is truly unparalleled. In a testament to this, they brought in a Buddhist monk for spiritual teachings, and on a separate occasion, when a turtle nest was discovered, they called in a conservation officer. We were able to help the newborn turtles make it safely to sea, an experience that was as spiritual and healing as any of the treatments. Dr. Sam and his team have created more than just a retreat; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where profound healing is not just possible-its inevitable. Sen is forever in my heart

Kirstin S.

Truly a beautiful experience- one week here feels like a month in the real world. Allow yourself the gift of disconnection to connect with what matters, yourself & community. People are kind, treatments are wonderful, food is delicious, pacing is calm. No pressure to do much of anything- the healing is intuitive just by existing. Thank you! I can't wait to come back here!

Lara A.

I stayed in this beautiful sanctuary for almost a week. The place and service is incredible! Highly recommended. I am picky with my food and they accommodated all my needs and never made me feel like my asks were too much or anything. Madu, Samin, Taru, the founder Sam, everyone was so nice and welcoming the whole time. Felt like home away from home ♥️ highly recommended to anyone who wants to reconnect with themselves and rest and recharge.

Nick M.

Simply incredible!
I experienced an amazing 8 day stay at Sen Wellness which was both deeply relaxing and transformative. The staff are remarkably kind and caring, the space is beautiful and tranquil, and the treatments are exceptional. If you’re looking for a place for restoration and reinvigoration, look no further than Sen Wellness

Ariel F.

We booked our stay at Sen Wellness just 24 hours before arriving, planning to stay for only 3 days. We loved it so much that we ended up extending to a full week.

Everything about this place is special. The staff are amazing — from the yoga teachers and doctors to the massage therapists and wellness team, everyone takes such good care of you and makes you feel at home. The food was out of this world, healthy but also unbelievably delicious.

The setting itself is magical. The wildlife around the sanctuary was unbelievable — we saw so many incredible animals right on our doorstep, which made the whole experience even more unique.

What really stood out too were the people we met there. The guests that come to Sen Wellness are some of the most interesting, kind, and inspiring people you could hope to meet.

This place is more than just a retreat — it’s somewhere you leave feeling lighter, healthier, and more connected. I’d recommend this place to anyone!

Niv F.

I had the privilege of spending a week at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and doctors here are absolutely amazing – warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. From the moment I arrived, I felt cared for on every level.

The environment is breathtaking – surrounded by pristine nature, the beach, and the lagoon – it creates the perfect setting for healing and transformation. The daily yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and nourishing food all worked together to bring me balance, clarity, and peace.

What really stood out to me were the two brothers who own the sanctuary. They genuinely care for every guest, and you can feel their kindness and authenticity in everything they do. They’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and their vision and heart make this place unlike anywhere else.

If you want to change your life for the better, come here. Sen Wellness Sanctuary is not just a retreat, it’s a life-changing experience. I will definitely be coming back very soon.

Tal F.

The best experience I’ve ever had at a hotel. I came for 3 days but stayed 7 days. The staff are the nicest people you’ll meet and they really care about your well being. The food is absolutely amazing, Michelin star level. The doctors are the best you can find and really help you with your needs and health issues. The hotel is situated in the nicest plot of land in between a beautiful lagoon and beach that are both accessible from the hotel. If you are looking for an Ayurveda wellness resort or even a nice hotel surrounded by beautiful nature this is your place.

A T

This was my first-ever retreat! I chose the 3-day program and stayed alongside guests whose visits ranged from 5 days to 3 weeks.

Always ask questions or requests, it will help you get the most out of your stay. During my visit, there were complimentary activities available, but you needed to request them. Sometimes these activities depended on a set schedule or the number of guests interested, so plan accordingly.

Meals were delicious and sometimes varied.

One note for improvement: during one of my treatments, I noticed the towel hadn’t been changed, and I had to ask for a fresh one. I hope this was just a one-off oversight, but I’m sharing it to help improve the experience.

Overall, I would stay again. What made the experience especially lovely were the other guests and people I met who were all open, kind, and wonderful to be around.

Big shoutout to Nat and Mariana, the wellness manager and yoga instructor, who brought great energy, made us feel welcome, and were also on their own journeys. The onsite doctor and staff truly took great care of everyone.

Thank you!

Andrew M.

Absolutely FANTASTIC!! I recommend this place so highly to anyone and everyone!

The staff are soooo wonderful, honestly they look after you so well. The place is so clean, every day they clean and make your room.

The pool Is soo nice and it’s not chlorinated so it’s so beautiful and fresh.
The Dr will assess you when you come and everyday will give you treatments to do and treatments are the best!

Oh also, turtles laying eggs on beach is very cool.

Doing yoga and meditation twice a day in the yoga studio with monkeys in the trees, beautiful birds and squirrels, it’s such an enchanting place!

Peacocks are always walking around the yards.

If you want the best Ayurvedic retreat, this is the one for you! 🤗

Spa Guide S.

One of the best stays I ever had at an Ayurvedic resort. The staff and all the guests are super friendly, it’s a perfect place for the solo travellers. Great yoga, breathwork, ceremonies, workshop and teachers. The doctors and therapists are very respectful, listens to the customers and give great treatments. Beautiful environment right at a private beach, close to nature.