Hypothyroidism in ayurveda - a conceptual study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Hypothyroidism in ayurveda - a conceptual study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Kadlaskar B.B
Professor & HOD, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurved, Pune, India.
Lakshmi Ravindranath
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Hypothyroidism in ayurveda - a conceptual study
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by the insufficient production of thyroid hormones, significantly influencing metabolism throughout the body. Affecting approximately 2-5% of the global population, particularly women, the condition is associated with a range of non-specific symptoms that often resemble those of other diseases. The growing incidence of hypothyroidism, which necessitates lifelong hormonal replacement treatments, calls for a deeper understanding of the disorder through the lens of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system. This paper aims to explore hypothyroidism's manifestation and management according to Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing the underlying pathogenesis as interpreted from both classical texts and contemporary research.
Dhatwagni Mandya: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Metabolic Dysfunction
A crucial Ayurvedic concept related to hypothyroidism is the concept of Dhatwagni Mandya, which describes the impairment of metabolic fire (Agni) and transformation at the tissue level. In hypothyroidism, the functions of thyroid hormones are likened to that of Agni in the body, impacting various metabolic processes such as growth, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid utilization. The dysfunction of thyroid hormones equates to disturbances in Dhatwagni leading to both physical and mental symptoms. Conditions like Jatharagni Mandya and abnormal Vata and Kapha doshas are central to this interpretation, resulting in impaired physiological functions and systemic manifestations seen in affected individuals.
Etiology and Pathogenesis: Understanding Nidana and Samprapti
The etiology of hypothyroidism, according to Ayurveda, involves determinants like Kapha-Vata Prakopaka, and Agnimandya, leading to the disruption of metabolic processes. Primary hypothyroidism is primarily linked to mechanisms such as the destruction of thyroid follicles and tissue resistance to thyroid hormones. This can be conceptualized as Dhatukshaya, caused by inappropriate factors affecting the balance of the body's doshas. The pathogenesis elucidates the interplay between dosha disturbances, particularly the aggravation of Kapha and Vata, leading to compromised tissue nutrition and health, which further emphasizes the importance of addressing these root causes in treatment protocols.
Conclusion
Although classical Ayurvedic texts do not explicitly describe hypothyroidism, the condition can be interpreted within the framework of diminished Agni and related tissue impairment. The accumulation of Sanga in various Srotas leads to compromised Dhatu function, manifesting in both physical and mental health issues. As hypothyroidism is fundamentally a Vata-Kapha samsarga condition, treatment should focus on rectifying dosha imbalances while enhancing the body's strength and vitality. Properly addressing the pathogenetic factors associated with hypothyroidism is crucial in formulating effective Ayurvedic management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is hypothyroidism and its global prevalence?
Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production, affecting metabolism. It impacts 2-5% of the global population, particularly women, with rising prevalence due to lifestyle changes, leading to significant health challenges.
How does Ayurveda explain the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism?
Ayurveda views hypothyroidism as a condition of impaired Agni, influenced by factors causing Doshic imbalance (primarily Vata and Kapha) and Srotas obstruction, leading to systemic manifestations and compromised health.
What Ayurvedic treatments are suggested for managing hypothyroidism?
Ayurvedic management focuses on improving Agni, detoxifying Srotas, and balancing Doshas through herbal formulations like Dhatwagni Deepana and Srotoshodhana, promoting overall health and addressing both physical and mental symptoms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Hypothyroidism in ayurveda - a conceptual study�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. It is characterized by qualities such as heaviness, steadiness, and coldness. In the context of hypothyroidism, Kapha dosha's imbalance contributes to symptoms like lethargy, weight gain, and cold intolerance due to its quality of stability and sluggishness.
2) Vata:
Vata is another dosha, representing air and space. It governs all movement in the body. In hypothyroidism, Vata imbalance leads to symptoms like dry skin, constipation, and mental disturbances. Vata acts as a yogavahi, meaning it aggravates the conditions created by Kapha dosha.
3) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are the channels or pathways in the body through which bodily substances flow. In hypothyroidism, several srotas such as rasavaha, medovaha, and manovaha are affected, leading to symptoms ranging from weight gain to mental disturbances due to impeded flow in these channels.
4) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda, including hypothyroidism, is understood as an imbalance in dosha, dhatu, mala, and agni. Hypothyroidism disrupts the normal function of the body's metabolic systems, showcasing the holistic approach Ayurveda takes towards recognizing and treating diseases.
5) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are fundamental bodily bio-elements in Ayurveda influencing bodily functions. Imbalance in these doshas leads to diseases. In hypothyroidism, an imbalance primarily in Vata and Kapha doshas results in various symptoms, disrupts bodily functions, and causes metabolic derangements.
6) Agni:
Agni refers to the metabolic and digestive fire in Ayurveda. Jatharagni is a primary form of Agni responsible for digestion. Impaired Agni, or agnimandya, is central to hypothyroidism pathogenesis, leading to impaired metabolism and sluggish bodily functions, making treatment focus on rekindling this digestive fire.
7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizing balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatments, and yogic breathing. The paper explores hypothyroidism within Ayurveda, investigating its pathogenesis based on dosha, srotas, agni, and providing an Ayurvedic line of treatment.
8) Dhatu:
Dhatus are fundamental building blocks of the body in Ayurveda, such as rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscles). In hypothyroidism, the imbalance of dhatus results in various symptoms. Treatments focus on balancing these dhatus and improving their functions to restore health.
9) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni is the primary digestive fire in Ayurveda responsible for digesting food. In hypothyroidism, the weakening of jatharagni leads to decreased metabolic processes and symptoms like weight gain. Strengthening jatharagni is thus crucial in managing hypothyroidism according to Ayurveda.
10) Samhita:
[see source text or glossary: Samhita]
11) Rasavahasrotas (Rasavaha-srotas):
Rasavaha-srotas are channels responsible for circulating rasa (nutrient plasma) throughout the body. In hypothyroidism, these channels are often compromised, contributing to symptoms like fatigue and lethargy, indicating the significance of maintaining these srotas in treating the condition.
12) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
[see source text or glossary: Bhaishajya]
13) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha is one of the three doshas representing air and space. Its imbalance in hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as dryness, constipation, and mental disturbances. This dosha plays a crucial role in the management of hypothyroidism as it often aggravates the condition.
14) Samprapti:
Samprapti refers to the pathogenesis or disease mechanism in Ayurveda. In hypothyroidism, an understanding of samprapti involves examining the role of dosha, agni, and srotas. Accurate samprapti aids in crafting effective Ayurvedic treatment protocols targeting the specific imbalances causing the disease.
15) Dushya (Dusya):
[see source text or glossary: Dushya]
16) Nidana:
Nidana refers to the causative factors or etiology of a disease. In hypothyroidism, nidana includes factors like dietary habits, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions causing dosha imbalances and agni impairments. Identifying nidana is crucial for successful management and prevention strategies in Ayurveda.
17) India:
India is highlighted in the context of hypothyroidism prevalence, with urban areas showing around 10.95% incidence. The study also originates from Pune, India, emphasizing the geographical prevalence and the cultural backdrop of the Ayurveda practices discussed in the treatment protocols for hypothyroidism.
18) Mala:
Mala refers to waste products of the body like urine, feces, and sweat. In hypothyroidism, dhatugata mala (toxins at the tissue level) can accumulate, causing srotorodha or blockage of bodily channels and further disrupting metabolic processes, which need to be managed through Ayurvedic cleansing techniques.
19) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-Vata denotes the dual dosha involvement in hypothyroidism. Imbalances in these doshas result in a wide range of symptoms including physical sluggishness (Kapha) and dryness or mental disturbances (Vata). Treatment in Ayurveda focuses on addressing both Kapha and Vata dosha aggravations.
20) Dhatugata (Dhatu-gata):
Dhatugata refers to anything related to the dhatus (tissues). Dhatugata mala pachana and other treatments are aimed at metabolizing waste products accumulated in the dhatus to relieve the body's symptoms of hypothyroidism and restore normalcy by targeting tissue-specific imbalances.
21) Madhyama:
Madhyama refers to the middle pathway or intermediate channels in Ayurveda. Hypothyroidism impacts both internal and external pathways (abhyaantara and bahya), and treatment may involve addressing blockages and imbalances in these madhyama pathways to restore the body's normal function.
22) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda aims at rejuvenation and improving overall vitality. For hypothyroidism, rasayana treatments might include formulations like Gudabhallataka and Shilajatu to enhance the functioning of dhatus, boost agni, and strengthen the body's immune system and tissue integrity.
23) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine aims to treat diseases through a holistic approach involving diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes. The study emphasizes that managing hypothyroidism using Ayurvedic principles and medicine focuses on balancing doshas, agni, and ensuring the smooth functioning of bodily srotas.
24) Yogavahin (Yogavahi, Yoga-vahi, Yoga-vahin):
Yogavahi refers to a substance that enhances the action of another. In hypothyroidism, Vata acts as a Yogavahi by exacerbating the destabilizing effects of Kapha. Ayurvedic treatments aim to stabilize Vata and Kapha to mitigate the symptoms effectively.
25) Lakshmi (Laksmi):
[see source text or glossary: Lakshmi]
26) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a potent Ayurvedic resin used for its anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. In hypothyroidism, preparations like Guggulutiktaka Kwatha help in cleansing pathways (srotoshodhana) and reducing symptoms related to disrupted lipid metabolism and weight gain.
27) Vikriti (Vikrti):
Vikriti refers to the pathological state or imbalance in Ayurveda. Hypothyroidism induces vikriti through agni mandya (weak digestive fire) and dosha imbalance, leading to various systemic symptoms. Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore equilibrium by addressing these vikritis.
28) Samana (Shamana):
Shamana refers to the pacifying treatments in Ayurveda meant to balance the aggravated doshas. In hypothyroidism, therapies focus on shamana to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, enhance agni, and alleviate related symptoms without necessarily undergoing strong cleansing (shodhana) procedures.
29) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita is clarified butter used in Ayurvedic medicine for its nourishing and healing properties. In hypothyroidism, formulations like Indukanta Ghrita and Guggulu Tiktaka Ghrita help balance doshas and rejuvenate dhatus, addressing symptoms like dry skin, brittle hair, and joint pain.
30) Pitta:
Pitta is the dosha representing fire and water elements, governing transformation and metabolism. Though hypothyroidism is primarily a Vata-Kapha condition, imbalances in Pitta, especially at the agni level, contribute to the disease's manifestation, requiring careful balancing of Pitta dosha in treatment.
31) Taila:
Taila refers to medicated oils used in Ayurveda. In hypothyroidism, taila like Shadbindu Taila and Anu Taila are employed for nasal administration (nasya) to pacify Kapha, relieve sinus congestion, and support overall metabolic balance, enhancing the impact of systemic treatments.
32) Sanga (Samga, Shanga, Shamga):
Sanga indicates blockage or obstruction in Ayurvedic terminology. In hypothyroidism, sanga in various srotas impairs the normal flow of nutrients and wastes, contributing to symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments aim to clear these blockages through internal cleansing (srotoshodhana) and metabolic stimulation.
33) Blood:
[see source text or glossary: Blood]
34) Yoga:
Yoga in Ayurveda refers to combinations or formulations of herbs and medicines. Different 'yogas' like Dhatwagni Deepana and Dhatugatha Mala Pachana formulations are prescribed for hypothyroidism for balancing doshas and ensuring proper metabolic functions.
35) Pune:
Pune, India, is mentioned as the location of Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurved, where the authors conducted their study. This geographical context underscores the cultural and educational background enriching the research on Ayurvedic management of hypothyroidism.
36) Hair:
Hair health is often compromised in hypothyroidism, resulting in symptoms like hair loss and brittleness. This condition involves Vata dosha and impacts Asthivaha Srotas. Ayurvedic treatments focus on nourishing dhatus and balancing doshas to improve hair quality.
37) Pain:
Pain, especially joint and muscle pain, is a common symptom in hypothyroidism due to Vata dosha imbalance and impaired srotas. Ayurvedic treatments focus on pacifying Vata and restoring normal function to alleviate pain.
38) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
[see source text or glossary: Sushruta-samhita]
39) Indukantaghrita (Indukantaghrta, Indukanta-ghrita):
Indukanta Ghrita is an Ayurvedic medicated ghee mentioned in the Sahasra Yoga. It is used to stimulate agni and balance doshas, making it useful in the treatment of hypothyroidism where strengthening of agni and pacification of Vata and Kapha is necessary.
40) Tiktakaghrita (Tiktakaghrta, Tiktaka-ghrita):
[see source text or glossary: Tiktaka-ghrita]
41) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
[see source text or glossary: Transformation]
42) Shukragni (Sukragni, Shukra-agni):
[see source text or glossary: Shukra-agni]
43) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used in Ayurvedic formulations for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. In the treatment of hypothyroidism, it is part of therapies like nasya to improve respiratory health and balance Kapha and Vata doshas.
44) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya, or impaired digestive fire, is crucial in hypothyroidism as it leads to overall metabolic slowdown. Treatment aiming to rekindle agni helps restore normal metabolism and alleviate symptoms like lethargy and poor digestion, integral to Ayurvedic management.
45) Dhatukshaya (Dhatuksaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhatukshaya refers to the depletion of tissues (dhatus). It can occur due to poor nutrition or metabolic issues, contributing to hypothyroidism symptoms like muscle weakness and fatigue. Ayurvedic treatments focus on replenishing depleted dhatus through nourishing and strengthening formulations.
46) Punarnavadi:
Punarnavadi is a classical Ayurvedic preparation used for its diuretic and rejuvenating properties. In hypothyroidism, preparations like Punarnavadi Kwatha help address fluid retention, promote kidney function, and balance doshas, alleviating associated symptoms.
47) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha dosha represents earth and water elements and is responsible for stability and structure. Its imbalance in hypothyroidism results in symptoms like weight gain and lethargy. Treatments aim to balance Kapha while addressing associated srotas and agni issues.
48) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Kapha-Pitta denotes the simultaneous involvement of both these doshas in contributing to hypothyroidism. This combination results in symptoms that span the qualities of both doshas, such as coldness and heaviness from Kapha and inflammatory processes from Pitta.
49) Abhyantara (Abhyamtara):
[see source text or glossary: Abhyantara]
50) Ashtavarga (Astavarga, Ashtan-varga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtavarga]
51) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta dosha governs metabolism and transformation. Though hypothyroidism primarily involves Vata and Kapha, Pitta's role in metabolic processes can't be ignored. Imbalances in Pittadosha at the cellular level lead to agni-mandya, contributing to the disease pathology.
52) Discussion:
Discussion in the paper elaborates on the Ayurvedic conceptualization of hypothyroidism, exploring the involvement of doshas, srotas, agni, and dhatus. Analyzing these helps formulate an effective treatment protocol focusing on restoring physiological balance and health.
53) Depression:
Depression is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to Vata and Kapha imbalances affecting the Manovaha srotas. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance these doshas and enhance mental health using therapies targeted at both physical and emotional wellbeing.
54) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
[see source text or glossary: Saindhava]
55) Shilajatu (Silajatu, Shila-jatu):
Shilajatu is a mineral-rich substance used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating properties. It's recommended in hypothyroidism as part of rasayana therapy to strengthen dhatus, enhance vitality, and support overall metabolic functions.
56) Udararoga (Udara-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Udararoga]
57) Anutaila (Anu-taila):
Anu-taila is a medicated oil used in nasal administration (nasya) in Ayurveda. It's employed in hypothyroidism to clear nasal passages, enhance respiratory health, and balance the Kapha dosha, aiding in overall metabolic and systemic functionalities.
58) Kaphakara:
[see source text or glossary: Kaphakara]
59) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three fundamental bodily doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Balancing these doshas is key to health. In hypothyroidism, the focus is on Vata and Kapha primarily, with considerations of Pitta to manage metabolic functions comprehensively.
60) Medoroga (Medas-roga):
[see source text or glossary: Medoroga]
61) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
[see source text or glossary: Ashtanga]
62) Chedana:
[see source text or glossary: Chedana]
63) Avarana:
Avarana refers to the obstruction or covering of natural pathways in the body, leading to disease. In hypothyroidism, avarana of srotas by kapha and mala leads to metabolic slowdown. Ayurvedic treatments aim to remove these obstructions and restore normal function.
64) Pippali (Pippalin):
[see source text or glossary: Pippali]
65) Bharati:
[see source text or glossary: Bharati]
66) Ghataka:
[see source text or glossary: Ghataka]
67) Lashuna (Lasuna):
[see source text or glossary: Lashuna]
68) Apathya:
[see source text or glossary: Apathya]
69) Amavata (Ama-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Amavata]
70) Kashaya (Kasaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kashaya]
71) Janaka (Janak):
[see source text or glossary: Janaka]
72) Sevana:
[see source text or glossary: Sevana]
73) Kvatha:
Kvatha refers to a type of Ayurvedic decoction. In the management of hypothyroidism, kvathas like Pachanamrutam and Punarnavadi are used to balance doshas, improve digestion, and cleanse srotas, thus alleviating various symptoms of the condition.
74) Madana:
[see source text or glossary: Madana]
75) Shukra (Sukra):
[see source text or glossary: Shukra]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 98]
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