Hypothyroidism – A perspective in Ayurveda and its management

Abstract

The prevalence of hypothyroidism is rapidly increasing. Hypothyroidism is primarily under activity of Agni. Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production, and it is a common endocrine disorder seen all over the world. It affects the body's metabolism even at the cellular level and can virtually affect any organ. It is estimated that it affected 2-5% of the world's population. It is more common in females. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are notorious for being non-specific and mimicking symptoms of other systemic diseases. It results in a long life of pathological events and makes the affected person dependent on hormonal replacement for the rest of his life. As a result, there is an increasing demand to understand disease from the standpoint of Ayurveda and to establish management through the Ayurvedic system of medicine. When all classical texts are reviewed, it is discovered that hypothyroidism has abnormalities of Jatharagni and Dhatwagni, as well as Kapha and Vata Doshas and Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Medovaha, Sukravaha, and Manovaha Srotas. Dosha-dushya samoorchhana in various Dhatus causes the disease to manifest systemically. As a result, the treatment plan includes Deepana, Pachana, Srotoshodhana, and Kapha vata shamana.

KEYWORDS: Hypothyroidism, Agni, Vata-Kapha, Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Virechana