An integrated approach of yoga therapy and naturopathy for the treatment of hypothyroidism – An experimental single case report

Abstract

A 37-year-old male patient diagnosed with hypothyroidism in October 2018 had persistent complaints of excessive weight gain, muscle weakness, knee pain, indigestion, skin dryness, depression, and sleep issues. He was administered an Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) module using suitable yogic practices along with Naturopathy treatment applying the principles of nature cure at the Arogyadhama Holistic Research Health Home, a residential integrative medical hospital in Bengaluru for a week-long residential program in April 2021. The data was collected at 3-time points (TP), i.e., pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up after 3 months. The results showed a significant reduction in all the parameters post-treatment and at follow-up which included {pulse rate-TP1(87); TP2(74); TP3(72) beats/min}, {blood pressure- TP1(108/70); TP2(108/70); TP3(100/70) mmHg}, {respiratory rate- TP1(17); TP2(12); TP3(8) breaths/minute}, {bhramri time-TP1(23); TP2(24); TP3(25) seconds}, {body weight- TP1(86.9); TP2(83.4); TP3(79.0) kgs}, {body mass index (BMI)- TP1(30.1); TP2(28.9); TP3(27.3) kg/m²}, {thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH)- TP1(150); TP2(68.3); TP3(12.4) µIU/ml}, {medication score- TP1(150); TP2(100); TP3(50) mcg}, and {symptom score- TP1(5); TP2(3); TP3(0) numbers}. At the time of follow-up, apart from physical parameter assessments, the patient also filled out the SF36 questionnaire (a self-reported health-related Quality-of-life scale) along with a semi-structured interview confirming adherence and regularity in IAYT practices and Naturopathy diet. The present case report suggests that IAYT along with Naturopathy treatment effectively manages hypothyroidism with its varied symptoms and prevents disease progression.