Role of Ayurveda interventions in the management of primary hypothyroidism - A case report

Hypothyroidism is a condition that lacks the release of thyroid hormone causing the opposition of the bodily tissues to the thyroid hormone in the view of metabolic demand. In Ayurveda, there is no exact linking term for hypothyroidism. The physiology and pathogenesis of oxidation and metabolism in each and every tissue of the body are served as chief functions by Agni (~a system concerned with digestion and metabolism) and Pittadosha (~a bodily humor). With the support of principles of Anukta Vyadhi (~unstated diseases) of Ayurveda, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed as Agni dushitajanya Rasapradoshaja vyadhi associated either with Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha. The Ayurvedic management of hypothyroidism is to address the pathology at its root by regulating the affected immune system. A 25-year-old female student, who was a known case of hypothyroidism with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) since nearly 2 years, was successfully treated using the above principle. Her thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) before the intervention was 6.12 μIU/ml. She was subjected to Langhana chikitsa (~depleting therapy) to correct her alleviated Pitta and Kapha Dosha. This chikitsa involved induction of Deepana-Pachana (~enhancers of digestion and metabolism), Snehapana (~therapeutic intake of medicated unctuous substance), and Vamana chikitsa (~therapeutic emesis). She attained 8 Vegas (~bouts) and was discharged with suitable Samshamana oushadhis (~palliative or discharge medications) and Samsarjana karma (~Post therapy dietetic regimen for revival). After completing 1 month of follow-up she is currently asymptomatic and her TSH level is 3.73 μIU/ml. The adoption of various classical principles of Ayurveda in diagnosing the case, the minimal intervention used and the significant results obtained motivated us to document the case. Although the present testimony is of a small sample, a plan on a large sampled pilot study on the current treatment model is intended.