Efficacy of ayurveda treatment modalities in the management of hypothyroidism: a case report

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder resulting from insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormones, which are one of the key factors for the maintenance of metabolism. India has a high prevalence of hypothyroidism, which is about 9.4% subclinical cases, and this is more common in females than males. In Ayurveda classics, the functions of metabolism depend on Agnimandhya (weak digestive fire), mainly Medo Dhatwagni Mandya (decreased metabolic factors located in fat tissues). The normal metabolism of tissues is achieved by the management of Agni. A case of hypothyroidism was treated with bio-cleansing therapy, which included Virechan Karma (therapeutic purgation) along with oral medication Kanchnaar Guggulu with Varunadi Kashaya on an empty stomach. The result was assessed on the basis of the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the improvement in the general condition of the patient. The level of TSH decreases from 64.4 µIU/mL to 2.65 µIU/mL during the duration of six months, with an overall subjective perception of feeling well. The present case study demonstrates that hypothyroidism can be managed by the Ayurveda treatment modality.