AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO ENDOCRINAL DISORDERS W.S.R HYPOTHYROID

Disorders of Endocrine gland are as old as mankind. And the prevalence is increasing day by day leading to many complications.
Endocrinal disorders are may be subdivided into three groups.
Endocrine gland hypo secretion (leading to hormone deficiency).
Endocrine gland hyper secretion (leading to hormone excess).
Tumours (benign or malignant) of endocrine glands.
Endocrine disorders are often quite complex, involving a mixed picture of hypo secretion and hyper secretion because of the feedback mechanisms involved in the endocrine system.
Amongst them Hypothyroidism is very common. So it is a need of hour to understand and plan the treatment accordingly in Ayurveda.

Signs and symptoms

Agni plays an important role in metabolism in the body especially Dhatwagni.
Any derangement in this Dhatwagni will lead to the similar effects on the body as that of the Thyroid hormones.
Medo Dhatwagnimandhya will lead to impaired metabolism of the poshaka Asthayi Dhatu – impairment in the formation of prakrita medo Dhatu( Poshya Sthayi dhatu) – Malaroopi medodhatu vriddhi.
Hypothyroidism –impaired fat metabolism – increased level of circulating fats in serum – Abnormal deposition of fat.

In Hypothyroidism – initially shodhana chikitsa on the lines of sthoulya followed by shamanoushadhis of galaganda can be adopted.
Lifestyle and food habits should be corrected, try to avoid heavy foods and liquids.
Reason for agnimandya (like impaired digestion) and ajirna should be avoided.
Rasadhatu pachan should be done.
Lekhana chikitsa for meda(FAT) should be done.
Panchakarma like vaman ,virechan ,basti, Nasya, Udwartanam, Shirodhara are helpful.
Herbs such as Guggul, Kanchanara, Punarnnava have proven very useful in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Centre Head -Gachibowli
Travancore Ayurveda