Critical Review on Role of Panchakarma in Sthaulya With Special Reference to Obesity

Abstract

In the science of life all the aspects of human being health are clearly mentioned. Due to change in day to day life style, the superiority of human health is falling. Dreadful change in life style has led to disorders like obesity, diabetes. Among these is observed commonly in obesity. Metabolic disorders are discussed in Ayurveda under Sthaulya. Panchakarma the five major procedures of Ayurveda play a role in the management of metabolic disorders. Panchakarma by its Shodhana therapy effect is intended for purification of the body by which the accumulated morbid humours responsible for disease are expelled out to produce an ideal environment for proper functioning of body. However, Sthaulya being Atisthula conditions Panchakarma is not prescribed as a treatment modality. Panchakarma has a major therapy role as promotive, preventive and curative procedure. So there arises a need to practice Panchakarma according to classical in medical situations like Sthaulya so that Panchakarma can be justified as a modality of management in various severe medical conditions in preventive and curative aspects.

Impact of Low-Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) and Obesity Management Program on Obese Patients

“…As per the line of treatment of obesity, the diet prescribed should be Apatarpana (no nourishing). The Apatarpana quality of food will help in the reduction of fat in the body [9,15]. This has also been reiterated in recent studies which indicate diets lower in carbohydrate have shown promise for weight loss when compared to typical reduced energy and fat diets [13,14].…”

“…Negative calorie balance refers to reducing excess calorie intake and include required amount of nutrient which will help reduce desire weight. Ayurvedic texts mention that altered function of Agni or digestive power leads to production of Ama which cause derangement of Agni of fatty tissue and blocks the proper formation of further tissues [9,15]. Accumulated fat alters movement of Vata which leads to increase in appetite.…”

“…Ayurvedic texts clearly mention role of each of these procedures in reducing obesity. Swedana is an important preparatory measure for the management of obesity [9,15]. It liquefies the vitiated Dosha which are spread through the body.…”

“…All patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 were considered eligible to participate in the study. The case definition of obesity was defined as patients with BMI> 30 kg/m 2 [9]. Patients were recruited after obtaining written informed consent from them.…”

“…Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore the equilibrium through the utilization of different techniques, regimens, diet as well as medicines [8] . Ancient Ayurvedic texts (Charakasamhita, Sushrutsamhita, Ashtang Sangraham, Ashtanga Hridayam) mention the clinical features and treatment of obesity (Sthaulyarog) indicating that the knowledge of the disease was present with the Ayurvedic physicians [9].…”