Panchakarma Interventions for Sthoulya: A Case Study

Abstract

Sthoulya(Obesity) is a burning problem in the world scenario and has acquired the status of an epidemic. The dietary habits, sedentary life styles and stress etc., which are the gift of modern world, are primary predisposing factors for Sthoulya. Obesity is basically a behavioral disorder. Persons life become difficult in Sthoulya and suffers from various serious disorders like hampered physical activity, hampered sexual life, extreme lassitude, proneness to dangerous diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, above all diseases and disorder decreases the span of life. The major risk related with Sthoulya is that, it favors complicated pathologies like diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, atherosclerosis, gall stones, hypertension, stroke, so righty said "longer is the belt, shorter is the life". In allied science, the disease is correlated as metabolic disorder and obesity due to resemblance of sign and symptoms. Ayurveda has a holistic treatment approach for obesity. Kapha and Pitta vitiation are the major contributing pathological factors in Sthoulya manifestation. According to Ayurveda Shodhananga Snehapana followed with Virechana and internal medication is considered as the best line of management for metabolic disorder. Here I am presenting a single case of sthoulya. The treatment planned was Deepana-pachana (Rukshana) with Panchakola phanta, Snehapana (Shodhananga Snehapana) with Murchita taila followed by Virechana. After the whole course of therapy, it was found significant relief in sign and symptoms of Sthoulya. The therapy marked relief. Conservative management of Sthoulya through Ayurvedic principle provides significant relief and improves quality of life so has been presented in this article.