Management of Stholya (Obesity) by Panchakarma
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Management of Stholya (Obesity) by Panchakarma
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Abhinav Rathore
Associate Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, Abhilashi Ayurvedic College & Research Institute, Chail Chowk, Mandi, H.P., India.
Bhawana Sharma
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, Abhilashi Ayurvedic College & Research Institute, Chail Chowk, Mandi, H.P., India.
Bheeshmlata
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Stree Roga and Prasuti Tantra, Abhilashi Ayurvedic College & Research Institute, Chail Chowk, Mandi, H.P., India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Management of Stholya (Obesity) by Panchakarma
Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i1.1426
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Obesity, defined as excessive fat accumulation, is increasingly becoming a worldwide health issue, often leading to serious medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac problems. The modern sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices contribute significantly to this epidemic. While modern medicine focuses on calorie restriction, exercise, and appetite suppressants—which may have adverse effects—Ayurvedic approaches highlight the balance of body systems through principles like fasting, exercise, and purification treatments. In Ayurveda, obesity is referred to as "Stholya," a condition related to excess body fat, characterized by imbalances in vital substances (Dhatus) in the body.
The Role of Panchakarma in Managing Obesity
One key treatment modality in Ayurveda for addressing obesity is Panchakarma, a comprehensive detoxification and rejuvenation process. This method includes various therapies, such as Udwartana (a type of herbal powder massage), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enemas). Udwartana aids in breaking down fat deposits, particularly in areas like the abdomen and thighs. The Virechana process eliminates toxins from the body, effectively addressing both Kapha and Pitta dosha imbalances, which play significant roles in obesity. A case study of a 23-year-old female who underwent these therapies revealed significant weight loss�23 kg over five months—illustrating the effectiveness of these Ayurvedic treatments.
Importance of Lifestyle Modifications
Another significant aspect of managing obesity within Ayurvedic treatments involves lifestyle modifications, which include dietary changes and exercise regimens. Observations of the patient revealed habits of excessive consumption of sweets, junk food, and a sedentary lifestyle. By implementing a regimen of light exercises, yoga, and a healthier diet, coupled with the Ayurvedic treatments, the patient experienced improvement not just in weight but also overall health. This holistic approach underscores the necessity of adjusting lifestyle factors to support the body’s natural balance and maintain weight loss.
Conclusion
The case study highlights the potential effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments, particularly Panchakarma therapies, in managing obesity. The combination of traditional therapies, along with lifestyle modifications, presents a multifaceted approach to not only achieving weight loss but also promoting overall health without the adverse effects of synthetic medications. Hence, adopting Ayurvedic principles offers a viable alternative for individuals struggling with obesity, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Stholya in Ayurveda and how is it defined?
Stholya, meaning obesity in Ayurveda, refers to excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is characterized by increased Medodhatu and Mamsadhatu, resulting in a bulky appearance without a corresponding increase in energy levels.
What treatments were used for the patient with obesity?
The patient underwent Panchakarma treatments including Udwartana, Snehana, Swedana, Virechana, and Basti, combined with oral medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications over five months, leading to significant weight loss.
What are the expected outcomes of Panchakarma therapy for obesity?
Panchakarma therapies like Rukshana, Virechana, and Basti effectively remove excess Meda and Kapha from the body, normalize digestive functions, and help achieve significant weight loss and improved overall health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Management of Stholya (Obesity) by Panchakarma�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Basti:
Basti refers to a therapeutic enema used in Ayurveda. It involves inserting medicated oils or herbal decoctions through the rectal route. Basti is broadly categorized into Sneha Basti (oil enema) and Niruha Basti (decoction enema). It helps purify the body and is effective in treating various disorders.
2) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of water and earth. It governs body structure, lubrication, and stability but can lead to issues like obesity when imbalanced. Treatments often focus on balancing Kapha to alleviate symptoms.
3) Karma (Karman):
In the context of Ayurveda, Karma refers to actions or treatments. Treatments like Basti Karma and Virechana Karma are specific therapeutic actions used to manage conditions like obesity. These actions aim at purifying and balancing the body doshas.
4) Drug:
In Ayurveda, drugs refer to medicinal preparations derived from natural sources like herbs, minerals, and animal products. They are used in various formulations such as decoctions, powders, and oils for treating diseases. Specific drugs are chosen based on the patient’s condition and dosha imbalance.
5) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda in Ayurveda refers to fat or adipose tissue in the body. It plays a key role in storing energy and insulating the body. Excessive meda can lead to conditions like obesity or Stholya, requiring targeted treatments to reduce and balance it.
6) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of air and space. It governs movement, including the nervous system and circulation. When imbalanced, it can cause issues like dryness and anxiety, necessitating treatments to restore balance.
7) Medicine:
In Ayurveda, medicine encompasses a wide range of preparations, including herbal decoctions, powders, oils, and pastes. These medicines are specifically chosen to treat individual dosha imbalances and diseases, promoting overall health and well-being.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are fundamental bio-energies in Ayurvedic medicine, comprising Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha has unique characteristics and functions. An imbalance in these doshas leads to disease, and treatments aim to restore their natural balance.
9) Taila (Thaila):
Taila refers to oil, specifically used in various Ayurvedic treatments. Medicated oils are often used for Abhyanga (massage), Basti (enema), and other therapies, aiming to deliver medicinal properties through the skin or rectal absorption.
10) Bastikarman (Bastikarma, Basti-karman, Basti-karma):
Basti Karma involves administering medicated enema treatments. It includes Sneha Basti (oil enema) and Niruha Basti (decoction enema), helping in the elimination of toxins, balancing doshas, and treating various ailments effectively.
11) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to scraping or excoriation. In Ayurveda, Lekhana Basti involves using specific formulations that help to reduce excess fat and other tissues. It is especially beneficial for conditions like obesity.
12) Madhu:
Madhu refers to honey in Ayurvedic medicine. It possesses numerous therapeutic properties, such as being a natural preservative and having Yogavahi (enhancing the effects of other medicines). It is used in various formulations for its healing and balancing effects.
13) Anuvasana:
Anuvasana refers to the administration of oil enemas in Ayurveda. These are part of the Basti treatment and are used to nourish and lubricate internal tissues, helping in the management of conditions like Vata disorders.
14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India. It focuses on balancing the body’s three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—using natural treatments like herbs, dietary changes, and various detoxification techniques such as Panchakarma.
15) Rukshana (Ruksana):
Rukshana refers to drying therapies in Ayurveda. It includes treatments like Udwartana (herbal powder massage), which helps to reduce Kapha and fat tissue, making it particularly useful in the management of obesity.
16) Parihara:
Parihara refers to the period of dietetic and behavioral restrictions following Panchakarma therapies. It is a recovery period meant to consolidate the benefits of the treatments and is usually double the duration of the Panchakarma process.
17) Niruha:
Niruha refers to decoction enemas in Ayurveda. It is part of Basti Karma, using herbal decoctions to purify the body by eliminating toxins. Niruha Basti is particularly effective for conditions involving excess doshas or deep-seated toxins.
18) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna refers to the quality of being hot. In Ayurveda, Ushna properties are used to balance Kapha and Vata doshas, often found in treatments and herbs that promote digestion, circulation, and the reduction of fat.
19) Katu:
Katu refers to the pungent taste in Ayurveda. It helps in stimulating digestion, reducing Kapha, and improving metabolism. Herbs and formulations with Katu rasa are often used in weight management and detoxification therapies.
20) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvasana Basti involves the administration of oil-based enemas. This therapy nourishes the body and is used to treat conditions primarily influenced by Vata dosha, balancing body tissues and aiding in detoxification.
21) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava refers to rock salt in Ayurveda. It is known for its deep-penetrating and digestive properties, often used in Basti treatments to help improve the absorption and effectiveness of the medicinal formulations.
22) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). It is commonly used for its detoxifying, digestive, and rejuvenating properties.
23) Disease:
In Ayurveda, a disease is seen as an imbalance in one or more of the body's doshas. Treatments aim to restore balance using dietary adjustments, herbal medicines, and therapeutic procedures like Panchakarma.
24) Tikta:
Tikta refers to the bitter taste in Ayurveda, known for its detoxifying and digestion-enhancing properties. Herbs and medications with Tikta rasa are used to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas, aiding in conditions like obesity.
25) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
Niruha Basti involves administering an enema made from herbal decoctions. It is used to eliminate toxins and balance doshas, especially effective in treating Kapha and Pitta disorders through detoxification.
26) Madhyama:
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama]
27) Roga:
In Ayurveda, Roga refers to disease or illness resulting from dosha imbalances. Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore equilibrium in the body’s doshas to cure the disease.
28) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa in Ayurveda refers to taste or essence, significant in determining the therapeutic properties of a substance. Different rasas like Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) influence dosha balances and are used in treatments.
29) Salt (Salty):
Salt in Ayurvedic context often refers to Saindhava (rock salt), which is used for its deep-penetrating and digestive-enhancing properties. It is included in many therapeutic formulations, particularly in Basti treatments.
30) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kapha Dosha is one of the three fundamental doshas in Ayurveda, embodying the elements of water and earth. It governs stability, structure, and lubrication in the body. Imbalance in Kapha can lead to obesity and other health issues.
31) Trivrit (Tri-vrit, Trivrt):
Trivrit, also known as Operculina turpethum, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for its strong purgative properties. It is often included in Virechana Karma to help eliminate toxins and excess doshas, effectively treating conditions like obesity.
32) Rathore:
Abhinav Rathore is an Associate Professor and one of the authors of the study on the management of obesity (Stholya) by Panchakarma, contributing significant findings and methodologies in treating obesity using Ayurvedic practices.
33) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kashaya refers to the astringent taste in Ayurveda, known for its drying and tightening effects. It helps in reducing Kapha and excess fat, making it useful in treatments for obesity and other Kapha-related disorders.
34) Dravya:
Dravya in Ayurveda means substance or material, often referring to herbal or mineral ingredients used in medicinal formulations. Each dravya has specific properties that determine its therapeutic effect on the body.
35) Kshara (Ksara):
Kshara refers to alkaline substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. They possess strong purifying and detoxifying properties, helping to balance doshas and treat conditions like obesity. Kshara enhances the effectiveness of enemas and other treatments.
36) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Bhawana Sharma is an Assistant Professor and co-author of the study on the management of obesity through Panchakarma, contributing valuable insights and research in Ayurvedic treatments for obesity.
37) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the fundamental tissues in the body. Ayurveda identifies seven dhatus that support the body's structure and function. Imbalances or excesses in specific dhatus can lead to health issues like obesity when Meda (fat tissue) is involved.
38) Honey:
Honey, or Madhu in Ayurveda, is used for its multifaceted therapeutic properties. It acts as a natural preservative, enhances other medicines' efficacy (Yogavahi), and has balancing effects on doshas, making it valuable in treatments like Basti and oral formulations.
39) Agni:
Agni in Ayurveda refers to the body’s digestive and metabolic fire. Balanced Agni is crucial for good health, as it governs digestion and nutrient assimilation. Agni imbalance can lead to ailments like obesity, necessitating treatments to restore its function.
40) Yoga:
Yoga refers to physical exercises that integrate body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall health and wellness. In Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga is often recommended to support therapies like Panchakarma, aiding in weight management and the balance of doshas.
41) Rock salt:
Rock Salt, also known as Saindhava in Ayurveda, is prized for its deep-penetrating, digestive, and therapeutic properties. It is used in treatments like Basti to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of medicinal formulations.
42) Tilataila (Tila-taila):
Tila Taila refers to sesame oil, commonly used in Ayurveda for its medicinal qualities. It is often utilized in therapies like Abhyanga (massage) and Basti (enema) to deliver therapeutic benefits through the skin or rectal absorption.
43) Kaphavata (Kapha-vata):
Kapha-Vata refers to the combined influence of these two doshas in Ayurvedic diagnosis. Conditions like obesity often involve both Kapha (water and earth) and Vata (air and space), necessitating treatments that address both doshas.
44) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification therapies in Ayurveda, aimed at eliminating toxins and restoring dosha balance. Examples include Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema), which are essential in treating conditions like obesity.
45) Prakrita (Prakrta):
[see source text or glossary: Prakrita]
46) Snehana:
Snehana refers to oleation therapy in Ayurveda, involving the internal or external use of oils to lubricate and detoxify the body. It is a preparatory procedure for Panchakarma treatments like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema).
47) Vyayama:
Vyayama refers to exercise in Ayurveda. Regular physical activity is recommended to balance doshas, improve metabolism, and support treatments like Panchakarma. It is an important aspect of managing conditions like obesity.
48) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow urine, is used in various Ayurvedic formulations for its detoxifying properties. It is included in treatments like Lekhana Basti, aiding in the reduction of fat and Kapha dosha.
49) Anupana:
Anupana refers to the vehicle or carrier substance taken along with medicine in Ayurveda. Anupanas like warm water enhance the efficacy of medications, helping in their digestion and absorption.
50) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle practices in Ayurveda. This includes daily regimen, exercise, and behavioral habits that are recommended to maintain dosha balance and overall health.
51) Anjali (Amjali):
Anjali is a traditional Ayurvedic unit of measurement. It is used to quantify the amount of various substances, such as Meda (fat tissue) and Vasa (fatty tissue), in the body.
52) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
53) Powder:
Powdered herbs, like those used in Udwartana (herbal powder massage), are common in Ayurvedic treatments. They are chosen for their dosha-specific properties, helping in treatments like Rukshana to reduce fat and Kapha.
54) Tila:
[see source text or glossary: Tila]
55) Peya:
Peya refers to a type of thin gruel or porridge. It is often part of the Samsarjana Krama (dietary regimen) post-Panchakarma treatments, helping to rebuild digestive strength and maintain dosha balance.
56) Vayu:
Vayu refers to air, a primary element in the Vata dosha, governing movement and nervous system functions. Imbalances can lead to disorders requiring treatments to stabilize Vayu and harmonize bodily functions.
57) Kala:
Kala means time or period. In Ayurveda, it often refers to the Parihara Kala or recovery period after treatments like Panchakarma, during which patients follow specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to maintain therapeutic benefits.
58) Food:
Food plays a crucial role in Ayurveda, as it is considered medicine. Dietary recommendations are tailored to individual dosha types and imbalances, vital for successful treatment outcomes, including weight management.
59) Purification:
Purification in Ayurveda involves therapies aimed at detoxifying and cleansing the body. Panchakarma is a set of five purification procedures, including Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema), that eliminate toxins and balance doshas.
60) Saindhavadi:
[see source text or glossary: Saindhavadi]
61) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
[see source text or glossary: Medadhatu]
62) Mamsadhatu (Mamsha-dhatu):
Mamsadhatu refers to muscle tissue in Ayurveda. It is one of the Saptadhatus (seven bodily tissues), and its abnormal increase along with Meda (fat) can contribute to obesity, necessitating therapies to restore balance.
63) Samtarpana (Santarpana):
Santarpana refers to nourishing therapies in Ayurveda, aiming to rebuild tissues and energy. However, excessive Santarpana can lead to conditions like obesity, requiring treatment to reduce the over-nourished state.
64) Udvartana:
Udvartana is a therapeutic procedure involving the massage of dry herbal powders. It is a Rukshana (drying) treatment used to manage obesity by reducing Kapha and Meda (fat tissue).
65) Prakshepa (Praksepa):
[see source text or glossary: Prakshepa]
66) Substance:
In Ayurveda, substances or Dravyas include herbs, minerals, and animal products used in medicinal preparations. These are selected based on their properties and effects on doshas and dhatus to treat various illnesses.
67) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic therapy involving the massage of the body with warm medicated oils. It aims to balance doshas, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness.
68) Prabhava:
Prabhava refers to the unique, often unexplained effects of a substance in Ayurvedic medicine. It goes beyond the known properties and actions (Rasa, Guna, Virya) to produce a therapeutic outcome.
69) Ushakadi (Ushaka-adi, Usakadi):
[see source text or glossary: Ushakadi]
70) Trivrita (Trivrta):
[see source text or glossary: Trivrita]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 199]
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