A CASE REPORT ON THE EFFICACY OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN SANTARPANOTTHA VIKARA (~HYPOTHYROIDISM)

Abstract

Background: Santarpanottha Vikara refers to a group of disorders caused by over-nourishment, excessive Kapha, Meda accumulation, and impaired Agni. Patients commonly present with symptoms such as heaviness, lethargy, excessive sleep, indigestion, and reduced physical and mental efficiency. Ayurveda advocates Langhana, Amapachana, and Shamana Chikitsa to restore Agni and correct Kapha-Meda imbalance. A 32-year-old female with a known case of hypothyroidism presented with complaints of morning laziness, excessive daytime sleepiness, indigestion, heaviness in the abdomen after meals, irregular bowel evacuation, facial puffiness in the morning, disturbed sleep at night, and reduced mental well-being. Her weight was 75 kg, height 5 feet (152.4 cm), and BMI was approximately 32.3 kg/m², indicating obesity.

Intervention: The patient was treated with Ayurvedic Shamana Chikitsa consisting of Punarnavastaka Kwatha 20 ml twice daily, Amapachaka Vati 2 tablets twice daily before meals, Sudarshana Churna 5 g twice daily on an empty stomach, and Eranda Bhrishta Haritaki 4 g at bedtime for one month.

Outcome: After one month of treatment, the patient reported marked improvement in all presenting symptoms. Daytime sleepiness, lethargy, indigestion, abdominal heaviness, bowel irregularity, facial puffiness, and disturbed sleep resolved. Mental stress reduced, and the patient reported improved well-being and satisfaction with treatment. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: This case suggests that Ayurvedic Shamana Chikitsa focusing on Amapachana, Deepana, Anulomana, and Kapha-Meda reduction may be beneficial in managing Santarpanottha Vikara.