A Fundamental Study of Dhatvagnimandya with Special Reference to Hypothyroidism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23860313Keywords:
Dhatvagnimandya, Agni, Dhatvagni, Hypothyroidism, Ama, Srotorodha, Kapha Dosha, Rasa Dhatu, Meda Dhatu, GalagandaAbstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common hormone disorders seen in daily practice. In this condition the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, so the speed of work inside every cell becomes slow. Patients feel tired, gain weight, feel cold easily and suffer from constipation, dry skin and dull thinking. Classical Ayurveda texts do not name this disease directly. However, the Ayurvedic idea of Agni (the digestive and metabolic fire) and especially Dhatvagni (the tissue-level fire) gives a clear way to understand a disease of slow metabolism.
Aim and objectives: To study the concept of Dhatvagni and Dhatvagnimandya as described in classical Ayurveda texts. To correlate Dhatvagnimandya with hypothyroidism. To review the basic role of Dhatvagnimandya in the causation (Samprapti) and features of hypothyroidism, and to point out the treatment principles that follow from it.
Materials and Methods: This was a conceptual and analytical (literary) study. Classical texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya, with their commentaries, were studied for Agni, Dhatvagni, Dhatu Poshana, Ama, Srotas and Galaganda. Standard modern books and research papers were studied for thyroid physiology and hypothyroidism. Both sets of ideas were then compared point by point.
Result and Discussion: The clinical picture of hypothyroidism matches the qualities of increased Kapha Dosha (Guru, Shita, Manda, Snigdha, Sthira), with later involvement of Vata, and disturbance of Rasa and Meda Dhatu. Weak Jatharagni leads to weak Dhatvagni. This causes formation of Ama, blockage of channels (Srotorodha) and poor nourishment of tissues (Dhatu Poshana). Most features of Ama, such as Gaurava, Alasya, Klama, Aruchi and Malasanga, are seen in hypothyroid patients. The actions of thyroid hormone (raising basal metabolic rate, heat production and use of nutrients) are very similar to the actions of Agni.
Conclusion: Hypothyroidism can be understood in Ayurveda as a Kapha Pradhana, Dhatvagnimandya Janya Vyadhi, that is, a Kapha-dominant disease born from weak tissue metabolism. Thyroid swelling, when present, can be compared with Galaganda. The principles of management follow from this: Deepana, Pachana, Anulomana, Kapha Shamana, Rasayana and proper Pathya-Apathya. Clinical studies are now needed to test this model.
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