Ayurvedic Management of Kapha Nanatmaja Vikara With Special Reference to Hypothyroidism: A Case Report

A Kapha Nanatmaja Vikara represents a group of disorders caused predominantly by the aggravation of Kapha Dosha.[1] In modern medicine, it may be correlated with Hypothyroidism based on similarities in clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology. Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition resulting from inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. It affects nearly 200 million individuals worldwide, with approximately 9 million reported cases in India. The condition is more common in females, with a female-to-male ratio of about 6:1, and its prevalence in the general population is estimated to be around 5%. In Ayurveda, Hypothyroidism can be considered under Kapha Nanatmaja Vikara due to the predominance of Kapha Dosha and the resemblance in symptomatology and disease manifestation. This case report describes the Ayurvedic management of a 26- year-old female patient who presented with complaints of weakness, weight gain, dry skin, and reduced speed in performing daily activities for the past 4½ months. These symptoms were associated with markedly elevated TSH levels (336.99 µIU/ml), low haemoglobin levels (9.2 gm/dl), and ultrasonographic findings suggestive of mild thyroiditis. The patient was managed with Shodhananga Snehapana using Murchhita Tila Taila, followed by Vamana with Krsnadi Yoga[4] and Virechana with Pippalayadi Yoga,[5] after Deepana-Pachana using Chitrakadi Vati (250 mg) as Purva Karma. Marked clinical improvement was observed following treatment, including reduction in TSH levels from 336.99 µIU/ml to 71.99 µIU/ml, weight reduction of 4.9 kg, and improvement in Billewicz score from -19 to -47, indicating considerable relief in hypothyroid symptoms. This case report suggests the potential effectiveness of Ayurvedic Shodhana therapy in the management of Kapha Nanatmaja Vikara.