Management of Sthaulya (Obesity) Through Nidana Parivarjana and Shamana Chikitsa: A Case Study

Sthaulya (obesity) is described by Acharya Charaka among the Ashtau Nindita Purusha and is classed among the Santarpanajanya Vikaras, arising from Bahudrava Shleshma, Medo-dhatu vriddhi and Medovaha srotodushti1. In the present era of sedentary living and altered dietary habits, its prevalence is rising sharply, and it stands as an antecedent of Prameha, Hridroga and Vatavyadhi. This case study presents a 42-year-old male with Adhika Sthaulya (BMI 34.1 kg/m²) who was managed over twelve weeks through Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana Chikitsa with Lekhaniya and Medohara formulations, Ruksha Udvartana and a graded Vyayama and Pathya regimen. The patient showed a reduction of 7 kg in body weight, 6 cm in abdominal girth, and marked relief in Gaurava, Daurbalya, Swedadhikya and Nidradhikya, without any adverse effect. The case illustrates that Sthaulya, though Krichchhrasadhya, responds well to the classical twofold approach of withdrawing the hetu and depleting the Meda by Apatarpana means, and that a particular dietary hetu — habitual vidhi-hina Dadhi sevana — may be identified and corrected to advantage.