Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

Ayurveda describes Metabolism(Dhatu Pak) as  a series of complex processes by which the human body converts food, water, and oxygen into tissue, energy, and waste products. According to Ayurveda Concept of dhatupak has been described in Charak Samhita Chikitsasthan chapter 14 Grahanirog.

According to ayurvedic physiology 13 types of body heats (agnis) act on the foods we eat and then in series seven types of body tissues (dhatus – ras, rakta, mansa, medha, asthi, majja, shukra) are formed. In modern science  these body tissues are nutrient plasma, blood, muscles, adipose tissue, bones, bone marrow and semen) respectively. According to Ayurveda, the body`s main digestive fire (Jatharagni) is responsible for the remaining 12 sub-types of agnis responsible for digestive and metabolic processes at various levels. Metabolic disruption in any of these can cause weight loss and weight gain. Both these disorders have been mentioned in Asthnindiniya chapter of Charak Samhita Sutra sthan that deals with diseases due to metabolic and hormonal disorders.

Metabolism is a continuous process and goes on in every cell of the body. It comprises the breaking down of substances into simpler parts, and then recombination occurs and countless new substances that compose the body are formed. For example, the carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes and acids and converted into sugar or glucose.

The constructive chemical and physical process by which food materials are accepted for the use of the body is known as anabolism; and the destructive process by which energy is produced with the breaking down of body tissues into waste products is called catabolism. The two processes together are called metabolism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to “activate the body’s metabolism,” it is understandable that people with Hypothyroidism will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland that controls the body’s metabolism. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces the hormones tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Together these hormones regulate how your cells use energy. The pathways by which our cells use energy is called metabolism. Our body’s metabolism (dhatupakkriya) determines our blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.

There are low levels of hormone thyroxine (T4) in hypothyroidism than its normal range of 4.5 to 11.2 micrograms per deciliter.

Many times normal thyroid gland is not making enough hormone because of a problem in the pituitary gland which is not producing enough thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) then the thyroid is not getting message to make hormone.

Symptoms OF Hypothyroidism

Symptoms like fatigue, lack of energy, joint and muscle pain,Dry skin,Calcium metabolism difficulties,intolerance to cold and lower temperature, Constipation, irregular menstrual cycle, sudden appearance of various forms of allegies. The condition also reduces overall metabolism, making those with hypothyroidism more prone to weight gain.

Ayurvedic View OF Hypothyroidism

Ayurveda relates hypothyroidism to imbalance of kapha and vata. Both these doshas are cold (having sheet guna) in nature. Increase in these doshas and decrease in optimum activity of pitta dosha( diminished power of 7 dhatu agnis) leads to hypothyroidism. In such conditions there is an excessive accumulation of adipose or fatty-tissue. Mainly medo dhatu agni (fat tissue metabolism) is moredisturbed and decreased. To reactivate it, there are a number of Ayurvedic therapies which can be done both internally and externally.

Ayurvedic Therapies FOR Hypothyroidism

1. Use of Deepan – Pachan Powders like Trikatu or Pancha Kola

These powders are three of the best classical digestive appetizers. They promote the main digestive fire (Agni), which then helps to stimulate metabolism throughout the body. They also help to metabolize toxins (Aama) in the digestive system and purify the alimentary canal. These powders can be added to a bowl of soup for flavoring or can be taken with honey.

2. Massage of Sesame Oil

Sesame oil (due to its sukshmaguna) helps to penetrate the micro channels of the skin and increases circulation to the underlying tissue, activates body metabolism and the removes toxins. A warm shower is advised after this massage.

3. Hot Bath With Salt( Wet Swedan)

Generalized swelling throughout the body can slow down the removal of toxic wastes particularly from the lymphatic system. Usually this is due to an accumulation of the Kaphadosha (liquid element) in the body. Bathing once a week in a hot, salt-water bath helps to draw out these toxins through the sweat glands. After the bath, wear enough clothes to induce sweating and increase the excretion of toxins.

4. Dry Massage/Udhvartanam

Triphala or sonth powder are Ayurvedic remedies for a wide range of conditions. Take slightlywarm handful of either of these powders and rub it firmly over the body against the direction of the hair follicles. Do this dry massage for 45 minutes and then remove the remaining powder off of the body.

5. Drink Hot Water

The easiest, most inexpensive, and effective ways to increase metabolism is to drink plain hot water. You can add spices to it and boil the water with these spices like ginger (fresh), cloves, black cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper.

1. Chandraprabha Vati
2. Gotukola Capsules
3. Gugullipid Capsules
4. Hakam Churna

Product Description

1. Chanderprabha Vati

• It decreases excessive swelling from the body helps to body to lose weight. It is good for cellulite, obesity. It pacifies the Kapha and Vatadoshas effectively.
• Its main action is on urinary tract (mutravahsrotas). It can effectively correct urinary complaints and reduces swelling.

2. Gotukola Capsules

In Sanskrit language Gotukola (Centellaasiatica) is known as Mandukaparni. Gotukola herb ismind relaxant, helps  to improve  lack of concentration, prevents nervous exhaustion, prevents stress and anxiety and feeds the nervous system. Gotukola Capsules contain 100% standardized herb extract. It is a pack of 60 capsules.

Dosage – 1to 2 capsules once or twice daily.

3. Guggulipid Capsules

Guggul is known as Commiphoramukul, an ancient herb. Guggul is has been used since ages for controlling obesity and cholesterol. Guggulipid has blood purifying properties. Guggulipid has lipid- regulating properties. The regular and prolonged intake of Guggulipid herbal capsules has shown remarkable results in the reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. guggulipid capsules contain 100% standardized herb extract. It is a pack of 60 capsules.

Dosage – 1to 2 capsules once or twice daily.

4. Hakam Churna

Hakam Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a wonderful herbal supplement in the form of a powder to manage symptoms of hypothyroidism. This unique combination of herbs is an effective Tridoshic Rasayan. Its ingredients are as follows

• Lepidiums Ativum : This herb is one of the best nutritive and anti-vata herbs in Ayurveda. It pacifies the Kapha and Vatadoshas effectively.
• Nigella Sativa : Its common name is Kalonji. These seeds are used for flavoring and improving digestion especially in cold climates. The seeds have aromatic, carminative, anthelmintic, diuretic, stimulant, diaphoretic andgalactagogue properties. The seeds are vata pacifying and very useful in relieving body pains, back pain and stiff joints.
• Trigonella Foenum – Graecum : Its common name is fenugreek. It is having anti-inflammatory, vata relieving properties. It is very good to relieve body pains. It is good to stimulate sluggish liver,enhances enzyme production which aids digestion. It pacifies Vata in the body and relieves stiffness and pain. It pacifies the Kaphaand Vatadoshas effectively.
• Trachyspermum Ammi : It is a very common spice found in Indian cooking. It has vata pacifying properties and is hot in potency. It is having antispasmodic and carminative and anti flatulent properties.