Management of Sthaulya through Tailapana and Virechana karma: A Case report

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most challenging health issues in the present scenario, which has almost taken the shape of an epidemic and affected the developed as well as the developing nations across the globe. Obesity exposes an individuals' susceptibility to several diseases which may affect multiple systems. Acharya Charaka has quoted Ati-sthaulya under the eight varieties of impediments which are designated as Ashtau-nindita purusha. Ati-sthaulya is one among eight such morbidities. Modern medications available for obesity have not yet been established to be as effective as proper diet, and exercise still remains the mainstay of obesity management. Ayurveda, though incorporating Panchakarma treatment modalities, may be considered as an alternative for management of obesity and correction of Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas involved at the basic level. This work was aimed to study and evaluate the effect of Virechana karma (~purgation therapy) in the management of Sthaulya. A 33-year-old male obese patient was treated with Virechana karma after Deepana (~appetizers), Pachana (~digestives) followed by Snehapana (~internal administration of oleaginous substance) with Murchita taila. After the treatment, significant reduction was noticed in weight as well as in the anthropometric measurements. Significant changes were also observed in the biochemical markers such as lipid profile after Snehapana and after Virechana karma. No untoward effects with this therapy were observed during the treatment regimen.