Hypothyroidism - Ayushvi

Ayurvedic Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, meaning that the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism and energy levels. When it fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones, it leads to a slowdown in various bodily functions.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, certain medications or congenital factors.

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, and it is thought to affect around six to ten per cent of women. The prevalence rises with age – up to a quarter of women, over the age of 65 years may be affected. Men are also affected, but less frequently. Hypothyroidism can be either primary or secondary. Primary hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland itself is diseased, while secondary hypothyroidism is caused by problems with the pituitary gland.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Vertigo
Fatigue and Weakness
Weight gain and hard to lose weight
Tendency for constipation
Tendency to feel depressed
High intolerance to cold
Coarse, brittle or lusterless hair
Dry, scaling, flaking skin (e.g. cracked heels)

Brittle, splitting, curved or ridged nails
Rounded puffy face
Puffy around eyes or droopy/baggy eyelids
Thinning or loss of outer third of eyebrows or poor hair growth on lower legs
Fungal infection in nails or peeling/splitting of skin between toes
Redness to skin on front of neck
Swollen/puffy ankles or legs
Slow resting heart rate (less than 65)

Ayurveda approach for Hypothyroidism

According to Ayurveda the thyroid function is controlled by Pitta dosha. Pitta is responsible for all of the metabolic actions carried out by the thyroid hormones. In Hypothyroidism coating by Kapha dosha and medho dhathu prevents Pitta dosha (fire principle) in cellular level functions. Treatment principle is aimed to remove the coating of Kapha dosha and medho dhathu and thus enable fire principle to perform in metabolism.

Role of Agni

Agni (fire principle) is a main concept in Ayurveda. This concept is very relevant in hypothyroidism. It is considered as sacred fire in Ayurveda and is an important key to all the physiological and psychological processes in the body. It includes the digestion of food, absorption, assimilation, cellular metabolism and the regulation of hormones at the level of neurons and even beyond that. In other ways, the fire or agni principle is the cellular intelligence behind the healthy existence of a cell and organism.

Ayurveda Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The thyroid’s function in metabolism relates to agni both within the gland as the T3 and T4 hormones and at the cellular level as it kindles the agni within the cells. Based on this understanding, food, medicines and treatment procedures with appetizing (deepana), digestive (pachana), hot (ushna), penetrating (theekshna), minute (sukshma), scraping (lekhana) qualities would be beneficial.

Herbs Useful For Hypothyroidism

Commiphora mukul (Guggul), Bouhenia veregata (Kanchanara), Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnnava) have proven very useful in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

By integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Diet and Fitness, Ayushvi addresses the root causes of Hypothyroidism and provides sustainable relief. The personalized Doctor’s consultation, preventive programs, and reasonable costs make Ayushvi the ideal choice for Hypothyroidism treatment.