Abstract

Dr. Nirbhay Kumar Chauhan*, Dr. Abhiranjan and Dr. Akhilesh Prasad Singh

ABSTRACT

Obesity is emerging as an important health problem globally and as well as in India. It is estimated that 22 million Indians are obese, especially abdominally obese. Obesity is the primary driver of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, disabilities like osteoarthritis and even cancer. Obesity i.e. Sthoulya Roga as mentioned in Ayurveda is a Medoroga which results due to dysfunction of Meda Dhatvagni (factor responsible for nourishment/ metabolism of Meda Dhatu) and is considered as metabolic disorder. Further, its description is available in Ashtaunindita Purusha Adhyaya of Charak Samhita (chapter dedicated to 8 types of undesirable physiques where obese are criticized by society because of inappropriate body size). In this disease condition there is excess deposition of adipose tissues in the body. In conventional medical science it has mainly surgical management which is even associated with other complications. Ayurveda has upper hand in the management of obesity which has been mentioned as Sthoulya in Ayurvedic classics. The treatment principles of Ayurveda for obesity not only deals medicines but also dietary restrictions, exercises, cellular level bio-purification therapies and Rasayana (rejuvenation) treatment. This article deals with mainly the Shodhana (purification) treatment which are beneficial in obesity along with other useful formulations.