A Case Study on Medovriddhi WSR to Obesity

Introduction

The world is facing with many lifestyle disorders. Lifestyle disorders are being raised because of unbalanced food, sedentary lifestyle and stressful mental conditions. Obesity is one of the commonest disorders. In India, obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the 21st century with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the total population [1]. Unhealthy, processed food has become much more accessible following country’s continued integration in global food markets [2]. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Indian Heart Association has been raising awareness about it [3]. India has second highest obese children in the world, which is 14.4 million [4]. Normal BMI 18.0-22.9 kg/m2, Overweight 23.0-24.9 kg/m2 and Obesity >25 kg/m2. According to guidelines for diagnosis of obesity and abdominal obesity for India have been published in JAPI (2009) that a BMI over 23 kg/m2 is considered overweight [5]. In Ayurveda, this condition can be called as Medovriddhi, which is due to excess formation of Meda, which accumulates in the body tissue. Obesity can be cured and prevented as well with holistic approach of Ayurveda. So, we are discussing a case study of a patient of obesity, who had tired of many medicines and therapies; we dealt that patient with combination of Aushadha, Ahara, Vihara which is the basic treatment pattern of Ayurveda to treat Medovriddhi or obesity and the result was appreciating.

Material and Methods

In this case study a female patient whose age was 39 years, weight was 93 kg, height was 163 cm and BMI was 35 had taken.

Method

This patient had advised to take Haritakishunthi churna, Surya Namasar and specific Ahara explained in diet chart. The diet chart included Apatarpaka, Ruksha Guna Pradhana Ahara. Duration of treatment was two months.

Result

Result was quite interesting and more than expectations (Table 1).

There is a relief in symptoms of Medovriddhi (obesity) like Anga Gaurav, Kshudha Adhikya, Nisha Mutrata, Chal Sphika, Chal Udara, Chal Stana, Anga Shaithilya, Gatra Sadan, Utsaha Hani, Nidra Adhikya, Tandra, Klama and Snigdha Gatrata.

Discussion

Medovriddhi (obesity) is a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi and its treatment is indicated as Apatarpana, Laghu, Ruksha Chikitsa in various Ayurvedic Samhita. The treatment which was used in this case was Haritakishunthi Churna, which has characteristic of Laghu, Ushna, Ruksha, Medohara, Vataghna etc. properties. Diet chart included Barley, walnut, milk, turmeric, amla, daliya, fruits etc. Which are Laghu, Apatarpaka and nutritious in nature. Surya Namaskar is a whole body exercise, which is helpful in losing weight and has many physical, mental and emotional benefits. Weight reduction and relief in various symptoms indicates that the given treatment was so effective.

Conclusion

There are a lot of choices for the treatment of Medovriddhi (obesity). In Ayurveda, here is a concept of Aushadha, Ahara and Vihara for any particular disease. Obesity can’t be controlled only through medicines only. Proper diet and exercise have their importance in it. And in this case study it has proved that holistic approach is necessary for complete cure of a disease.