Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF STHAULYA W.S.R OBESITY

Lekha Soni*, Pramod Kumar Mishra and Indu Sharma

Abstract

Obesity is a significant burden on global healthcare. Among noncommunicable diseases, obesity (Sthaulya) vividly prevails in both developed and developing country due to the change in the life style (Aahara, Vihara and Manasika) and working conditions. It is major global issue and emerging health problem in developing countries such as India. In Ayurveda, Sthaulya (Obesity) belong to Santarpanajanya Vyadhi and described by many Acharyas. In Ayurvedic text many drugs, medicinal preparations Pathya – Apathya, Yogasana and Dinacharya are described which have significant result in prevention and cure of this global issue. An effort has been made to understand Obesity through Modern and Ayurvedic perspective and to find out the likely solutions for obesity through Ayurveda. This article reflects light on etiopathology of Sthaulya, its sign & symptoms, preventive methods like Nidan Parivarjan, Dinacharya, therapeutic management along with medicine, diet, Pathya Apathya, nonpharmacological methods like exercise and Yogic kriyas. Incidence of Obesity is increasing among the adult population due to changes in lifestyle and behavioural patterns of the people. Sthaulya is included under Ashtau Nindita (Eight undesirable conditions), the Shleshma Nanatmaja, Santarpana Nimittaja, Ati-Bruhmana Nimittaja and Bahu Dosha Janita Vikara. Sushruta mentioned Dhatvaagnimandya (Metabolic disturbances) as a reason of Sthaulya.[1] Obesity is a concerning epidemic worldwide. According to WHO in 2014, 266 million men and 375 million women were estimated to be obese worldwide. 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in 2016, and 13% were obese. Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese.[2] Sthaulya is among one of the 8 unwanted diseases mentioned by Acharya Charaka. To correct vitiated Doshas and Agni through Ayurvedic treatment, Nidana Parivarjana, Pathya Aahar–Vihara and Aptarpana Chikitsa should be done.

Keywords: Sthaulya, Aptarpana, Meda, Agni, Langhan, Rukshana.