Ayurveda believes that almost all the conditions in a human body are either due to an imbalance of the doshas, stress, improper lifestyle, not eating according to your body type(dosha). All these reasons are enough to accumulate toxins in the body and these toxins(Ama) are the root cause of the diseases.
The average hyperthyroidism patient undergoing conventional medicine would require constant medication possibly for a lifetime. But Ayurvedic medicines, in contrast, have had positive results in treating the same.
Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition, which is due to aggravated VATA & PITTA. This usually results in the excess production of thyroid hormones (Increases TSH receptor -Stimulating antibodies or TSH imitating antibodies), which in turn cause enhanced metabolism and excess energy wastage. Thyrotoxicosis, exopthalamic goitre or Graves disease(our antibodies imitate TSH and causes thyroid to overproduce hormone), thyroiditis and cancer of thyroid gland and adenoma all comes under this category. Graves diseases in commonest type of HYPERTHYROIDISM.
Increase in IgG (Thyroid stimulating antibodies) antibodies which stimulate the excess production of T3 and T4. Ayurveda believes mainly excess KAPHA and MEDHO dhatu dushti are responsible factors in Hypothyroidism and VATA and PITTA imbalance in Hyperthyroidism. Avoiding foods and drinks having excess Iodine content will be contraindicated in the treatment.
CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism can be compared to Ati Karshya mentioned in Ayurveda. These are the several causes for the development of thyroid dysfunctions :
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism is an excess secretion of thyroid hormones in the body. It includes many conditions such as GRAVE'S diseases, Goitre and Thyroiditis. In Ayurveda, hyperthyroidism is a condition due to increased PITTA in the body. Due to this increased pitta the digestive fire also increases, further imbalancing the metabolism of the body .
- Excessive sweating and intolerance to heat
- Fatigue, lethargy and general tiredness
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Appetite changes, steep increase or decrease in hunger
- Increased bowel movements
- Hair loss, Brittle hair
- Thinning of skin with rise in acne
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain(highly unlikely)
- Increased heart rate and palpitations
- Feelings of anxiety and nervousness
- Disturbed sleep patterns and fatigue
- Shortness of breath even during mild exercises
- Scant or Irregular menstrual cycle
- Difficulty in conceiving
- Double vision, swollen eyes
- Enlarged thyroid gland
TREATMENT METHODS
Ayurveda emphasizes on the prevention in early stage is so vital to avoid the further complications in the disease prognosis. Seasonal Panchakarma and healthy diet and lifestyle are indicated to prevent the doshic imbalances. Some herbs like kanchanara, aswagandha, garcinia, ginger, tulasi, and shankapushpi are to be used to balance the thyroid function.
Ayurveda focuses on body as a whole. It works on the principle that all disease are caused due to imbalance of Doshas. So, the only way to cure the disease is to rebalance the body.
Thyroid imbalance is related to AGNI/METABOLIC FIRE, with hyperthyroidism there is too much fire in system, it causes metabolism to run too fast, The metabolic impairment leads to imbalanced vata and pitta dosha and causes all the symptoms of Hperthyroidism.
Keeping all these factors in mind CHANDIGARH AYURVEDA CENTRE HAS PREPARED "HYPERTHYROIDISM CARE KIT"
It contains formulations like :
OTHER HERBS AND FORMULATIONS FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM
- BRAHMI - Supports healthy blood cells, calms down vata and hence creates emotional balance, helps in insomnia
- JATAMANSI - Is anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti stress
- GUGGULU - Natural antioxidant, supports immunity, regulates menstrual cycle .
- ASHWAGANDHA - Has calming effect on brain, also works on high blood pressure, reduces risk of heart diseases.
- AMLA, TULSI - Juice of these herbs has good effect on reducing T3, T4 levels
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM
- As Hyperthyroidism significantly effects immune system, so, food rich in antioxidants like Berries - Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries should be consumed.
- Eat a lot of greens, like Broccoli, cauliflower, mustard green, peaches, pear, rutabagas, soybean, spinach, turnip.
- Eat protein rich food like Beans, Nuts, Tofu to prevent muscle loss
- Increase the consumption of natural anti inflammatory foods like : Ginger, turmeric, coconut, amla
- Avoid foods high in Iodine, avoid fish sea, sea water, sea vegetables, sea food, red meat, wheat, oat, rhy, barley, refined flour, pasta, sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol
YOGA RECOMMENDATIONS
Meditation, Pranayamas, Yogasanas play an important role in Hyperthyroidism management.
MEDITATION
Yoga therapy for 5 th chakra or Vishudh chakra helps in proper functioning of thyroid glad.
Chanting ' OM' while meditating improves thyroid functions.
PRANAYAMA
ASANAS
These are few asanas beneficial in hyperthyroidism
- Suryanamaskaram (Sun salutations) in slow pace.
- Halasana (Plough pose)
- Sarvangasana (shoulder stand pose)
- Matsyasana(Fish pose)
- Simhasana (Lion pose)
