Doctor’s Corner:
Thyroid Disorders (Galaganda)
Details
THYROID (GALAGANDA) and Treatment in Ayurveda
Thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck. It only weighs about one ounce,yet it is one of the most important endocrine glands of the body. Its major function is to produce hormones which are responsible for metabolism in the body.
In Ayurveda it is related to “agni” or” metabolic fire”, which is responsible for all activity in the body,down to the cellular level. It is how quickly/slowly the life energy flows throughout the body. The thyroid gland is extremely sensitive,and easily responds to stress and stimuli. When Agni is low a person experiences “Hypo-thyrodism”. The slow metabolism results in kapha aggravation and leads to weight gain, tiredness,lethargy,cold intolerance,oedema,depression,poor memory and lack of concentration. The slow metabolism also leads to vata symptoms like dry skin, brittle hair, muscle stiffness and hoarse voice.
If the Thyroid gland is overactive as in” Hyper-thyroidisim”, the agni is high and also the metabolism is very fast. There will be aggravation of pitta/vata leading to symptoms such as irritation,anger,over-anxiety,rapid heart rate,low weight,deep shallow respiration,diarrhoea, heat intolerance,menstrual disturbance,fatigue and bulging eyes.
MANAGEMENT THROUGH AYURVEDA:
HERBS:
Kanchanara guggulu : helps managing thyroid problems including tumors and goiters.
Triphala,shilajit,punarnava, gokshura and brahmi: help manage oedema,swelling,constipation and depression
Kaishora guggulu:hypo – thyroidism
THERAPY:
Symptomatic relief ( stress,anger,depression etc)can be achieved by doing regular abhyangam and shirodhara
Yogasan-Asan like Halasan, Suptavajrasan,Naukasan,Matsyasan & Suryanamskar are useful
Diet:
Avoid Sour & heavy food, Junk/fast food, Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco
Milk , Old rice, moong dal,Barley, Drumstick,Bengal gram, cucumber should form an important part of the diet
If having Deficiency of Iodine include Salt,Turnip,carrots, garlic,onion,tomatoes,lettuce& fruits like pineapple, bananas,guavas,strawberries are recommended
Treatment Case Study
THERAPY:
Symptomatic relief ( stress,anger,depression etc)can be achieved by doing regular abhyangam and shirodhara
Yogasan-Asan like Halasan, Suptavajrasan,Naukasan,Matsyasan & Suryanamskar are useful
Diet:
Avoid Sour & heavy food, Junk/fast food, Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco
Milk , Old rice, moong dal,Barley, Drumstick,Bengal gram, cucumber should form an important part of the diet
If having Deficiency of Iodine include Salt,Turnip,carrots, garlic,onion,tomatoes,lettuce& fruits like pineapple, bananas,guavas,strawberries are recommended