Review Article
Year: 2025 |Volume: 6 | Issue: 07 |Pages: 39-42
Hypothyroidism: An Ayurvedic and Modern Correlation
About Author
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Sayali Sanjay Supanekar, PG Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, Lokanete Rajarambapu Patil Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital, Post Graduate Institute and Research Center, Islampur. Contact No. 7057254428 Email ID- sup_sayali@yahoo.com
Date of Acceptance: 2025-08-01
Date of Publication:2025-08-16
Article-ID:IJIM_402_08_25 http://ijim.co.in
Source of Support: Nill
Conflict of Interest: None declared
How To Cite This Article: Supanekar S., Patil A., Ghare A., Patil P. Hypothyroidism: An Ayurvedic and Modern Correlation. Int J Ind Med 2025;6(7):39-42 DOI: http://doi.org/10.55552/IJIM.2025.6708
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, explains hypothyroidism under the concept of Agnimandya and Dhatvagnimandya, focusing on the imbalance of Doshas, particularly Kapha and Vata. This review aims to correlate the modern understanding of hypothyroidism with Ayurvedic principles by analyzing its Nidana (etiology), Samprapti (pathophysiology), symptoms, and treatment perspectives. The study uses both classical Ayurvedic texts and modern endocrinology literature to establish a comparative framework. The discussion highlights potential integrative approaches to diagnosis and management. The prevalence rate of Hypothyroidism in India is 11%. Women's are affected approximately six times more than men’s.
Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Agnimandya, Dhatvagnimandya Samprapti, Thyroid dysfunction, Endocrine disorders.
Introduction
- The prevalence rate of Hypothyroidism in India is 11%. Women's are affected approximately six times more than men’s.
- It occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. In Ayurveda, although the thyroid gland is not explicitly described, its functional analogy lies with Agni, particularly Dhatvagni, which governs tissue metabolism.
- This paper aims to explore the correlation between the biochemical and pathological manifestations of hypothyroidism in modern medicine with the Ayurvedic concept of Agnimandya and associated Dosha imbalances.
- The prevalence rate of Hypothyroidism in India is 11%. Women's are affected approximately six times more than men’s.
- It occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. In Ayurveda, although the thyroid gland is not explicitly described, its functional analogy lies with Agni, particularly Dhatvagni, which governs tissue metabolism.
- This paper aims to explore the correlation between the biochemical and pathological manifestations of hypothyroidism in modern medicine with the Ayurvedic concept of Agnimandya and associated Dosha imbalances.
Nidana:
A) Ayurvedic Perspective
According to Ayurveda, the primary cause is Agnimandya, which leads to the formation of Ama (toxins) and imbalance of Kapha and Vata. Key Nidanas include:
Ajeerna (indigestion)
Guru Ahara (heavy food)
Atinidra (excess sleep)
Avyayama (lack of physical activity)
Manasika Nidanas (mental stress and grief)
(Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 28/7)
(Eating during indigestion brings hundreds of diseases)
B) Modern Perspective
Common etiological factors include:
Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease)
Iodine deficiency
Post-thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine therapy
Congenital hypothyroidism
Medications such as lithium and amiodarone
Samprapti
A) Ayurvedic View
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 13/25)
(In the presence of Mandagni, Doshas are not digested and result in various diseases)
|
Mandagni (low digestive fire) leads to Ama production |
|
blockage of Srotas (channels) |
|
imbalance of Kapha and Vata |
|
vitiation of Rasa and Meda dhatus |
B) Modern View
Primary hypothyroidism: Failure of the thyroid gland to produce T3/T4
Secondary hypothyroidism: Dysfunction in the pituitary or hypothalamus
Laboratory features: ↓T3, ↓T4, ↑TSH in primary; ↓TSH in secondary
Metabolic impacts:
Decreased basal metabolic rate
Reduced thermogenesis
Altered protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism
Clinical Symptoms Comparison Table
|
Ama lakshan |
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism |
|
Strotorodha |
Stunned growth |
|
Bal bhrinsha |
Delayed development milestones, Cold intolerance, Mental impairment |
|
Gaurava |
Swollen puffy, Oedematous face,weight gain |
|
Anil mudhata |
Slow HR, joint paint, inability to concentrate |
|
Aalasya |
Lethargy, sleepiness |
|
Aruchi Apakti |
Decrease appetite and BMR |
|
Malasanga |
Constipation |
Diagnosis:
Modern TSH, Free T3, Free T4 levels
Ayurveda Rogabala, Doshabala, Agnibala, Nadi, Mala, Jihva, Mutra
Management Approaches:
Modern Levothyroxine hormone replacement therapy
Ayurveda Deepana-Pachana (stimulate Agni)
Kaphahara- Kanchnar Guggula etc.
Medohara – Medopachak vati, etc.
Deepan- Trikatu, Hingwashtak etc.
Panchakarma - Virechana, Vaman
Discussion
There is a significant conceptual overlap between the two systems.
In Ayurveda Agni is main factor which directly related with thermogenesis and metabolic activities in body.
The main action of thyroid hormone is to act as a spark to start up body metabolism at cellular level.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism can be considered as a condition which results into Dosha dushti. -Kapha vata dosha vrudhiand pitta kshya results in agnimandya. dhatwagni mandya. this vitiation of Agni results in formation of ama nirmiti. Dosha pratyanik chikitsa will help to manage this condition better. Rasayan will help to managing condition as it helps in strotomukh vishodhan.
The drugs like hingwashtak choorn, trikatu choorn will work better in hypothyroidism because of its deepan, pachan & kaphagna properties. Thus, with Ayurveda we heal the root imbalance of hypothyroidism rather than treat symptoms for the remainder of patient’s life.
References
1.American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism. 2023.
2. Charaka. Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Ch. 28.
3. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana, Ch. 13.
4. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Ch. 1.
5. PRAJAKTA PATIL. (2020). ANALYSIS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN AURVEDIC VIEW.
Ayurlog: National Journal of Research in Ayurved Science, 8(02). Retrieved from https://www.ayurlog.com/index.php/ayurlog/article/view/519
6.https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213858714702086.pdf
7. Sembulingam K, Sembulingam P. Essentials of medical physiology: With free review of medical physiology. 4th ed. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical; 2006, p. 358-368.
8. Chandra S, Gurao R, Dadhich OP, Of HOD, Kriya S. Conceptual study of hypothyroidism and agnimandya [Internet]. Org.uk. Available from: http://interscience.org.uk/images/article/v5-i4/14ijahm.pdf
