STUDY OF NIDAN PANCHAK OF HYPOTHYROIDISMFROM AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE: A REVIEW ARTICLE

About Author

Correspondence Address

Shri jalaram vatika, flat no -503, krishna vihar layout,manish nagar ,Nagpur.
Contact No. : 7769945579, Email : harshi9509@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 31 Mar 2026

Date of Publication : 31 Mar 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_168

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4108

Abstract

Thyroid problems are the most common endocrine disorders presently seen worldwide and Hypothyroidism is one of the most common functional disorders of thyroid gland. In India, the highest frequency of hypothyroidism is approximately 13.1% in individuals aged 46–54 and 7.5% in those aged 18–35. The overall prevalence is 11%^. A comprehensive review of Ayurvedic texts, journals, and other research articles was conducted to establish the Ayurvedic diagnosis (Nidan Panchak) . The American Thyroid Association (ATA) states that women are five to eight times more likely than men to experience thyroid problems. Thyroid disorders affect one in eight women at some point in their lives. Thyroid hormone imbalance is the primary cause of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormones' principal role is to regulate the body's metabolism; any disruption of these hormones can lead to reduced metabolic processes, which can result in two major conditions: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. This study aims to provide insights into the understanding and management of hypothyroidism in Ayurveda, offering potential strategies for effective treatment.

Aim & Objective-To study the nidan panchak of hypothyroidism from ayurvedic perspective.

Material & Methods-Material for study of hypothyroidism are taken from journal, Articles and Ayurvedic Samhitas.

Conclusion- Thyroid hormone function is linked to the Ayurvedic concepts of dosha, Agni (jatharagni, dhawatagni, Bhutagni), and fundamental principles. Doshic vitiation and deficiency in Agni account for the clinical symptoms. By focusing on the restoration of metabolic equilibrium through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted medicines, this integrative approach offers a deeper understanding of thyroid diseases and solid knowledge of the condition.

KEYWORDS:Agni, Nidan panchak , Doshic vitation, Hypothyroidism, Jatharagni.

Introduction

Ayurveda is a medical science that promotes a person's overall health and well-being. It focuses more on the prevention of diseases than just their cure. A variety of clinical symptoms, including psychological ones, are present in hypothyroidism, a multisystemic illness. There is no specific name for this illness in the classics of Ayurveda. ^[1]

The endocrine system's impaired functions are mostly included in the Ashtonindita Purusha chapter. In addition to these, hypothyroidism is a metabolic condition.^[2-3]

One of the most crucial components of the endocrine system is thought to be the thyroid gland. It either directly or indirectly controls nearly every bodily function, including the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, neurological, and reproductive systems.^[4] Insufficient thyroid hormone production for a variety of reasons is known as hypothyroidism. The most important cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune disease. A person with hypothyroidism who has needed hormone replacement therapy all of his life. Morbidity and death are increased by untreated hypothyroidism^[5]. Therefore, understanding hypothyroidism in terms of Ayurvedic principles and establishing care through the Ayurvedic system of medicine is crucial. Examining the clinical presentation from all of the classical texts reveals that abnormalities of Jatharagni (the substance responsible for the metabolic transformation) and Dhatwagni, as well as abnormalities of Dosha (the body's regulatory factors), particularly Kapha Vata and multiple Srotas (systems), are present in hypothyroidism. Even though there is no mention of these in Ayurvedic classics^[6] "Anukta vyadhi" is a concept that Acharya Charaka has described. The notion of "AnuktaVyadhi" is formed because, according to Acharya Charakahas, not all ailments can be named. Anukta Vyadhis in Ayurveda addresses these thyroid conditions^[7].However, it is crucial to comprehend the Nidana (etiology), Rupa (symptomatology), and the condition based on Ayurvedic principles in order to deliver the proper treatment.^[8]

OBJECTIVES-

To study in detail about nidan panchak of hypothyroid from Ayurveda perspective :A  review

NIDAN PANCHAK OF HYPOTHYROID

NIDANA-

Adhyatmika vyadhi hetus consist of:
1. Adibala pravritta hetu: This nidana is discovered in individuals with congenital hypothyroidism.
2. Janmabala pravritta hetu: In this case, cretinism in young children can be linked to jada (mandabuddhi).
3. Doshabala pravritta hetu: The fundamental cause of hypothyroidism is Ama dosha. Second, vyadhi hetu and dosha hetu can be used to discuss nidana.
a. Vyadhi hetu: When the thyroid gland (avatu) malfunctions, it is referred to as vishesh hetu.

b. Dosha hetu: This comprises the elements that lead to pitta kshaya, kapha vriddhi, jatharagnimandya, and the development of Ama dosha. It can be divided into three categories: a) aharaja hetu (dietary causes), b) viharaja hetu (lifestyle-related causes), and c) manasika hetu (psychological variables).^[9]

 Kaphavrita udana: Since ura is the sthana for udana vayu and kapha dosha is predominant in Urdhvajatrugata Pradesh, vitiated kapha obstructs the gati of udana and causes kaphavritta udana, which manifests as symptoms similar to those of hypothyroidism, such as difficulty speaking and speaking (vaksvara graha), heaviness of body (guru gatrata), debility (daurbalya), discoloration (vaivarnya), and anorexia.^[10]

Viprakrishta Hetu: Viprakrishta Nidanas are the distant cause of the disease which does not produce the disease immediately. The accumulative effects of all these Nidanas leads to disease manifestation. In today’s society, majority of people consume unhealthy food and lead unhealthy lifestyle. deviations from adhering to a healthy diet.

Viprakrishta Nidanas include lifestyle, Prajnaparadha, Asatmyendriyartha Samyoga, Kala Parinama, and imbalance of Trayopasthambha. Additionally, persistent exposure to a specific Ahara, Vihara that results in a Sroto Vaigunya at the Medo Dhatu level may also be regarded as Viprakrishta Hetu.^[11]

PURVARUPA-

The Avaykta Lakshanas are known as Poorvarupas. None of the medical texts mention the prodromal signs of hypothyroidism. Here,Avyakta In the Koshta, Ama Lakshanas might be interpreted as the Poorvarupa. In its lesser version, it comprises weakness, exhaustion, reduced digestive power, and heaviness of the body.

RUPA-Table 1.showing correlation between hypothyroidism and dosha ^[12]

Table 2.Showing Involvement of Srotas in manifestation of hypothyroidism-

 Table3.Showing the possible comparison of Ama Lakshana with symptoms of hypothyroidism

SAMPRAPTI OF HYPOTHYROIDISM FROM AYURVED PERSPECTIVE^[13]

                                                       Nidana Sevana

                                                                  ↓

                                                      Kapha Pradhana Dosha Prakopa

                                                                   ↓

                                                   Dhatwagnimandya (Medo Dhatu)

                                                                   ↓

                                               Production of Sama Rasa Dhatu

                                                                   ↓

                             Sama Rasa qualitatively and quantitatively lacks Poshakas

                                                         and  Poshyas 

                                                                    ↓

                            Improper formation of Uttarothara Dhatus from Rasa to Shukra

                                                                     ↓

                                 Manifestation of Dhatu Dushti Lakshanas

                                                                    ↓

                                         Signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism

SAMPRAPTI GHATAK OF HYPOTHYROIDISM-

 Table Shows Svabhava and Sadhya-Asadhyata of hypothyroidism

UPASHAYA-

1. Rakta Sali Cereals are rich in selenium

2.Rohita Matsya Fish –rich in selenium and iodine

3.SaindhavasaltIodine rich salt is advised

4.Cow’s milk and GheeCow milk is rich in iodine and selenium

5.Rain Water-Iodine rich water.

6.Fat   of   pig, hen, chuluki fish

7. daily physical activities like exercise and Yogas asanas should be done.

ANUPSHAYA-

1.Alcohol, gluten found in wheat and rice, soy beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other members of the cruciferaceae family, as well as excessively fatty and sugary foods, can all lead to thyroid issues.

2. Viharaja Apathyaslike Diwaswapna, Ratri jagarana, Vegadharana

3. Yavaka, Masa,  river water  in  rainy  season, Usara,  mustard,  beef,  meat  of young   dove,   frog, Cilicimafish,   ghee   and   milk   of sheep, Kusumba   taila,   fat   of   buffalo.

4. Viharaja Apathyas like Diwaswapna, Ratri jagarana, Vegadharana should be avoided^[15]

Discussion

In Ayurveda there is no direct mention about hypothyroidism but a disease by the name Galganda is mentioned in many Samhitas. After studying various causes and symptoms of Galaganda we observed that it is grossly inadequate to restrict hypothyroidism to galaganda only; as galaganda is a localised disease while hypothyroidism is a systemic one. The major function of thyroid gland is to control the rate of metabolism which is similar to the function of Agni. Hence the dysfunction of Agni is the basic cause for the manifestation of this disease^. So this article endeavours to put forward the Nidan Panchanka of hypothyroidism. This should definitely shed light on the diagnosis, prognosis and help to formulate guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism according to principles of Ayurveda. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism depend upon the severity of the disease. Now from the above literature it is clear that metabolic activities of the body is controlled by the thyroid gland which is similar to the functions of jatharagni, bhutagni and dhatwagni. Hence the cause of the disease is alteration in the metabolic activity which according to Ayurveda is nothing but vitiation of dhatwagni. The common Srotas involved in the disease hypothyroidism are Udakavaha, Annavaha, Medovaha, Swedavaha, Purishavaha and Rasavaha Srotas. The common feature of hypothyroidism includes reduced appetite. This concludes that Agnimandya affects primarily on the Annavaha Srotas producing symptoms like Arochaka, Avipaka, Anannabhilasha, Asyavairasya. It further leads to the production of Ama and it undergoes Apakvata, vitiates the Rasavaha Srotas thereby producing Lakshanas in addition to the above said Lakshanas such as Gourava, Tandra, Saada. Weight gain, numbness of limbs, loss of strength of hair, dryness of mouth, lips, throat, tiredness, etc symptoms of hypothyroidism can be understood as vitiation of Medovaha Srotas. Lipid metabolism can be compared to functions of Medovaha Srotas. Constipation and reduced sweating can be understood as the vitiation of Purishavaha and Swedavaha Srotas. Apana Vata Dushti results in symptoms like Anaha, Adhmana, Gaadavarchas, etc. Decreased thyroid hormones decreases motility of GI tract which results in delayed digestion and evacuation and causes constipation.

On the basis of discussion the following treatment should be advised- Nidan parivarjana, Shamana: Vata Kapha Dosha Shamana,Agni Deepan, langhana at the beginning and repeatedly, Dhatugatha Malapachana, Shodhana:  Strotoshodhana, Rasayana, Yogasana.

Conclusion

Thyroid extract must be taken by hypothyroidism patients for the rest of their lives. Long-term care is necessary since the vitiation of Agni in this condition occurs at both the jatharagni and dhatwagni levels. Even though the disease's udbhavasthana is in Galapradesh, it cannot be limited to that state alone. The study's findings indicate that kapha prakopaka ahara and vihara were the main etiological factors responsible for the disease's emergence. Increase in the Guru, Snigdha, Abhishyandi Guna of Ahara causes vitiation of Agni. Intake of Dadhi, Dugdha, Snigdhahara, Guru Ahara, Abhishyandi Ahara, Masha, Godhuma, Mamsa, Madhura Rasa, etc. causes Kapha Dushti. Vishamashana, Alpahara causes Vata Dushti. Viharaja Nidana predominantly includes Divaswapna, Alasya, Avyayama and sedentary lifestyle, which causes Dushti of Kapha and Meda. Vata Prakopa occurs due to Vegadharana of Mutra and Pureesha, Ucchabhashana, Ati Adhyayana and Bharaharana. Manasika Nidanas include Chinta, Shoka, Bhaya, etc. Due to Nidana Sevana, Kapha Pradhana Dosha Prakopa happens, leading to Dhatwagnimandya (Medo Dhatu). Agnimandya of both Jataragni and Dhatwagni occurs and lead to hypothyroidism. Here, Agni is reduced at the level of Dhatus and Sanga srotasa, which impairs Dhatu function and causes the physical and mental symptoms of hypothyroidism. In terms of dosha, hypothyroidism is dominated by Vata and Kapha. This leads to Dosha and Dushya samurchana and causes varying degrees of symptoms. Here, we conclude that Agni is a key player in the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism. Integrative management with herbal formulations, detoxification, and lifestyle changes offers a safe and holistic approach to hypothyroidism.

References

1.Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya, Charaka Samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Sutra Sthana; Chapter 21, Verse 3. Varanasi: Chaukambha Krishnadas Academy, 2015; p.116.

2. Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya, Charaka Samhita by Agnivesa with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of Cakrapanidatta, Sutra Sthana; Chapter 21, Verse 3. Varanasi: Chaukambha Krishnadas Academy, 2015; p.116.

3. Ashwini PK1, Geetha B Markande2, Prashanth Jain3, An observational study to explore the Samprapti Ghatakas in Hypothyroidism, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 6

4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC 3743364

5. Luboshitzky R, Herer P. Cardiovascular risk factors in middle aged women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Neuro Endocrinal Lett.2004;25:262-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15361814

6. 1 Supriya A. Gore , Mohan R. Joshi, Hypothyroidism” An Ayurvedic Perspective: A Critical Review, YMT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEM OF MEDICINE 45 | Volume - 1 Issue-2 | July-December 2022

7. Vd. Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita, text with Ayurveda deepikateeka of Chakrapanidatta, sutrasthana chapter 18/44 Reprint addition, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Prakashana; 2011, pg no 108

8. 1 Supriya A. Gore , Mohan R. Joshi, Hypothyroidism” An Ayurvedic Perspective: A Critical Review, YMT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDIC SYSTEM OF MEDICINE 45 | Volume - 1 Issue-2 | July-December 2022

9. Vaidya Yadavji trikamji acharya. Sushruta samhita with nibandhsan graha. 5th edition. Vyadisamuddeshya adhyaya. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Ori entalia; 1996. P.113-114.

10. Vaidya Yadavji trikamji acharya. Charak samhita with Ayurveddipika. 4th edition. Vatvyadhichikitsa adhyaya. Varanasi: Chaukhambha surbharati prakashan; 1994. p. 721

11. Ashwini PK1, Geetha B Markande2, Prashanth Jain3, An observational study to explore the Samprapti Ghatakas in Hypothyroidism, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 6,page no-72

12. Kasper DL, Longo DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Joseph, Harrison’s principle of international medicine, 20th edition, Vol-II, Mc-Graw Hill, Medical Publishing Division, 2018

13. Ashwini PK1, Geetha B Markande2, Prashanth Jain3, An observational study to explore the Samprapti Ghatakas in Hypothyroidism, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July 2022 | Vol. 7 | Issue 6,page no-72

14. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta elaborated with the Nibandhasangraha Commentary of Sri Dalhan Acharya, Nidanasthan, Chapter-11, verse-28 page 314 Edited by: Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya Published by Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi Edition Reprint 2022.

15.  Dr. Soumya Sunder Pattanayak*1, Dr. Prabhu C. Nagalapur2, PATHYA - APATHYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GALAGANDA (HYPOTHYROIDISM) www.wjpr.net │ Vol 11, Issue 11, 2022. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal, page no-1174.