Pratibha is 43 years old middle class educated women having inspiring personality, lives in tagore garden, New Delhi. She is a home maker and a teacher in school. She wakes up at about 4:30 am while her rest family members are asleep. After getting fresh she washes clothes, cleans utensils and prepares breakfast and lunch for rest of her family members. Then she takes bath, dresses herself and rush to school in a regular chartered cab. On the way she finds time to take a bite of a small prantha she keeps in hand bag wrapped in a foil. From 8:00am in the morning till 3:00pm she has both academic and administrative responsibilities to fulfill, which she accomplishes smilingly. Coming back home she takes her lunch and goes for a few minute refreshing power nap. In the evening after having a cup of tea she gives tuition to few nearby children at home. Post this she has responsibility to prepare and serve dinner. Along with such a tiresome daily schedule, Pratibha finds time to socialize with loved ones.
Meeting all such routine challenges, Pratibha started feeling tired, she used to feel sleepy during day time in school to the extent she used to snore in class. She was getting lethargic and gaining weight. Followed by this she started suffering pains and felt irregularities in her periodic cycles. Her skin became dry and hair turned lifeless. Once a Pratibha, who used to be full of life now started remaining sad and gloomy.
Her very close friend and colleague Samidha, who was also a constant observer of this abrupt change in her physical appearance and attitude persuaded her to approach a doctor. Following Samidha’s persuasion, Pratibha approached a famous doctor who after going through above symptoms and few lab tests diagonosed that Pratibha is suffering from hypothyroidism or thyroid in layman’s language.
Now came the time to start the treatment. So doctor advised her to take levothyroxine in a dose which was suitable for Pratibha, for next fifteen days and report back after fifteen days. Pratibha started following doctor’s advice and felt somewhat better. As ten days went by with Levothyroxine, Pratibha felt some palpitation in heart and flushes on skin. Her pulse also increased drastically. She took it seriously and went to approach doctor on tenth day itself. Observing Pratibha’s latest condition doctor, prescribed her another drug called, tri-iodothyronine and again advised her to visit after fifteen days. Being an obedient patient again she followed her doctor’s instructions religiously. For the first seven days everything went well, Pratibha felt drastic improvement in herself, but on eighth day, again she felt severe head-ache in the wee hours. She was sweating badly. It was so irritable that she was not able to sleep properly. Now Pratibha was aroused by extreme nervousness. Somehow she managed to wait for sunrise and thereafter immediately rushed to see her doctor. Observing her latest scenario doctor asked her to continue taking reduced dose of tri-iodothyronine and futher added some more drugs to curb side effects of tri-iodothyronine. Now Pratibha was not convinced with the treatment going on. She felt as if her disease is not being treated but being suppressed by virtue of one drug or the other. She felt as if she was a guinea pig being experimented in hit and trial manner. She wanted to get rid of disease right from root level. She needed an alternative to deadly chemicals being consumed by her. But right now she had no option other than following her doctor’s latest instructions.
Next morning while on way to school in her chartered cab, she overheard conversation of two co-travellers. One of them was telling that she was suffering from some serious gynaecological disorder and after getting fed up of ingesting huge amounts of chemical based medicines sought nature based ayurvedic treatment from a female qualified ayurvedic doctor in fateh nagar. Pratibha who was just listening their conversation uninterestingly immediately got interested. She enquired about doctor, took her contact number and decided to seek appointment. During recess time in school she called the doctor and fixed appointment with her. She was fortunate to fix up at same doctor’s janakpuri clinic, in the evening at 5:00pm. Pratibha cancelled her evening tuition and got ready to see ayurvedic doctor, with her reports and previous doctor’s prescriptions. She was at doctor’s clinic at sharp 4:55pm. She did formalities with reception, and was in front of doctor in next five minutes. The doctor was humble, smiling and calm. Her trustworthy, relaxed attitude induced so much confidence in Pratibha, to the extent that she told whole of her medical history in a very friendly manner.
Going through all previous reports of Pratibha, she designed classical ayurvedic medication comprising natural herbo-mineral ingredients like KANCHNAR, GUGGULU, HARITAKI, VIBHITAK, AAMLA, VARUN, BRAHMI, GOKHRU, SHIGRU PATRA, SHILAJIT, TAMRA BHASAM, SHUSHKA KASEESAK, GANDHAK, KHATIKA in appropriate dose suitable for Pratibha. The ayurvedic doctor also guided Pratibha some life-style changes along with some mild yoga asanas. Finally, she asked Pratibha, though to come back after one month, in case of any emergency can come any time.
While going back home Pratibha was full of positivity. Somewhere in her mind she had a spark that this doctor will definitely bring back her lost identity.
Now Pratibha started with ayurvedic treatment protocol along with life style changes and yoga asanas. Within six days she felt her lost appetite is reviving. Her vital discharges also started becoming normal. As she carried on further she was not feeling fatigue. Her skin started glowing. With regular yoga her weight was reducing. Her hair started becoming lustruous. She was not having any pains anymore. Her periodical cycles started normalizing. She called her ayurvedic doctor on phone and intimated her about the progresses made so far. To this ayurvedic doctor advised to get thyroid tests done again. Pratibha religiously followed ayurvedic doctor’s advice and called a reliable laboratory to collect blood sample for thyroid test. When the thyroid test report arrived Pratibha was overjoyed to see that her TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level was within normal range of 0.40 – 4.50 mIU/mL. Pratibha again went to see her ayurvedic doctor, this time at her fateh nagar clinic being more close to tagore garden, who after going through latest test report inferred that Pratibha’s thyroid gland was functioning normally and was maintaining thyroid hormone(T3 & T4) levels in optimum range. Still the ayurvedic physician advised Pratibha to carry on same medication protocol for 10 more days to avoid withdrawal symptoms. She also advised Pratibha to follow lifestyle changes and practice yoga throughout life so that any kind of lifestyle disorder shouldn’t ever bother her (Pratibha).
Pratibha thanked the lady doctor from deep core of her heart and presented a beautiful tiffin containing home made dish chaamp cooked by Pratibha herself, as gesture of love and regards.
Now while returning back home Pratibha had full faith on nature’s own treatment & wellness therapy,The Ayurveda.
Disclaimer: Information given over here is just for reference & not a substitute to the treatment offered by your doctor. For your own health wellness & disease management kindly consult your doctor.
The story of a school teacher using her willpower to adopt Ayurveda and successfully manage her thyroid condition without unwanted side effects is a powerful example of how natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and a disciplined approach can have a profound impact on chronic health issues. Let’s explore how this transformation might unfold in a way that resonates with Ayurveda’s holistic approach.
1. Understanding Thyroid Imbalance from an Ayurvedic Perspective
Contents
In Ayurveda, the thyroid is considered an organ related to the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, especially Pitta, which governs metabolism and the body’s internal heat. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity) can be seen as an imbalance in Pitta dosha, often due to poor digestion (Agni), stress, inflammation, and toxins (ama) that accumulate in the body.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid activity) can be linked to excessive Pitta and Vata imbalances, leading to overstimulation of the metabolism and body systems.
2. How Ayurveda Helps Manage Thyroid Conditions
Ayurveda doesn’t just focus on the thyroid gland itself but looks at the root cause of the imbalance, addressing the body’s overall harmony, digestion, and emotional state. This approach may include:
-
Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda uses herbs to support thyroid function, regulate metabolism, and balance hormones. Common herbs for thyroid health include Ashwagandha, Guggul, and Shilajit, which work synergistically to enhance energy levels, reduce stress, and improve metabolism.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Ayurveda emphasizes eating foods that strengthen the digestive fire (Agni), ensuring proper absorption of nutrients that support thyroid health. A focus on whole, unprocessed foods, rich in iodine (found in sea vegetables, like kelp), selenium (found in Brazil nuts), and zinc (found in pumpkin seeds) is crucial.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Managing stress, establishing regular routines, and balancing work-life stressors are all important factors in Ayurveda. Practicing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises like Pranayama are integral to the treatment plan for maintaining a balanced thyroid function.
3. The Teacher’s Journey: Adopting Ayurveda to Control Thyroid Without Side Effects
Here’s how a determined school teacher might have utilized Ayurveda to regain control of her thyroid health and avoid the unwanted side effects of conventional treatments:
Step 1: Realizing the Importance of Willpower and Commitment
A key factor in this teacher’s success was her willpower and discipline. Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle changes require patience and commitment over time. She would have made a conscious decision to:
-
Embrace a natural path, moving away from medications that may have unwanted side effects.
-
Trust Ayurveda’s holistic approach, where the focus is not just on the thyroid but on balancing overall health, including digestion, immunity, emotional health, and energy.
Step 2: Consultation with an Ayurvedic Practitioner
The teacher would have first consulted with an Ayurvedic practitioner who assessed her body type (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), and the root cause of her thyroid condition. The practitioner might have conducted a detailed analysis using Ayurvedic tools like:
-
Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha)
-
Tongue and urine examination
-
Observation of lifestyle and dietary habits
Based on this, the practitioner would design a customized approach for the teacher.
Step 3: Herbal and Ayurvedic Remedies
-
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb is often used in Ayurveda to support the thyroid, particularly for hypothyroidism. Ashwagandha balances the Vata dosha, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system.
-
How to use: She would likely take Ashwagandha powder (1 tsp) mixed with warm water or milk, preferably in the morning.
-
-
Guggul: Known for its ability to enhance thyroid function, Guggul is commonly prescribed for both hypo and hyperthyroidism. It helps in regulating metabolism, reducing fat accumulation, and supporting the thyroid gland.
-
How to use: Guggul tablets or Guggul capsules would be recommended as part of her daily regimen.
-
-
Shilajit: A potent mineral-rich substance, Shilajit is considered an important rejuvenative in Ayurveda. It has been used to balance hormone levels, improve energy, and support overall health.
-
How to use: She may have taken Shilajit resin (a small pea-sized amount) mixed with warm water, once or twice a day.
-
Step 4: Dietary Modifications
The teacher would have embraced a diet based on her specific dosha imbalances. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating foods that support digestive health (Agni), and this would have been critical in managing her thyroid health. Her diet might have included:
-
Fresh, warm, easily digestible foods like soups, khichdi, and cooked vegetables.
-
Foods rich in iodine, like seaweed, and selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.
-
Limiting goitrogenic foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) in excess, which may interfere with thyroid function when consumed raw in large quantities.
Step 5: Lifestyle and Stress Management
Ayurveda strongly emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle for thyroid health. The teacher’s efforts might have included:
-
Yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercises): Regular practice of yoga to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Specific postures such as Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and Matsyasana (Fish Pose) stimulate the thyroid gland.
-
Pranayama practices like Ujjayi (Victorious Breath) or Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) help calm the nervous system and reduce the effects of stress, which is a major contributor to thyroid imbalance.
-
-
Regular Sleep Schedule: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of good sleep. The teacher would have adopted a regular sleep routine, going to bed early (before 10 PM) to promote better rejuvenation and detoxification during sleep.
-
Emotional Health: Ayurveda believes that emotional well-being plays a key role in physical health. The teacher might have taken steps to address any emotional imbalances through practices such as journaling, meditation, or seeking spiritual practices for mental peace and emotional stability.
Step 6: Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Over time, the teacher would have closely monitored her symptoms and worked with her Ayurvedic practitioner to make necessary adjustments to her herbs, diet, and lifestyle. The idea would be to gradually restore balance in the body without overwhelming the system.
4. Benefits of Ayurveda for Thyroid Control: No Unwanted Side Effects
Ayurvedic treatments are often gentler on the body than conventional pharmaceutical interventions, making them a safer long-term choice for managing thyroid conditions. Key benefits of this approach include:
-
Gradual, sustainable improvement: Ayurveda works over time to restore balance, rather than just addressing symptoms temporarily.
-
No dependency: Many Ayurvedic remedies don’t lead to dependency or unwanted side effects that can be associated with conventional thyroid medications, such as weight gain/loss, mood swings, or heart palpitations.
-
Holistic healing: Ayurveda’s focus on balancing the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) ensures that thyroid health is managed in a way that promotes overall well-being.
-
Prevention of recurrence: By strengthening the digestive fire (Agni) and detoxifying the body, Ayurveda addresses the root causes of thyroid imbalances, helping prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
The story of a school teacher managing her thyroid with the help of Ayurveda is a powerful example of how willpower, discipline, and a holistic approach can lead to significant health improvements without the unwanted side effects of conventional medications. Through the use of targeted herbs, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and stress management, she would have successfully balanced her thyroid, boosted her immunity, and embraced a healthier, more sustainable life.