Background: India’s first nationwide thyroid health study, “The Thyroid Environment is the most Epidemiological study” revealed that 10% of the population suffers from Hypothyroidism. Drug-based treatments do not cure the condition, but palliate it, supplementing missing thyroid hormones. In contrast, Äyurveda treats the disease as an imbalance, prescribing diet and lifestyle modification, Ähära-Vihära, for its management. Here we report a case-series study of 13 hypothyroidism patients treated by Ähära-Vihära along with fresh herbal juices (Rasähära), and Yoga. Aim: To identify general life-style causes of hypothyroidism, and evaluate effects of Ähära-Vihära treatments. Methods: Entry data of 137 hypothyroidism patients attending four Rasähära clinics in the city of Bhopal was analyzed for life-style problems; health changes before, during and after life-style modification are reported for 13 representative cases. Results: 111 had other Kaphaja and Pittaja diseases along with hypothyroidism. 100 habitually delayed eating lunch after heavy breakfasts. 61 (of 86 with data) were late risers, all causes of kapha roga. 12 out of 13 patients reduced thyroid supplements by varying amounts. Discussion: Failure to resolve Kapha and Pitta imbalances caused by factors like delayed meal and sleeping times, and late rising and afternoon sleep, combined with suppression of Kapha and Pitta imbalance conditions may lead to Hypothyroidism.
