Ayurvedic Management of Overweight child with Panchagavya Therapy – A Case Report

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a widely spreading public health condition specifically after the COVID pandemic. It is also a risk factor for the onset of various non-communicable diseases. Obesity in childhood period does not only affects the growth and development in children but also has a life-long impact if neglected. This article encompasses management of an overweight child having complaints like Exertional dyspnea, Perspiration, increased appetite & thirst. The treatment protocol was based on Panchagavya. Both the methods of management of sthaulya were practiced viz. Shodhana (Purification therapy) in the form of Gomutradi Asthapana Basti & Shamana (Pacifying therapy) in the form of oral medication. Panchagavya is the group of five sacred elements obtained from the Indian cow, from which Gomutra has been said to be useful in treating Sthaulya in adults. Strict emphasis on Nidanparivarjana (Avoidance of causative factors) was also considered. Marked improvement in the BMI from 25.4 (Before treatment) to 22.9 (After treatment) and the clinical symptoms from grade 2 to grade 0 was observed. Modification in the oral administration of Gomutra in the form of Gomutra arka was found to be palatable considering the age of the child. Gomutra via both Asthapana Basti and Oral route helped in the breakdown of the Pathology of Sthaulya. Diet restriction also helped in the process.