An integrated therapy approach for the management of obesity-associated disorders: A case report.

Abstract

Obesity (<i>sthoulya</i>), in general, is a significant health problem and is associated with several comorbidities and various discomforts that can cause negative impact on physical, mental, and social well-being of a person. In this case study, an obese patient was suffering from severe multiple joint pains (<i>aam vata</i>) and shortness of breath (<i>shwaas</i>) was unable to climb stairs, and had extreme difficulty in walking. The patient also suffered from stress-related complaints, such as sleep disturbances (<i>anidra</i>) and poor digestion. The treatment was aimed at restoring psycho-physiological and physical health of the patient. Ayurveda panchakarma therapy involves treatments such as <i>snehana</i> (oleation), <i>svedana</i> (sudation), and <i>virechana</i> (purgation), which are the line of treatment for obesity-related disorders. Furthermore, the patient was given special yoga postures to improve flexibility and movement of joints. The integrative therapy of <i>Ayurveda panchakarma</i> and yoga showed significant improvement in functional capacity, quality of life, and musculoskeletal pain.