ROLE OF VIRECHANA KARMA IN STHOULYA: A CASE REPORT

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by excessive fat accumulation, which impairs health. A body mass index (BMI) above 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. Around the globe, over 4 mil-lion people die each year due to being overweight or obese. In Ayurveda, obesity is described as Sthoulya, a disorder categorised under Santarpanajanya Vyadhi. Acharya Charaka recommends Apatarpana Chikitsa for its management. Panchakarma, specifically Virechana Karma, plays a significant role in detoxifying the body by eliminating excess Kapha and Meda. This case study explores the Ayurvedic management of a 51-year-old fe-male patient presenting with a complaint of weight gain and bilateral knee joint pain with a sedentary lifestyle compounded by poor dietary habits. The therapeutic protocol included Deepana-Pachana, Shodhananga Snehapana, and Virechana Karma. Post-treatment evaluation showed a reduction in BMI from 36.67 to 34.6 kg/m² and a notable improvement in body composition, as assessed by anthropometric parameters and Karada scan analysis. This case highlights the potential of Ayurvedic interventions in effectively managing obesity and its associated complications.