Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, which occurs when the thyroid becomes damaged or inflamed, rendering it unable to produce enough of the hormone thyroxine.
As a condition Hypothyroidism is common in the elderly and more commonly found in women than in men. As you age, the chances of developing hypothyroidism increase significantly. Hypothyroidism, which is also known as underactive thyroid or low thyroid, is a disorder that affects the endocrine system, causing the thyroid gland to not produce enough of the essential thyroid hormones for the body.
An underactive or damaged thyroid gland can cause a number of physical symptoms, such as the poor ability to tolerate a decrease in temperature, causing feelings of being cold. It also heightens or causes a feeling of tiredness, and increases the physical symptoms of constipation, depression, and weight gain. Occasionally it can cause a swelling of the front part of the neck due to goitre – which is a swelling of the neck resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland.
The Ayurvedic approach to the treatment of the disease is highly individualized. According to Ayurveda, the thyroid function is controlled by the Pitta Dosha. Pitta and Agni (The digestive fire) are responsible for all of the metabolic actions carried out by the thyroid hormones.
In Hypothyroidism the Pitta dosha is covered by Kapha Dosha which creates the effect of diminishing the cellular metabolism. The treatment principle is aimed to remove the coating of Kapha dosha thus enabling Pitta to perform its function normally.