Management of Goitre

Management of Goitre with Ancient Ayurvedic Techniques

In Ayurveda, Goiter is called ‘Galaganda’. Goitre is the enlargement of the ‘Thyroid Gland’ that results in the swelling of the throat region. Usually, goitre is painless, but if it becomes too large, it starts causing difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Goitre may be or may not be associated with the actual Thyroid Dysfunctions.

 

Causes of Goitre—

Goitre is caused due to iodine deficiency. Other factors such as exposure to radiations, pregnancy, family history of autoimmune disease, cigarette smoking, and some bacterial, viral and fungal infections may also cause goitre. 

 

Some Common Symptoms are—

  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Cough
  • Swelling
  • A feeling of heaviness in the body

 

Treating Goiter with Ayurveda–

According to Ayurveda, Galaganda is caused by ‘Vitiated Kapha’, though sometimes vata might also be involved. Vitiated Kapha mixes with Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), creating swelling in the throat, which is called Galaganda. It’s classified into three types, viz. Vataj, Kaphaj and Medoj-

—Vataj Galaganda (caused mainly by vitiated Vayu) is slightly painful and is marked by dryness and tastelessness in the mouth. 

—Kapha Galaganda (caused primarily to vitiated Kapha) is large and cold to touch, causes very little pain and feels sweet in the mouth. 

—Medoj Galaganda (caused mainly by vitiated Meda Dhatu) has an offensive odour and may cause staggering speech and oiliness in the mouth.

 

Lifestyle changes and Diet Advice—

  • Consume adequate quantity of iodine every day. For adults, the daily requirement of iodine is 150 mcg.
  • Codfish, milk, yoghurt, locally grown fruits, vegetables and eggs are rich sources of iodine. They should be consumed in adequate quantity.
  • Include–Iron-rich foods(like onion, garlic, carrot), Vitamin A rich foods (papaya, mango, sweet potato) and Vitamin B rich foods(like guava, okra, nuts) regularly.
  • Foods such as spinach, soya beans and peanuts should be minimized, especially by those who are more at risk.
  • Neck exercises and Yoga (especially those which mobilizes the neck region) should be performed.
  • Sedentary lifestyle and mental stress can disturb the thyroid function. Therefore, the practice should be to follow a healthy and relaxed lifestyle.
  • Level of thyroid hormones should be checked at least once a year.

 

Come to our Ayurvedic Center — “The Madras Institute of Ayurveda” at Chennai, to learn more about Ayurvedic treatment plans. This centre has facilities for a whole range of ayurvedic treatments. It mimics the Authentic Kerala Chikitsalaya [ Treatment Center]. 

For any queries, you may have, log on to www.miayurveda.org.