Content uploaded by Tukaram Sambhaji Dudhamal
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Tukaram Sambhaji Dudhamal on Jun 02, 2015
Content may be subject to copyright.
45
Volume 5 Number 1, January - March 2012
Author’s Affiliation: *BAMS,PGDYN, **Assistant
Professor, Dept. of Shalya Tantra, IPGT & RA, GAU,
Jamnagar.
Reprint’s request: Dr. D.K. Khadkutkar, *BAMS,
PGDYN, GAU, jamnanar, Dept. of Shalya Tantra, IPGT &
RA, GAU, Jamnagar.
(Received on 15.02.2011, accepted on 02.03.2011)
©Red Flower Publication Pvt.Ltd
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga
Volume 5 Number 1, January - March 2012
Efficacy of Yogic and Naturopathic Procedures in the Management of
Amlapitta(Acid peptic disorders)
D.K. Khadkutkar*, Tukaram S. Dudhamal**
Abstract
Yoga is the science and art of healthy living physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.
Naturopathy uses natural elements such as mud pack, water, heat, sunlight, breath-control,
dietetic and natural remedies such as herbs, fruits and foods to help the body heal itself.
Digestive system is the main system for a healthy life, as health depends on proper food
consumption and a proper digestion. But now-a-days, western life style and food habits
lead to many acid peptic disorders (APD), one of them being Amlapitta. In this study, total
12 patients of Amlapitta were selected and divided randomly into two groups. In the first
group, patients were treated with yogic procedures and in the second group, patients were
treated with naturopathic procedures for three weeks. The A Assessment was done every
week as per the criteria and finally, it was found that in both the groups statistically results
were highly significant.After completion of therapy, it was found that in both groups patients
were free from symptoms of Amlapitta without any adverse effects.
Keywords: Amlapitta; APD; Mud pack; Naturopathy; Yoga.
Introduction
Ayurveda classics provide a beautiful
description of lifestyle and diet style for healthy
life and longevity for the whole society. The
continuous thrust of achieving higher goals
and self-created lack of time has driven us
towards stress, consumption, of junk food and
soft drinks etc. These condition further
deteriorate the status of one’s health. The
working capacity of every system depends on
the nutrition received, and digestive system is
the system which performs this function.
Hence overall of health largely depends upon
the health of the digestive system. There are
many disorders pertaining to the digestive
system one of them being “Amlapitta”
(Hyperchlorhydria).
Yoga is the science and art of healthy living
physically, mentally, morally and spiritually.
“Yoga” means “to integrate”
1
.The holistic
definition of yoga is most relevant to
systemized and well worked out system of
yoga, time tested for at least a few thousand
years, aim at releasing us from all bondages
2
.
The integration of physical, mental and
spiritual energies of the health and well-being
is yoga. The main aim of yoga is made balance
between the body and the mind
3
.
Naturopathy is an alternative and
complementary medicine, which emphasizes
the body’s intrinsic ability to heal. Naturopathy
uses natural elements such as mud, water,
heat, sunlight, breath-control, dietetic and
natural remedies such as herbs, fruits and
foods to help the body heal itself
4
.
Naturopathy is completely life science and
proved effective by providing proper nutrition
and balancing the constituents
5
.
46
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga
Today’s life style is completely changed.
Most people cannot perfect their food habits.
They have bad food habits like irregular intake
of food, eating fried foods, excessive use of
Chillies& Masalas in food etc. The improper
life style and faulty diet habits generates the
imbalance of the body elements Vata, Pitta
&Kapha and thus various disorders occu. The
Nidanasevana creates Mandagni due to
which, Ajirna is developed and it leads to
Amavisha. This Amavisha mixed with Pittadi
Doshas and lodes in Amashaya produces the
Amlapitta
6
.
Emotional tension and psychic stress factors
affect to the digestive organs and gland via
the sympathetic (solar plexus) and
parasympathetic (vagus) nerve patway.
Unnecessary use of modern medicine like
antibiotics, analgesic and anti-inflammatory
drugs etc. can harm gastric mucosa and can
produce the disease Amlapitta
7
.
Aims and objectives
1. To assess the efficacy of yogic and
naturopathic procedures in Amlapitta.
2. To find non pharmacological
management of Amlapitta.
Materials and methods
Selection Criteria
Patients suffering from Amlapitta between
age group of 25 to 70 years were included in
the study.
Exclusion Criteria
Patients suffering from diseases like gastric
ulcer, malignancy of stomach, diabeties, IHD,
CVA, etc.
Ages below 25 years and above 70 years
were excluded.
The study was carried out on 12 patients of
Amlapitta divided into two groups i. e. yogic
and naturopathic groups.
Duration: 21 days.
Time: 60 -70 minutes for both groups
Treatment plan
Yogic group - A
1
st
week 2
nd
week 3
rd
week
Procedure Duratio n Procedure Duration Procedure Duration
Prayer 03 min. Prayer 03 min. Prayer 03 min.
Stretching exercise 10 min. Stretching exercise 10 min. Stretching exercise 10 min.
Shavasana 03 min. Shavasana 03 min. Shavasana 03 min.
Pavan-
Muktasana
02 min. Pavan-
Muktasana
02 min. Pavan-
Muktasana
02 min.
Makarasana 03 min. Setubandh-asana 03 min. Setubandh-asana 03 min.
Bhujangasana 03 min . Suptavajrasana 03 min. Suptavajrasana 03 min.
Shalabhasana 03 min. Makarasana 03 min. Makarasana 03 min.
Siddhasana 02 min. Bhujangasana 02 min. Bhujangasana 02 min.
Gaumukhasana 02 min. Shalabhasana 02 min. Shalabhasana 02 min.
Tadasan 03 min. Dhanurasana 03 min. Dhanurasana 03 min.
Vrukshasan 03 min. Siddhasana 02 min. Siddhasana 02 min.
Kapalbhati 02 min. Janushirasana 02 min. Janushirasana 02 min.
Pranayam Vrukshana 03 min. Vrukshana 03 min.
Anulomavilom 03 min. Tadasan 03 min. Tadasan 03 min.
Shitakari 03 min Kapalbhati 02 min. Kapalbhati 02 min.
Bhramari 03 min Pranayam Pranay am
Pranadharana 10 min . Anulomavilom 02 min. Anulomavilom 02 min.
Omkar 03 min. Shitalee 03 min. Shitalee 03 min.
Total 60 min Shitakari 03 min Shitakari 03 min
Bhramari 03 min. Bhramari 03 min.
Pranadharana 10 min. Pranadharana 10 min.
Omkar 03 min. Omkar 03 min.
Total 70 min. Total 70 min.
47
Volume 5 Number 1, January - March 2012
Life style & diet plan
Morning
Wake up, drink a glass of lukewarm
water
Attend nature call
Exercise & prayer
Breakfast- One glass milk, fresh fruits,
Afternoon
Lunch: Roti, Boiled Vegetables, small
quantity of rice & Dal
After lunch: Sit in Vajrasana for few
minutes
Evening
Milk half glass /fruits, Fruit juice.
Night
Dinner: Khichadi, Vegetable soups /
Mung soup, Green leafy vegetables
After dinner
Walk for 10 minutes
Pray in Vajrasana
Retire to bed at 10pm.
Eating Habits
Dos
Eat when hungry
Food takes 3 - 6 hours to digest
completely
Eat freshly cooked meals
Eat to only ¾th of your capacity
Keep time aside for meals (15-20
minutes)
Eat in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It is
important to allow your body to focus on
eating and digestion. This also helps in secret
on of proper amount of digestive enzymes.
Chew food thoroughly because this
increases awareness of eating and makes
digestion easier.
Sit quietly in Vajrasana for 5 minutes
after eating. This enhances digestion without
stress.
Try to keep fast once a week.
Don’ts
Don’t eat when upset, angry or nervous.
Don’t take food while reading or
watching television.
Don’t do heavy physical work after
taking food.
Yoga & Naturopathic group - B
1
st
week 2
nd
&3
rd
week
Procedure Du ration Procedure Duration
Prayer 02 min. Prayer 03 min.
Stretching exercis e 05 min. Stretching exercise 05 min.
Shavasana 02 min. S havasana 02 min.
Pranayama Abdominal massage 05 min.
Anulomavilom 03 min. Cold abdominal mud pack with relaxati on 20 min.
Shittali 03 min. Cold foot bath 10 min.
Shitakari 03 min. Pranayama
Abdominal massage 05 min. A nul omavilom 03 min.
A bdominal massage with vibrat or 05 min. Shittali 03 min.
Cold abdominal mud pack with
relaxation
20 min. Shitakari 03 min.
Cold foot bath 10 mi n . Bhramari 03 min.
Omkara 02 min. Omkara 03 min.
Total 60 min. Total 60 min.
48
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga
Avoid excessive use of soda and soft
drinks.
Avoid use of unnecessary medicine.
Quit addiction like tea, coffee, tobacco,
alcohol, etc.
Some Dietary and Lifestyle tips
8
Avoid intake of food that increases the
fire (Pitta) element such as fried foods, spicy
or pungent food, oranges, tomatoes, spinach
etc.
Excessive intake of food that increases
the air (Vata) element such as kidney beans,
horse gram, white rice, sprouts etc.
Take a little papaya, grapes or pineapple
after meals. They have digestive enzymes.
Consume juices such as coconut juice,
wheat grass juice, carrot, apple or grape juice.
Cut back on fatty food. Eat more
complex carbohydrates and proteins.
Live a moderate lifestyle. Remember
excess of anything is bad.
Keep balance between work and rest.
Reduce overweight - it decreases
hyperacidity.
Make yourself free from stressful work.
Assessment of overall effect
Cured
Hundred percent relief in symptoms of
Amlapitta and no recurrence during follow
up study
Marked improvement
Above 75% but below 100% improvement
in the symptoms
Moderate improvement
Fifty one to 75% improvement in the
symptoms
Mild improvement
Twenty five to 50% improvement in the
symptoms
Unchanged
Below 25% decrement in the symptoms
Observations
Effect of therapy on cardinal symptoms
Table 1. Amlodgara
Table 2. Urodaha
Group
Mean score
X % S.D. S.E. ‘t’ P
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 1.83 0.67 1.17 63.63 0.75 0.31 3.8 <0.02
B(n=6) 1.67 0.33 1.33 80.00 0.82 0.33 4.0 <0.01
Table 3. Agnimandya
Group
Mean score
X % S.D. S.E. ‘t’ P
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 2.00 0.33 1.67 83.33 1.03 0.42 3.95 <0. 02
B(n=6) 2.33 0.67 1.67 71.42 0.52 0.21 7.91 <0.001
Group
Mean score
X % S.D. S.E. ‘t’ P
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 1.67 0.33 1.33 80.00 0.52 0.21 6.32 <0.001
B(n=6) 1.83 0.67 1.17 63.63 0.75 0.31 3.80 <0.02
49
Volume 5 Number 1, January - March 2012
Table 4. Hrillasa
Group
Mean score
X % S.D. S.E. ‘t ’ P
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 1.17 0.17 1 85.71 0.63 0.26 3.9 <0.02
B(n=6) 1.17 0.33 0.83 71.42 0.41 0.17 5 <0.01
Effect of therapy on associated symptoms
Table 5. Chhardi
Group
Mean score
X%
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 0.33 0.17 0.17 50
B(n=6) 0.33 0.17 0. 17 50
Table 6. Aruchi
Group
Mean score
X%
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 0.50 0.17 0.33 66.66
B(n=6) 0.67 0.33 0.33 50.00
Table 7. Vibandha
Gro up
Mean score
X%
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 0.50 0.00 0.50 100
B(n=6) 0.50 0.33 0.17 33.33
Table 8. Adhaman
Group
Mean score
X%
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 0.50 0.33 0.17 33.33
B(n=6) 0.50 0.17 0.33 66.66
Table 9. Shirshool
Gro up
Mean score
X%
B.T A.T.
A(n=6) 0.50 0.17 0.33 66.66
B(n=6) 0.50 0.17 0.33 66.66
Table 10. Overall Effect of Therapy
Effect of T herapy Yogic Gr oup A N atu ropathic Gro up B
N o. of patients Percent age N o. of patients Percentage
Cured 0 0 0 0
Mar ked impr ovement 3 50% 2 33.33%
Moderat e improve ment 2 33.33% 2 33.33%
Mild im provemen t 1 16.66% 2 33.33%
Unchang ed 0 0 0 0
Table 11. Relief of Symptoms in Both Groups
Symptoms Yogi c group Naturopathic group
Amlod gara 80% 63.63%
Urodaha 83.33% 71.43%
Agni m andya 63.63% 80%
H rillasa 85.71% 71.42%
Chhardi 50% 50%
Aruch i 66.66% 50%
Viban dha 100% 33.33%
Adhaman 33.33 66.66
Shirsho ol 66.66 66.66
50
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga
The maximum number of patients was from
the age group of 25 to 40 years and 16.66% of
the patients were from the age group of 41 to
55. The probable cause may be that the age
25 to 40-year group is more exposed the
changing external environment & mental
stress owing to their socio-economical
responsibilities i.e. irregularity in diet and
improper Vihar. In this age group Pitta Dosha
was dominant which also responsible for the
aggravation of the disease process.
Religion- wise distribution was showed that
75%of patients were Hindus. In this study, all
patients were educated; among them 91.67%
were graduates and 8.33% patients were
educated up to high school. The disease
incidence is maximum in educated people due
to hurried and worried life, irregular diet
habits etc. Maximum 58.33% patients were
housewife and 25% were students; it was
observed that most of housewives were
Diwasvapnasevan, and Diwasvapa leads to
Agni Mandhya and Tridoshaprakopa & then
Amlapitta.
Maximum number of the patients were
married (91.67%) which indicates that the
occurrence of this disorder is more among
married people. All the patients were
observed belonging to the urban area; fast
food, junk food, excessive use of beverage etc.
are mostly seen in the urban area. All patients
had MadhyamaVyayamshakti; it is due to
Amadosha & DhatuDusti in this disease
The total patients, 58.33% had
AvarAbhyavharanashakti & 41.66% patients
had MadhyamaAbhyavharanashakti. The
Fifty percent of the total patients had
AvarJaranashakti, 33.33% had
MadhymaJaranashakti, and only 16.66%
patients had PravarJaranashakti. Sixty-Six
percent of the total patients were having
MadhyamKostha which suggests Pitta
Vriddhi.Total 50% of patients had Mandagni
and 33.33% of patients had Vishamagni. In
Amlapitta, Amla& Drava Guna of the Pitta
are increased. In this present study, 66.66%
patients were taking mixed diet while
vegetarian diet was taken 33.33% of patients.
The maximum number of patients (58.33%)
had the Vishamashana (habit of irregular food
intake) and by 33.33% patients were
Adhyashana.
In the study, 58.33% patients had regular
bowel and only 41.66 %patients had irregular
bowel habit. Seventy-Five paercent patients
have Chinta 50% patients were having Bhaya,
and only 25% patients had Krodha. All these
ManasikaBhava increase gadric secretions
which lead toAmlapitta. All patients had tea
or coffee addictions, which mostly increase the
gastric secretion and also destroy mucosa,
causing Durabalya of Amashaya along with
vitiation of Dosha, mainly Pitta-kapha. All
patients complainted of cardinal symptoms
like Amlodgara, Urodaha, Agnimandya and
Hrillas. Regarding associated symptoms
Chhardi were found 33.33% of patients,
Aruchi was found in 58.33%, whereas rest of
associated symptoms was found in 50% of the
patients.
In case of Amlaodgar, yogic group shows
more effect than naturopathic group (Table
1). Urodaha was highly significant in
naturopathic group where as significant in
yogic group (Table2) significant result was
found in both groups related to Agnimandya
and Hrillas. (Tables 3, 4). The associated
symptoms like Chardi, Shirashool and Aruchi
showed same results in both the groups
(Tables 5, 6, 9). Vibandha was cured totally in
yogic group while Asadhaman was cured in
naturopathic group (Tables 7, 8).
In yogic group (6 patients), marked
improvement was found in 3 patient, i.e. 50%,
moderate improvement was found in 2
patients,i.e.33%, while mild improvement was
found in 1 patient. In naturopathic group (6
patients), 2 patients (33%) had marked
improvement, 2 patients (33%) had moderate
improvement and 2 patients (33%) mild
improvement. (Table 10)
Discussion
Today’s lifestyle is completely changed by
all means. Our diet pattern, lifestyle and
behavioral pattern is changed and it is not
51
Volume 5 Number 1, January - March 2012
suitable for normal physiology of digestion.
Western culture has been embraced by us,
which is more harmful. We have adopted their
die and behavior pattern and this is the reason
for most of the disease. Especially, gastric
dyspeptic disorders which are mainly caused
by dietetic pattern which is related to our
digestion. The food articles which are not
according to normal code and conducts create
these problems. Western people mostly suffer
from gastric problem compared to Indians. It
seems that our old pattern of diet and behavior
was up-to- the-mark for nourishing and
carrying physiological processes.
Amlapitta is a well recognized
psychosomatic disorder. The description of the
disease Amlapitta is found since Samhita
Kala. It can be said that the disease was
introduced firstly by Acharya Charaka with
a brief description of the disease and its
principles of management in the Samhita Kala.
It was not mentioned as a separate disorder
Kashyapa Samhita was the first text describing
the disease separately with its treatment.
Primary factors for the pathogenesis of a
disease are Dosha, Dushya, Srotasa, Ama, and
Agni. Involvement of these factors with
different Gunas of Pitta is responsible for
different symptoms of Amlapitta. With the
help of ShadavidhaKriyakala theory of a disease
given by Acharya Sushruta; Smaprapti of
Amlapitta can be easily understood.
Amlapitta is caused by the Vidhagda Pitta
with features like sour eructation, burning in
chest, nausea, vomiting, etc.Due to improper
food habits and busy and tense lifestyle it is
spreading day by day. Ancient Indian books
like CharakaSamhita, Sushruta Samhita etc.
have also deduced this problem with various
types, causes and treatment. They have
mentioned vitiated Agni as the main cause of
this disease and also given the line of treatment
like Vamana, Virechana and many such
remedies. The modern medical science has also
recognized this disease as gastritis and has
given so any drugs for its management.
Excessive use of modern drugs like NSAID,
antibiotics, etc also causes the problem due to
adverse effects.
Yoga, our ancient science given by our
divine Rishis merges the realistic vision of spirit
and body. Our rishis have given various steps
to achieve the ultimate. For this purpose, they
have also given many processes to purify the
body. Its various techniques may be useful in
management of such a disease.Naturopathy
is also a unique science which treats the body
with the help of nature itself. It is a treatment
done by penta elements viz. Prithvi, Jala, Teja,
Vayu, Akasha. Different kind of processes like
mud therapy, chromotherapy, various baths,
etcwere also useful to get the health.
In this study total 12 patients were managed
with the help of yoga and naturopathy in
Effect of yoga therapy
In the yogic group, the procedures provided
statistically highly significant (p<0.001) relief
in Amlodgara and Urodaha where as
significant (p<0.02) relief was found in
symptoms like Agnimandya and Hrillasa.
However, percentage-wise, marked
improvement was found in all the symptoms.
In relation to the associated symptoms, relief
was seen as: total cured in Vibandha, marked
improvement was found in Aruchi and
Shirashool where as moderate improvement
was seen in Chardhi and Adhaman.
Faulty diet and lifestyle creates indigestion,
food stored in stomach get fermented creates
and forms creates symptoms of Amlapitta. By
Yogasana like Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana,
Dhanurasana abdomen and chest region is
pressurized and blood circulation of that area
is increased which helps the digestive secretion
as well as waste products excretion process.
SamanaVayu, Pachaka Pitta and Jatharagni get
regulated. The Pavanamuktasana, Vogamudra,
Janushirasana are helpful for SrotosuddhiKriya
by regulation of the secretion of Pachak Pitta.
The other balancing postures like Tadasana,
Vrukshasana provide the mind and body
balance to increase the self consciousness and
self awareness.
Pranayama is as like Sheetali andSheetakari
in cooling and having a soothing effect on the
body. Sheetaguna ofVataDosha is increased; it
52
Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga
may reduce extra heat and balance Pachak
Pitta. By this effect Daha will be diminished
and increase the Jatharagni. ‘OM’ chanting and
Prayer is helpful to relax the entire mind and
body. It quickly brings mental peace and is
help to prevent Amlapitta.
Effect of Naturopathy therapy
In the Naturopathy group the procedures
provided statistically highly significant
(p<0.001) relief only in Urodaha and
significant (p<0.01) relief in symptoms like
Amlodgara, Agnimandya and Hrillasa.
However percentage wise marked
improvement was found in all the symptoms.
Regarding to the associated symptoms relief
was seen as total cure in Vibandha, marked
improvement in Adhaman and
Shirashoolwhere as moderate improvement
was seen in Aruchi and Chardhi.
The formation of abnormal consumption of
blood and lymph, food stored in stomach;
works as morbid matter which gets fermented
and leads to symptoms of Amlapitta. Due to
naturopathic therapy correction of vitiated
Agni, JalaandVayuMahabhuta elimination of
morbid matter from body. So it helps to correct
the gastric juices. The application of mud pack
makes abdominal part more active to increase
the circulation and removes dirt and debris.
The Pitta Dosha and heat are decreases. The
Saman and ApanVayu get more energized and
Pachak Agni increased. Prithvi
andJalaMahabhuta are properly balanced.
Through massage, the organs of the
abdomen get more blood supply and morbid
matter localized in that part is removed. Oil
applied to the abdomen is absorbed into the
whole skin of the abdomen which in turn is
connected with the nerve fibers of that area.
So the nervous systemfeals calmn and creates
the regulation of all functions related with the
abdominal organs. The veins, arteries and
lymphatic system get benefited and it helps to
reduce symptom of Amlapitta.
Conclusion
After completion of the therapy, it was
found that in both groups patients were free
from symptoms of Amlapitta without any
adverse effects. As this therapy is the non
pharmacological modality once patient is
trained for the yogic procedure and follows
routine they will be free from the Amlapitta.
As the sample size was less, further study on
more number of patients is required for
concrete conclusion.
References
1. Yoga Vijnana. The Science of Yoga. New Delhi;
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, 2008;
II.
2. Nagendra HR. Defining Yoga. International
Journal of Yoga 2010; I(2): 43-44.
3. Aandha-swami Satyananda Saraswati B. Asana
Pranayama. Mudra, 8
th
edn,1993.
4. Philosophy and Practiceof National Therapeutics:
Henry Lindlarh. Hyderabad; Sat
Sahityasahayogi Sangh Publications, 1
st
ed, l990.
5. Yogic and Nature cure tratement for common
ailments. New Delhi; Central council for research
in yoga and Naturopathy; 2
nd
edn, 2002.
6. Kashyapasamhita.
7. Princeples of Anatomy and physiology: Tortara.
Harper Collins Publication, 7
th
edn, 1993.
8. www.theholisticcare.com. (Accessed on
23.11.2009)
