Panchakarma and Satvavajaya chikitsa in the management of Pittodara caused by fast food addiction: A case report

Abstract

Fast food is often consumed not as a requirement for hunger but to continuously satiate the taste buds with appealing flavors, which creates an addictive behavior. This addiction represents “Asatmendriyartha samyoga” (~improper use of sensory organs) of Rasanendriya (~sensory faculty of tongue). Toxins present in fast food can act as Dushivisha (~artificial poison) and Garavisha (~combination of non-poisonous substances) leading to Udara roga (~diseases of the abdomen). The present case followed a typical presentation of Pittodara (~Udara roga due to Pitta dosha) in a 19-year-old female, who was habituated to fast-food consumption. The patient had developed pain in the abdomen, and yellowish discoloration of eyes, urine, and stools for two weeks. Fever was the first symptom to develop followed by vomiting, causing severe weakness. The contemporary diagnosis had suspected the case to be an acute liver failure, requiring a liver transplantation. Based on Nidana (~etiology), Samprapti (~pathogenesis), and Lakshanas (~symptoms), the case was diagnosed as Pittodara. Considering the Vaya (~age), Bala (~physical endurance), Agni (~digestive/metabolic factors), and Satva (~psychic condition) of the patient, Dosha nirharana chikitsa (~evacuation of accumulated toxins), and Shothahara chikitsa (~reduction of inflammation and swelling) were planned through Nitya virechana (~therapeutic purgation on daily basis) by Gandharva hastadi eranda taila, Nasya (~medication through nasal route) with Gudanagara, Parisheka (~therapeutic streaming) with Dashamoola kwatha and Udaralepa (~application of medicated paste over abdomen). The patient was provided counseling along with specific advice on a planned diet and daily routine. A combination of Yukti vyapashraya (~logic-based treatment) and Satvavajaya chikitsa (~subjugation of mind/counsel) resulted in the reduction in yellowish discoloration of eyes, bilirubin levels, abdominal girth, pedal edema, and pain per abdomen. This case depicts the hazards of fast-food addiction among the young population, the utility of Panchakarma chikitsa in treating liver disorders, and the need for social policies to control the growth of fast-food outlets in India.