Fatty Liver: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Yakrit dalludara (Fatty Liver) refers to an increase in the size of the liver that is known as “Yakrit vridhi”. An Imbalance of Kapha dosha can also expand the liver, which is a condition called “Kaphaja Yakrit dalludara”. This imbalance leads to the deposit of fat within the liver – called “Medaja Yakrit dalludara”.
NAFLD (Hepatic steatosis) in Ayurveda
Kaphaja Yakrit dalludara: Fat in the liver which is NOT due to alcohol consumption.
According to the Ayurvedic philosophy, Dushti (impairment) of Annavaha (digestive), Udakavaha (water-carrying), Rasavaha (nutrient-carrying ), Raktvaha (circulatory), Medovaha srotas leads tofat disease, etc. which may attract due to a high-fat diet, consumption soft drinks in large quantity and sedentary lifestyle.
Contributory conditions of Ajirna, Sthaulya, and Prameha are related to the vitiation of these channels. A disease like Sthaulya and fatty liver too is categorized as a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (Nutrition Disease) having the specific Nidana (causes) and Samprapti (Pathogenesis). The Agnivikruti (digestive system imbalance) causes Apakva Anna Rasa to vitiate the kapha dosha and lose Medo Dhatu which is stored in the Liver.
Ayurveda Treatment and Management of Fatty Liver
The main management of fatty liver is diet control, exercise, and weight loss. Yet, there is a demand for clinical treatment options that are safe and affordable. The management of the fatty liver disease can be efficiently handled by proper Ayurvedic treatment, targeting Agnivikruti (type of metabolism), Vyanavritta Raktavaha Srotas, and Kapha-Meda balance at its origin along with handling srotorodha as well.
Significant Care & Ayurvedic Treatment Principles
Ayurvedic Treatment Options
Appropriate usage of these four treatment limbs – Samsodhana (purification), Samshamana (pacifications ), Ahara (diet), and Vihara (lifestyle) can ameliorate fatty liver changes and prevent further complications.
Among the Panchakarma (purification therapy), Virechana is termed as the best Shodhana Karma(in liver disorders). Virechana therapy goes on to reduce excess Pitta, Vata, and Kapha doshas hence making the body lighter and bringing back lost appetite by removing blockage of various channels in the body. This treatment also improves Agnideepana and Srotoshodhana characteristics.
Ayurvedic Formulations Used
Numerous Ayurvedic formulations like Churna (powders), Taila (oils) Ghrita (clarified butter), and Avaleha (herbal jams) are used. Examples used in some common preparations include:
So, these herbs and formulations help to balance the doshas in the body along with that they also improve digestion which further reduces fat deposition inside the liver.