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Endocrine System - Divyamrut Ayurcare
Endocrine System

Endocrine System

The endocrine system is comprised of glands that regulate the secretion of hormones. Some of the primary endocrine glands include the hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid, adrenal, thymus, testicles, and ovaries. Disorders of the endocrine system typically occur due to unhealthy lifestyle choices.


While there is no direct parallel of the endocrine system in Ayurveda, the ayurvedic theory of tri doshas can be utilized to explain many endocrine disorders. Ayurveda offers holistic approaches to build resistance to hormonal imbalances through dietary modifications, the inclusion of yoga and meditation, and targeted therapies such as abhyanga, udvarthanam, and tharpanam—depending on the individual’s characteristics and requirements.

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas leading to reduced thyroid function
  • Autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency, or pituitary dysfunction
  • Genetic factors, stress, and poor diet

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance
  • Dry skin, constipation, hair thinning
  • Hoarseness, depression, slow metabolism

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)
  • Basti (herbal enemas)

Medications:

  • Ashwagandha (supports thyroid function and reduces stress)
  • Triphala (improves digestion and detoxification)
  • Turmeric (boosts metabolism and reduces inflammation)

Causes:

  • Excess Pitta and Vata Doshas leading to an overactive thyroid
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Graves' disease), excessive iodine intake
  • Stress, environmental factors, or tumors

Symptoms:

  • Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety
  • Heat intolerance, tremors, excessive sweating
  • Insomnia, irritability, and thinning hair

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Nasya (nasal therapy)
  • Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead)

Medications:

  • Brahmi (calms the nervous system and reduces stress)
  • Ashwagandha (supports thyroid function)
  • Neem (cleanses and supports metabolic function)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Kapha and Pitta Doshas leading to insulin resistance
  • Poor diet, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition
  • Stress, obesity, and excessive consumption of sweets

Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination, excessive thirst
  • Blurred vision, weight loss, slow wound healing
  • Fatigue, dry skin, and recurrent infections

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Basti (herbal enemas)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)

Medications:

  • Guduchi (regulates blood sugar levels and strengthens immunity)
  • Jamun (reduces blood sugar)
  • Amla (enhances insulin sensitivity)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Vata Dosha leading to adrenal weakness
  • Autoimmune disorders, chronic stress, or infections
  • Nutritional deficiencies, trauma

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue, muscle weakness
  • Weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings
  • Dark skin, irritability, dizziness

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Basti (herbal enemas)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)
  • Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead)

Medications:

  • Ashwagandha (supports adrenal function)
  • Brahmi (improves energy levels and stress response)
  • Turmeric (reduces inflammation and supports immune function)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Pitta and Kapha Doshas leading to excess cortisol production
  • Tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids

Symptoms:

  • Weight gain, particularly around the face, neck, and abdomen
  • High blood pressure, skin bruising, thinning skin
  • Mood swings, memory issues, weak muscles

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Nasya (nasal therapy)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)

Medications:

  • Guduchi (supports adrenal function and boosts immunity)
  • Brahmi (reduces stress and improves mental clarity)
  • Ashwagandha (balances cortisol levels and rejuvenates the body)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas causing hormonal imbalance
  • Insulin resistance, obesity, high androgen levels
  • Stress, poor diet, or genetic factors

Symptoms:

  • Irregular periods, acne, excess facial hair
  • Weight gain, infertility, ovarian cysts
  • Scalp thinning, skin tags

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Basti (herbal enemas)
  • Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead)

Medications:

  • Ashwagandha (balances hormones and reduces stress)
  • Turmeric (regulates insulin levels)
  • Guduchi (supports detoxification and hormonal balance)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Vata Dosha due to aging and the cessation of menstruation
  • Decline in estrogen and progesterone levels
  • Stress, nutritional imbalances, and genetic factors

Symptoms:

  • Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings
  • Irregular periods, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances
  • Weight gain, fatigue, reduced libido

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)
  • Basti (herbal enemas)

Medications:

  • Ashwagandha (balances hormones and reduces stress)
  • Shatavari (supports reproductive health)
  • Brahmi (reduces anxiety and improves mental clarity)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Vata Dosha causing low parathyroid hormone production
  • Autoimmune diseases, genetic factors, or surgical removal of parathyroid glands
  • Vitamin D deficiency, calcium imbalance

Symptoms:

  • Muscle cramps, twitching, tingling sensations
  • Dry skin, brittle nails, hair thinning
  • Seizures, fatigue, irritability

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Abhyanga (oil massage)
  • Basti (herbal enemas)

Medications:

  • Amla (supports calcium absorption and boosts immunity)
  • Ashwagandha (balances hormones and supports adrenal function)
  • Turmeric (enhances bone health and reduces inflammation)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Pitta Dosha leading to excess parathyroid hormone production
  • Tumors in the parathyroid glands, vitamin D deficiency
  • Kidney failure or genetic predisposition

Symptoms:

  • Weak bones, kidney stones, excessive thirst
  • Fatigue, muscle weakness, depression
  • Nausea, constipation, abdominal pain

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Nasya (nasal therapy)
  • Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead)

Medications:

  • Ashwagandha (reduces stress and balances hormones)
  • Guduchi (improves kidney function and supports detoxification)
  • Triphala (supports digestive health and detoxifies the body)

Causes:

  • Imbalance of Pitta and Vata Doshas affecting the pituitary gland
  • Tumors, infections, or trauma impacting pituitary function
  • Genetic factors, chronic stress

Symptoms:

  • Abnormal growth of hands, feet, and facial features (acromegaly)
  • Unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and vision problems
  • Infertility, irregular menstruation, or lactation in non-pregnant women

Panchakarma Treatment:

  • Virechana (purgation therapy)
  • Nasya (nasal therapy)
  • Shirodhara (oil poured over the forehead)

Medications:

  • Brahmi (supports cognitive function and reduces stress)
  • Ashwagandha (balances the endocrine system and reduces stress)
  • Guduchi (detoxifies and supports overall health)