INTEGRATING AYURVEDIC PANCHAKARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal failure (CRF), is a progressive medical condition resulting from impaired kidney function, often triggered by various systemic illnesses prevalent in todays fast-paced lifestyle. Numerous contributing factors cited in modern medical literature can accelerate the progression from early-stage kidney disease to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where treatment options become costly and offer limited success in advanced stages. Ayurveda, the ancient holistic science, focuses on early intervention and prevention to mitigate such complications. While CKD is not explicitly mentioned in Ayurvedic texts, its principles of addressing the root cause and applying treatments based on the underlying pathophysiology can effectively manage the condition. This case study evaluates the combined effect of Shodhana (purification therapy) and Shamana (pacification therapy) in managing CKD. A 30-year-old male patient, diagnosed with CKD stage V and having undergone dialysis four times, was treated with an Ayurvedic regimen including lifestyle modifications, Panchakarma and Ayurveda medications. Following this treatment, the patient no longer required dialysis and experienced significant relief from symptoms. This case demonstrates the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies in managing chronic kidney disease and reducing dependency on conventional dialysis.