Ayurvedic Therapies Offer New Hope for Chronic Diabetes and Wasting Syndrome
Dehradun, India: In a remarkable case that highlights the potential of Ayurveda in managing chronic lifestyle disorders, a 20-year-old medical student (name changed as Monica), suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes and severe Dhatu Kshaya (tissue wasting), made a significant recovery at the Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Majra under the care of Dr. Naveen Chandra Joshi, Senior Medical Officer.
Monica, a student of MBBS in China, had to discontinue her studies due to her worsening health. She was brought back to India with severe symptoms including extreme weakness, full-body pain, numbness in her feet, nail deformity, and complete loss of appetite. Her emaciated condition made her bones visible, and her HbA1c level stood at a dangerously high 11.9. Despite undergoing various modern and Ayurvedic treatments in the past, and even temporary steroid therapy, her health showed no sustained improvement.
Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol
Dr. Joshi initiated a six to seven-month treatment plan, focusing on two classical Ayurvedic therapies—Vasti Karma and Marma Therapy—along with supportive medicines and dietary regulation.
Vasti Karma
The treatment involved multiple cycles of Anuvasana (oil-based) and Niruha Vasti (decoction-based enemas), administered with specific medicated substances:
- Jan–Feb 2025: Anuvasana Vasti with Kshirabala oil and Niruha Vasti with Dashamoola decoction.
- March 2025: Repetition of Anuvasana and Niruha Vasti cycles.
- June 2025: Mansa Rasa Vasti (meat broth of goat) for nourishment.
- July 2025: Niruha Vasti using Brihat Panchamoola decoction with ghee, oil, fat, and goat bone marrow.
- Aug 2025: Modified Niruha Vasti with Brihat Panchamoola, Dashamoola, and Shatavari decoction.
Marma Therapy
Daily stimulation of 17–18 Marma points (vital energy points) was performed, morning and evening, to regulate energy flow and relieve pain.
Supportive Care
Alongside, Monica was prescribed Abhrak Loh, Chandraprabha Vati, and Vasant Kusumakar Ras, coupled with dietary guidelines of light, easily digestible food, stress reduction, and regulated sleep.
Path to Recovery
Over the course of the therapy, Monica’s health improved remarkably. Her body pain and weakness subsided, her skin and nails regained normalcy, and her weight began to increase. Most importantly, her HbA1c dropped from 11.9 to 8, bringing her diabetes under much better control.
On September 1, 2025, Monica was able to return to China to resume her medical studies.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates that Vasti Karma and Marma Therapy, when administered systematically, can play a significant role in managing complex conditions like insulin-dependent diabetes with associated tissue wasting. Dr. Navin Chandra Joshi’s findings emphasize that Ayurveda still holds untapped potential in addressing chronic lifestyle and metabolic disorders.
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