ABSTRACT

Background – Recent observations suggest that the true rate of chronic infection after clinically apparent acute hepatitis B is as low as 1 per cent in normal individuals. Also, only 10 to 15 per cent of alcoholics develop Cirrhosis of the liver, suggesting that other factors might be influencing the impact of the above factors on the liver. In view of the above facts and the obscure concepts of Prakriti, Agni, Dincharya, Ritucharya, Ahar vidhi-visheshyatan, and healthy lifestyle in modern medicine, it is essential to study cirrhosis of the liver with respect to the factors mentioned above and to examine their role in its development. Aims and Objectives - The aims and objectives of the present work is to study the aetiopathogenesis of Kumbhakamala (Cirrhosis of liver) in terms of Ayurvedic dietary, lifestyle factors and systemic involvement. Material and Method – 40 Patients having clinical features of cirrhosis of the liver were selected without any prejudice from the O.P.D. & I.P.D. sections of Pakwasa Samanvaya Rugnalaya and All India Ayurveda Research Institute, Hanuman Nagar, Nagpur. Observations – Proper observations are recorded in tabular format, along with their analyses. Discussion –Pittavardhak dietary and lifestyle regimen in conjunction with faulty dietary habits like samshan, adhyshan, vishmashan, virruddhashan is commonly observed in patients of cirrhosis of the liver. Pitta dominance is observed in the genetic body constitution of cirrhotic patients. Conclusion - After assessing the clinical features, aetiological factors, and pathology explained in both Ayurvedic and modern science, we can fairly correlate Kumbhakamala with cirrhosis of the liver. Ayurvedic pitta-enhancing dietary and lifestyle factors may contribute to the severity of pathology. Keywords: Cirrhosis of the liver, Pittvardhak ahar, pitta prakriti