Management of Chronic Kidney Disease through Ayurvedic Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa: A Case Report

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a major public health issue affecting both younger and older individuals. The prevalence of CKD is on the rise, primarily driven by conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. CKD is characterised by progressive and irreversible damage to the kidneys, often presenting asymptomatically in its early stages. As the disease advances, patients may experience symptoms such as pedal oedema, decreased appetite, nausea, reduced urine output, frothy urine and fatigue. Laboratory tests typically show increased levels of creatinine and serum urea, indicating poor renal function. Traditional treatments, including dialysis and renal transplantation, remain mainstream approaches for managing CKD. However, these interventions are often financially prohibitive for many individuals in India, underscoring the urgent need for more affordable and accessible alternatives. In response to these challenges, Ayurvedic medicine offers promising alternative treatments. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 30-year-old male suffering from CKD; despite being recommended for dialysis, the patient opted for Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurvedic Shodhana chikitsa (purification and rejuvenating therapy) through Basti (therapeutic enema) combined with oral herbomineral formulations has demonstrated renoprotective effects and potential benefits in improving haematological parameters in CKD cases. The present case report highlights the importance of traditional Ayurvedic approaches as alternatives to prevent dialysis for CKD patients, particularly in low-income populations.