AYURVEDA UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF NOCTURNAL ENURESIS (SHAYYA MUTRA)

Background: Nocturnal enuresis, or Shayya Mutra in Ayurveda, is theinvoluntary passage of urine during sleep beyond the age at whichcontinence is normally achieved. It is common in pediatric practice andimpacts the child’s self-esteem and family dynamics. Conventional medicineemphasizes behavioral and pharmacological therapies, while Ayurvedaoffers a unique psychosomatic perspective integrating Satwavajaya Chikitsa(mind-control therapy), diet, herbal medicines, and lifestyle interventions.Methods: A narrative review and synthesis of classical Ayurvedic concepts,modern diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, ICCS), and evidence-based behavioral,pharmacological, and Ayurvedic perspective, its pathophysiology wasanalyzed to present a comprehensive Ayurvedic understanding of nocturnalenuresis and explore integrative management strategies. Results: Nocturnalenuresis is classified into primary and secondary forms. Ayurveda attributesits pathogenesis to Prana Vata, Apana Vata Dushti, and Rajo Guna vitiationof the mind, highlighting psychosomatic factors. Management combinesSatwavajaya Chikitsa (psychotherapy), dietary modifications, bladdertraining, herbal formulations like Jatiphala Churna and Bimbi Moola, andmodern adjuncts like alarm therapy and Desmopressin. Conclusion:Integrating behavioral therapies with Ayurvedic principles addresses bothphysiological and psychosomatic roots of Shayya Mutra. This holisticapproach can significantly improve the child’s continence, self-esteem, andfamily well-being.