EFFECT OF PANCHAKARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF JALODARA (ASCITES): A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Background: Classical Ayurvedic texts including those of Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata classify Udara among the Mahagada, highlighting its chronic-complex nature. Yakritodara is one among eight types of Udara where main cause being Mandagni, which leads to Jalodara in later stages. Jalodara closely resembles Ascites, which is defined as the pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Aim: To evaluate the role of Ayurvedic treatment in Jalodara. Material and Methods: A 60-year-old male presented to the OPD with complaints of abdominal distention, anorexia, sour belching, and occasional respiratory distress. The patient was managed according to the Samanya Chikitsa Sutra of Udara roga. Initial treatment focused on Agni Deepana using Ajamodadi Churna, followed by Nitya Virechana with Gomutra Haritaki for 7 days & Udara Lepa with Gomutra Haritaki for 10 days was also done. The patient was also advised to follow a diet regimen including Ksheera Paana as part of Pathya Ahara. Result: All presenting symptoms showed marked improvement following treatment. The abdominal girth at the umbilical level, which measured 89 cm prior to intervention, reduced to 73 cm after treatment and during follow-up. Additionally, abdominal ultrasonography findings that initially indicated mild ascites and splenomegaly showed complete resolution in the post-treatment USG assessment. Discussion & Conclusion: As Agnimandhya is considered as primary etiological factor in this condition, initial management was focused on Agnideepana. This was followed by Nitya Virechana, which facilitated the elimination of Pitta Dosha, Raktaprasadana, Vataanulomana. Udara Lepa contributed to the reduction of accumulated fluid. Additionally, Nitya Ksheera Sevanam which possesses Rechaka properties, supported the therapeutic process.