ROLE OF MANASA NIDANA IN AGNIMANDYA LEADING TO STHAULYA: A LITERARY REVIEW

Sthaulya or commonly known as obesity is a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi in Ayurveda, a disorder stemming from systemic over-nourishment.[1] While contemporary Ayurvedic research frequently focuses only on Aharaj and Viharaj Nidana, specifically dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles, the profound impact of Manasa Nidana or we can say psychological triggers remains a neglected area of investigation. Factors such as Achintana i.e. lack of mental exertion and Nitya Harsha which is excessive indulgence in pleasure, and other factors like chronic emotional stress serve as primary etiological drivers that are often overlooked or ignored in standard obesity management. The pathogenesis of Sthaulya is rooted in Agnimandya - a state of suppressed metabolic fire that impairs systemic digestion and tissue formation, eventually leading to the excessive and pathological accumulation of Meda Dhatu. This over production of Meda Dhatu causes Sthaulya. This review establishes a causal link between persistent mental stressors and the decline of metabolic efficiency. Manasa Nidana acts as a catalyst in the Samprapti of Sthaulya by provoking a Tridosha imbalance within the Manovaha Srotas. This mental vitiation triggers a secondary failure of both Jatharagni and Medodhatvagni. When these fires are compromised and suppressed, the body fails to transform nutrients into healthy tissues and hence produces a toxic, undigested byproduct known as Ama. The presence of ama results in Sroto-rodha or systemic channel obstruction, specifically within the Medovaha Srotas. This blockage increases abnormal accumulation of meda dhatu which leads to Sthaulya. By addressing the psychological root of Agnimandya, clinicians can effectively reverse the cycle of Ama formation and halt obesity at its source.