AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KRODHA (PATHOLOGICAL ANGER) IN A COMPETITIVE SPORTSPERSON: A CASE REPORT

Krodha (anger) is recognised in Ayurveda as a Manasika Vikara arising from an intensified state of Rajas Guna, capable of vitiating Pitta Dosha and disturbing multiple body systems when left unregulated. Competitive sportspersons, owing to high physical and psychological demand, intense rivalry and public scrutiny, represent a population particularly susceptible to maladaptive anger expression. This report describes the Ayurvedic management of a 24-year-old competitive boxer presenting with recurrent anger outbursts that had begun to affect both his interpersonal relationships and competitive standing. Assessment revealed a Pitta-Vata predominant Prakriti with Rajasika Sattva and elevated baseline scores on the Anger and Aggressiveness subscales of the Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale (CAAS). The patient was managed over eight weeks with Shamana Aushadha (Manasamitra Vataka, Brahmi Ghrita, Saraswatarishta), external procedures (Shirodhara, Nasya) and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa incorporating structured counselling and cooling Pranayama, alongside dietary and lifestyle modification. A graded reduction in both CAAS subscale scores was observed over the follow-up period, accompanied by improved interpersonal functioning and competitive performance, with no further disciplinary incidents. This case illustrates the practical applicability of classical Krodha-Pitta-Manas principles in a contemporary sports context and underscores the importance of anti-doping compliant prescribing when treating competitive athletes with Ayurvedic formulations.