Management of Symptoms Associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and PolyCystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) through an Integrated Approach including Yagya Therapy

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disabling mental disorder, characterized by continous flow of unwanted mental events (thoughts, urges, etc.), accompanied by repetitive physical or mental acts to allay the fear caused by those events. Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by various symptoms such as irregular menses, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, infertility, hirsutism, etc. Although several treatment methodologies have been employed for the treatment of these disorders, side-effect free, long-term, and simultaneous management of these diseases is still a challenge. Purpose: As per the classical texts of Ayurveda, the disease that resembles the symptoms associated with OCD, is Atatvaabhinivesha; It is caused by Dhi Vibhransh, i.e. vitiation of the Dhi element of Buddhi (intellect), and is characterized by the vitiation of one or more of the three Doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. As per the classical texts of Ayurveda, the disease that resembles the symptoms associated with PCOD, is characterized by the vitiation of Kapha Dosha, along with Vata Dushti (vitiation). Hence, treatments that balance these Doshas, as well as have Rasayan (provide rejuvenation and nourishment to the body tissues) properties, are recommended for the management of the symptoms associated with these diseases. Yagya Therapy provides pulmonary inhalation of medicinal smoke of multiple herbs (generated through oblation in fire along with chanting of Vedic hymns), which provide therapeutic benefits. The Vedic hymns also contribute to the positive restructuring of the psyche of the patient. Methods: A case report about a female patient, who was suffering from symptoms associated with both OCD (since past 19 years) and PCOD, as well as other associated ailments, has been presented in this article. The patient was prescribed an integrated approach including Yagya Therapy (using an appropriate herbal formulation - hawan samagri), and some other Ayurvedic treatments like decoction of medicinal herbs, Ayurvedic medicines, dietary recommendations, etc. Results: Before starting the integrated approach including the Yagya Therapy (prescribed in the present study), the patient had several complaints including irregular menses, hirsutism, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, high serum testosterone level, sleeplessness, emotional weakness, depressive and obsessive thoughts, mood swings; after taking the integrated approach including Yagya Therapy, the complaint of PCOD was completely resolved, and the menses had become regular; complaint of vomiting was completely resolved, and blood pressure remains normal now; there was about 75% relief in the complaints of sleeplessness, loss of appetite and weakness; and there was notable relief in most of the other complaints as well. Overall, there was definite improvement in the contition of the patient. Conclusion: The integrated approach including Yagya Therapy showed encouraging results with regards to the simultaneous management of the symptoms associated with OCD and PCOD, as well as other associated ailments.