Yogic Cleansing and Thyroid Health: Exploring the Role of Kunjal Kriya in Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Hypothyroidism is characterized by reduced thyroid production, which leads to metabolic, psychological, and systemic imbalance in the body. Yogic cleansing practices (Shaṭkarma), particularly Kunjal Kriya (Yogic Emesis), are described as beneficial for balancing Kapha Dosha and improving metabolic and endocrine functions. Hence, this review combines the theoretical and scientific evidence about the role of Kunjal Kriya in hypothyroidism. Methods: Various classical Yogic texts, such as Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, and Ashtang Hrudaya, were analysed alongside peer-reviewed research articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, which were collected, compared, and analysed. Also, clinical studies which are related to Jaldhauti and hypothyroidism, focusing on metabolic and preventive practices, were systematically examined to assess the potential benefits of Kunjal Kriya on hypothyroidism. Results: The reviewed literature shows that Kunjal Kriya influences thyroid function indirectly with improved communication between the gastric, hypothalamic, and pituitary axes, and enhanced metabolic efficiency. Traditional Yogic texts describe its role as decreasing Kapha Dosha accumulation and stimulating Agni, which may be relevant to the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism. Discussion: Kunjal Kriya appears to offer potential adjunctive benefits in hypothyroidism management by addressing associated factors like metabolic, digestive, and psychosomatic factors. Though it is effective, Integration of Kunjal Kriya should be approached cautiously, under expert supervision, and as a complementary therapy rather than the only treatment for hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Kunjal Kriya helps as an adjuvant Yogic intervention in the management of hypothyroidism. Further experimental and clinical research is needed to validate its role and to develop standardized protocols for safe clinical application.