Kidney stones can make even the simplest act, like drinking water, trigger anxiety. The main symptoms are Sharp pain, intense discomfort, and difficulty passing urine often lead individuals into a cycle of medical appointments, treatments, and, sometimes, recurring episodes.
In Ayurveda, this condition is called Mutrashmari. It is classified among the Ashtamahagada, which are the eight serious diseases outlined in AyurVedic classical texts. Ancient physicians viewed this condition not only as a physical ailment but also as a significant disruption to the body’s balance, hence precise and thoughtful treatment should be done
A Story from Practice
A 52-year-old man had been suffering from kidney stones for the past three years. The last two months had been particularly tough for him. He experienced pain radiating from his back to his groin, had difficulty urinating, and felt a burning sensation with each trip to the restroom. His condition was severe, and he was considering surgical options.
He turned to Ayurveda for help.
The Ayurvedic Plan
The Ayurvedic plan was carefully crafted, combining two distinct elements:
1. Viddhakarma is a traditional para-surgical technique similar to lithotripsy, performed weekly over four sessions. Each session focuses on the lateral border of the thumbs. (Viddhakarma is a manual technique used in Ayurveda to break down kidney stones.)
2. Shamana Chikitsa is palliative therapies aimed at restoring internal balance and facilitating stone elimination.
This plan wasn’t about aggressive surgical intervention—it was about aligning the body’s own systems to break down and flush out the stones.
The Turnaround
By the end of just one month, something remarkable had happened:
The pain was gone.
Urination was comfortable again.
An ultrasound scan confirmed the kidneys were completely free of stones.
Why This Matters
Ayurveda’s combination of precise manual techniques, such as Viddhakarma, with internal healing therapies offers a different, less invasive approach. This is especially beneficial for those who are hesitant about surgery or concerned about the possibility of recurrence, instilling a sense of optimism and open-mindedness about alternative treatments.
Of course, this is just one case. Larger, systematic studies are needed to truly determine how—and for whom—this method works best. However, as this experience demonstrates, sometimes ancient wisdom can provide new hope in modern healthcare settings, keeping the audience informed and aware of the current state of Ayurvedic treatments for kidney stones.
APA Reference
Hardik, Sengupta, A., & Chinky. (2024, April 10). A case study on Ayurvedic management of Mutrashmari (Urolithiasis). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 9(2), 300–304. https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.9.2.48
This blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health.
