EFFECT OF YOGA AND NATUROPATHIC INTERVENTION ON FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic upper abdominal symptoms in the absence of identifiable structural abnormalities. Conventional treatment often provides incomplete symptom relief, prompting interest in complementary therapeutic approaches such as Yoga and Naturopathy. A 62-year-old female presented with postprandial fullness, epigastric pain, epigastric burning sensation, and early satiety for 2–3 years. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed visible erythematous mucosa in the antral region, and the patient fulfilled the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia. Baseline assessment was performed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Severity Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ)-Dyspepsia, and Electrogastrography (EGG).  The patient underwent an integrated Yoga and Naturopathy intervention for eight consecutive days, consisting of selected yoga practices, pranayama, Yoga Nidra, cold abdominal douche therapy, and dietary modification. Post-intervention assessment demonstrated improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms. Upper and lower gastrointestinal symptom scores improved by 31.57% and 34.69%, respectively. The total GSRS score showed a 32.35% reduction, while SEQ-Dyspepsia frequency and intensity scores improved by 35.89% and 30.55%, respectively. EGG findings also demonstrated changes in gastric myoelectrical activity following the intervention. This case suggests that an integrated Yoga and Naturopathy approach may be beneficial in reducing symptom burden and improving gastrointestinal function in patients with functional dyspepsia.