Efficacy of Bhramari Kumbhaka and Mansyadi Ghanvati in the Management of Mild and Short-term Insomnia in Geriatric Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Nidra is said to be the primary factor which holds up the life of all created beings. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, especially among the elderly, stress, fatigue, and mental strain disrupt health. According to Acharya Charaka, Kala and Vata play key roles in regulating sleep. In old age, the Chala Guna of Vata disturbs mental calm, leading to Anidra. Insomnia is broadly defined as dissatisfaction with sleep, either qualitatively or quantitatively, which affects 30–48% of the elderly. A female patient 62 Years old who complained of Difficulty in initiating sleep, Difficulty in maintaining sleep, Early morning awakening with an inability to return to sleep within last 2 months and associated complaints of Angamarda, Shirogaurava, Tandra and Klama etc, visited the outpatient department of the Swasthavritta department. The patient was without any systemic illness. The patient underwent Bhramari Kumbhaka in gradually increasing rounds of 5, 7, 11, and 15 over two-week intervals, under supervision and following the method described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, along with oral administration of Mansyadi Ghanvati, 2 tablets (500 mg) twice daily after meals, with milk as Anupana, for a duration of eight weeks. After 60 days of treatment, symptomatic relief was observed. Serum cortisol levels decreased from 11.38 µg/dL before treatment to 9.87 µg/dL after treatment. The Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale score improved from 40 before treatment to 10 after treatment. Bhramari Kumbhaka calms the mind, reduces stress, enhances Sattva Guna, and balances Vata Dosha. Mansyadi Ghanvati with its Nidrajanaka, Balya, and Vata-Kaphahara properties. This case study suggests that combining yogic breathing technique and Ayurvedic medicine offers a safe, effective and alternative approach for managing mild and short-term insomnia in the elderly.