A CLINICAL STUDY ON ADD-ON EFFECTIVENESS OF AGNIHOTRA AND AGNIHOTRA BHASMA AS SHIROPICHU IN STRESS DISORDER

Stress is a significant concern in the modern world, with the World Health Organization declaring it the "Health Epidemic of the 21st Century." It has a profound impact on individuals, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological distress, with medical researchers estimating that 90% of illnesses are stress-related. The causes of stress, known as stressors, affect mood, well-being, behaviour, and health. According to yoga philosophy, stress is rooted as Dukkha (misery) and Klesha (suffering), disrupting inner equilibrium and leading to psychosomatic disorders. Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa, an Ayurvedic therapeutic approach, employs techniques like Mani, Mantra, Bali, Homa, Abhyupahara, and Japa for stress relief. Additionally, the practice of Agnihotra, a Vedic ritual involving fire offerings and the byproducts i.e, Agnihotra Bhasma has been linked to positive effects on mental health and may help combat conditions like epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety. It is a simple procedure, costeffective, feasible with no gender discrimination to perform. A combination therapy of Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa and yukthi vyapashraya can benefit in managing the stress disorder. The study aims to assess the impact of Agnihotra and Agnihotra Bhasma Shiropichu on the stress levels by comparing the pretest and post-test results in both control and study groups. This open-label double-arm clinical study will help evaluate the potential benefits of these interventions in managing stress.