ABSTRACT Background
Nature cure is the system of healing based on constructive principles of nature which focuses on health rather than diseases. Disease is nothing but nature’s violation that results in morbid deposition, abnormal composition of body fluid and lowered vitality and health is the result of morbid eliminations, restoring composition of body fluid into normal and promoting vitality. Nature cure uses elements of nature –water, earth, air, fire and space and hydrotherapy is the remedy for many diseases. Gastro hepatic pack (GHP) is hydrotherapeutic methods that influence the functioning of stomach and liver. GHP is recommended for many digestive and metabolic disorders especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Objective
To assess the impacts of gastro hepatic pack on liver functions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Materials and methods
The hot water bag (98 to 104 degree F) is kept on the abdominal region, covering the epigastric region, left and right hypo gastric region, left and right lumbar region and umbilical region. The ice bag (55 TO 65 degree F) covers the region of lumbar vertebrae L1, L2, L3 and L5.The treatment is administered in supine lying position, where the hot fomentation bag is kept over the abdominal region and then ice bag on the lower back region. The patients are then covered with cotton cloth and wrapped with woolen blanket.
Study design
Randomized Controlled Trial with sample size of 40 (20 subjects in each) were recruited in study and control group. Study group was given with 20 minutes of GHP for a duration of seven days. Control group were administered with routine Naturopathy & Yoga treatments other than GHP.
Result & Conclusion
The result shows significant changes in plasma ALP, in study group than control group. GHP can be suggested for promoting liver functions in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus when comparing to set of other naturopathy treatments. GHP gives positive changes in plasma ALP.
Key words: Gastro hepatic pack, Hydrotherapy, Naturopathy, Liver function test