A clinical study conducted at the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, under the Ministry of Ayush, has found that combining Ayurvedic medicine with yoga asanas significantly improves bedwetting outcomes in children. The eight-week study involving about 38 children aged 6 to 14 years was carried out by the Department of Kaumarbhritya (Paediatrics) at ITRA and the results have been published in the AYU Journal.
The research compared two treatment approaches: Ayurvedic medicine alone and Ayurvedic medicine combined with regular yoga practice. Children receiving both interventions showed substantially better results across multiple parameters than those receiving only the traditional formulation.
Key facts
- Study location: Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar
- Participants: Approximately 38 children aged 6 to 14 years
- Study duration: Eight weeks
- Improvement in bedwetting frequency: 38 percent with Ayurvedic medicine alone; 70 percent with combined approach
- Memory improvement: 31 percent with medicine alone; 61 percent with combined approach
- Reduction in irritability: 66 percent with combined approach
- Reduction in hyperactivity: 71 percent with combined approach
- Ayurvedic formulation: Medhya Rasayana Churna, administered twice daily with milk
- Yoga asanas prescribed: Utkatasana, Ardha-Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana and Shavasana, practised morning and evening
- Published in: AYU Journal
The treatment approach
The study divided participating children into two groups to test the effectiveness of different interventions. The first group received Medhya Rasayana Churna, an Ayurvedic formulation containing Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, Yashtimadhu (liquorice) and Guduchi. This medicine was given twice daily with milk over the eight-week period.
The second group received the identical Ayurvedic formulation but also practised four specific yoga asanas regularly. Utkatasana and Ardha-Shalabhasana are standing poses, Bhujangasana is a prone backbend, and Shavasana is the relaxation pose performed at the end of practice. Children in this group performed these asanas both in the morning and evening throughout the study period.
Results and improvements
The combined intervention produced significantly better outcomes. Children receiving only Ayurvedic medicine showed a 38 percent reduction in bedwetting frequency. Those combining the same medicine with yoga asanas demonstrated a 70 percent improvement in the same metric, nearly doubling the effectiveness of medicine alone.
Beyond bedwetting reduction, the research measured several related improvements. Memory scores improved by 61 percent in the combined group, compared to 31 percent in the medicine-only group. Irritability decreased by approximately 66 percent among children receiving the integrated treatment. Hyperactivity, which often accompanies bedwetting and sleep issues in children, reduced by 71 percent with the combined approach, and researchers also noted improvements in concentration and mood.
How yoga and Ayurveda work together
According to Prof. Dr. Tanuja Nesari, Director of ITRA, nocturnal enuresis can result from weak bladder control, psychological factors and behavioural issues. The research suggests that specific yoga poses, particularly Utkatasana and Bhujangasana, may strengthen the pelvic region and improve bladder control through targeted physical practice.
The Ayurvedic ingredients in the formulation serve a complementary function. Brahmi and Shankhpushpi have been used traditionally in Ayurveda for their calming properties and their support for mental well-being. This combination addresses both the physical and psychological dimensions of the condition, which explains why the integrated approach outperformed either treatment alone.
What this means for you
Parents and caregivers of children experiencing bedwetting now have research-backed evidence that an integrated traditional approach may be more effective than relying on single interventions. The study demonstrates that combining Ayurvedic treatment with consistent yoga practice offers better results, with improvement rates reaching 70 percent. The additional benefits for concentration, mood and hyperactivity management suggest broader benefits beyond resolving bedwetting alone.
The research emphasizes that bedwetting is a common childhood condition requiring sensitivity and appropriate medical guidance. Rather than viewing it as purely a medical problem, the integrated approach recognizes the role of lifestyle practices and mental well-being in addressing the issue.