Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment

Constipation is a condition characterised by difficulty passing stools or a complete cessation of bowel movements for a period. In Ayurveda, having fewer than one bowel movement per day is considered a cause for concern. According to Ayurveda, ensuring consistent elimination is a crucial aspect of holistic well-being.

Theory and Ayurvedic View on Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, constipation, referred to as “vibandha,” arises from challenges in fully emptying the bowels or passing hard stool, often linked to dietary and lifestyle choices. Ayurveda attributes digestive issues, including constipation, to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, a fundamental energy in the body. The resulting constipation is addressed in Ayurveda through a holistic approach, emphasising the enhancement of ‘Mand-Agni’ or low digestive fire. Factors like excessive intake of greasy foods and a lack of exercise contribute to this condition by slowing down metabolism and affecting ‘Apana Vayu,’ responsible for stool expulsion. Poor digestion leads to the gradual accumulation of undigested food in the stomach and intestines, disrupting Vata balance , and resulting constipation 

Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment: Causes

Weak Digestive System: Digestive system not working efficiently.

Low Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough water.

Low-Fiber Diet: Eating foods lacking in fibre.

Lack of Exercise: Not engaging in physical activity.

Laxative Abuse: Overusing laxatives, affecting natural bowel function.

Medication Impact: Certain medications, like pain relievers and antidepressants.

Disease Conditions:Conditions such as metabolic or endocrine diseases contributing to constipation.

Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment: Symptoms

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterised by various symptoms that impact the regularity and ease of bowel movements. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early identification and management of constipation.

Main Symptoms:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week.
• Difficulty passing stool.
• Straining during bowel movements.
• Passing less stool than usual.
• Stool is lumpy, dry, or hard.

Other Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and cramping.
• Feeling bloated.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.

Cure Perspective of Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment

In Ayurveda, the perspective on constipation is rooted in balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and maintaining overall digestive health. Ayurveda views constipation as an imbalance primarily associated with aggravated Vata dosha. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to address the root cause of the issue, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment

Fibre-Rich Diet:

• Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes for added fiber.
• Consider having a salad mix of fruits and vegetables during lunch or dinner.

Hydration:

• Drink ample water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.

Limit Tea and Coffee:

• Avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee.

Moderate Dairy:

• Reduce dairy product intake in your diet.

Move Regularly:

• Avoid prolonged sitting; move around to prevent stagnation.

Respond to Urges:

• Don’t resist natural urges; attend to them promptly.

Avoid Junk Food:

• Steer clear of junk and processed foods in your diet.

Warm Liquids:

• Start your day with warm liquids (excluding tea and coffee).

Regular Meals:

• Maintain a regular meal schedule.

Caution with Medication:

• Avoid self-medication; seek professional advice.

Yoga Asanas and Exercises:

• Practice yoga asanas like Pawanmuktasana, Uttana Padasana, and exercises that exert gentle pressure on the abdomen for relief.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

Ayurveda offers various herbal medications and formulations to address constipation. Keep in mind that the choice of medication may vary based on individual constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and overall health condition.

Panchakarma is a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification and purification therapy that aims to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and eliminate accumulated toxins from the body. While Panchakarma is not specifically designed for constipation, some of its components may indirectly benefit digestive health.

Virechana:

• Virechana is a therapeutic purgation that aims to eliminate excess Pitta and toxins from the body, primarily targeting the gastrointestinal tract. It involves the ingestion of medicated ghee followed by herbal purgatives. This process can help cleanse the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements.

Basti:

• Basti, or herbal enema therapy, is a key component of Panchakarma. It involves introducing medicated oils or decoctions into the rectum. Basti is considered highly effective for balancing Vata dosha, which is often associated with constipation. It lubricates the intestines, softens stools, and facilitates their passage.

Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, and it can be attributed to various factors related to hormonal changes, increased pressure on the intestines, and changes in diet and lifestyle.

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy leads to elevated progesterone levels, relaxing digestive muscles and slowing bowel movements.

Increased Pressure: The growing uterus exerts pressure on the intestines, causing sluggishness in bowel movements.

Iron Supplements: Necessary during pregnancy, iron supplements can contribute to constipation.

During pregnancy, it’s important to approach constipation with caution, as some herbal remedies may not be suitable for use during this sensitive time. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure that any treatment is safe for both you and your baby.

Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment: Prevention

Preventing constipation involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Include fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, stay well-hydrated, and establish regular meal times. Engage in physical activity to promote bowel regularity and avoid low-fiber processed foods. Practice mindful eating, include prunes or probiotics, limit caffeine and alcohol, establish a consistent toilet routine, ensure adequate rest, and consider fiber supplements with guidance from a healthcare professional.

Recommended Yoga Poses for Constipation

Yoga Asanas, or yoga postures, play a significant role in promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. The practice of yoga asanas offers various benefits that contribute to improved digestion and regular bowel movements. 

Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist):

• Stimulates pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, and stomach.
• Improves bowel movements and relaxes abdominal muscles.
• Sit with legs extended, cross your left leg under the right, and twist your upper body.

Vajrasana:

• Improves blood circulation in the abdominal region.
• Helpful for chronic constipation and stomach disorders.
• Kneel on the floor, sit back on legs with hands on thighs.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

• Enhances digestive tract function.
• Strengthens abdominal muscles.
• Lie on the stomach, lift the trunk and head with palms, look upward.

Halasana:

• Reduces stress and strengthens back muscles.
• Stimulates abdominal viscera for better digestion.
• Lie on your back, lift legs over head, supporting hips with hands.

Pavanamuktasana:

• Relieves gas and improves the digestive system.
• Lie on your back, lift legs to chest, and press against chest with hands.

Dhanurasana:

• Puts pressure on the abdomen, stretching organs.
• Relieves gastric problems.
• Lie on your stomach, bend knees, hold ankles, lift legs and look up.

Paschimottanasana:

• Strengthens back muscles and abdominal organs.
• Stimulates digestive organs and aids detoxification.
• Sit with legs straight, inhale, stretch spine, exhale, bend forward towards feet.

Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):

• Combats indigestion, gas, cramps, and bloating.
• Reduces stress with regular practice.
• Sit with spine erect, bend knees, touch feet together, flap legs like a butterfly.

Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda

Dheemahi Ayurveda is dedicated to prioritising patient health and well-being through a rich tradition of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through five generations. Our team comprises expert doctors who are committed to your health journey. Dheemahi Ayurveda is an authentic and traditional Ayurveda Hospital.

With daily consultations we provide more reliability as by doing physical examinations, doctors can get more findings about the condition of the patient.

For chronic diseases – routine follow-up check-up is also an essential requirement which cannot be ignored. In the case of therapies needed for the relief of the symptoms, the supervision of a doctor is very much important. Dheemahi facilitates the supervision of our doctors in every Panchakarma therapies with exact documentation of your treatment schedule