Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Management in Ayurveda
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the small intestine characterised by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea or both).
In Ayurveda, IBS is correlated with the condition called Grahani, which is disturbed functions of the intestine. According to Ayurveda, grahani is duodenum (The duodenum is the first and shortest segment of the small intestine) which is the seat of Agni or digestive fire. The food will be held in duodenum until digestion is completed by Agni or digestive fire. After the food ends digestion, it passes onto the next part of the digestive tract for absorption. However, if the Agni is weak, then the food is not entirely digested and results in the formation of toxins known as Ama. This Ama will further combine with normal food leading to the formation of foul-smelling stools. There will be a remarkable presence of Ama in the body of the person who is suffering from grahani.
Aetiological Factors:
- Excessive fasting
- Eating before the digestion of previously taken food.
- Excessive intake of food.
- Taking food which is unwholesome, heavy, cold and dry in nature.
- Excessive intake of junk food.
- Suppression of natural urges.
- Unhygienic sleep pattern.
- Emotions such as grief, anger, fear.
- Seasonal climatic changes.
- Travel
- Suffering from any chronic illness.
Pathology:
Due to the causative factors explained earlier, the vata will come to an imbalance state (specially Samana vata), and it blocks the digestion and absorption strength of the intestine. Thus, prevents normal functioning of the intestine. Common functions of intestine include;
- Receiving the food from the stomach.
- Digestion
- Separating the nutrients and waste products.
- Pushing the waste products to its exterior large-intestine.
Signs and Symptoms
In Ayurveda, signs and symptoms of Grahani is based on the imbalanced dosha.
Vataja Grahani Symptoms: Caused due to imbalance of Vata
- Abdominal pain
- Increased frequency of stool.
- Distention of abdomen.
- Flatulence
- Loss of weight.
- Loss of sleep and Anxiety.
Pittaja Grahani Symptoms: Caused due to imbalance of Pitta
- Chest burn and Sour belching.
- Headache and Irritability.
- Diarrhoea
- Fever and feeling hot.
Kaphaja Grahani: Caused due to imbalance of Kapha
- Nausea and Vomiting.
- Heaviness of abdomen
- Stool with mucus.
- Incomplete evacuation of bowel.
Sannipataja Grahani:
- When all the three doshas are imbalanced
- Mixed features of all doshas.
- Lack of concentration.
- Pain on the lumbar region.
- Severe debility.
Complications of Grahani:
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Diarrhoea
- Cough
- Indigestion
- Skin diseases
- Anaemia
- Fistula in anus
- Fissure- in – anorectal region
- Haemorrhoids
- Vertigo
Ayurvedic Line of Management:
In Ayurveda, initial treatment involves the elimination of the Ama or toxins from the body, and later treatments will bring back doshas to its normal state. Medicines used should have the property such as deepana (carminative property), Pachana (digestive), Sangrahi (intestinal restorative), and Laghu (lightness).
Along with the Ayurveda medication, one should follow a wholesome diet and lifestyle.- Intake of easily digestible food.
- Consuming buttermilk, cumin seed, Pomegranate is good.
- Drink warm water.
- Try to follow a healthy sleep pattern.
- Moderate exercise is beneficial.
- Avoid excessive intake of dairy products.
- Avoid excessive intake of spicy, fatty and oily food.
Contact Herbal Heal Ayurveda Sydney for an appointment with Dr Aswani Anil to discuss your health condition. (https://herbalheal.com.au/about.php)
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