The Role of Ayurveda in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 The human digestive system is a complex network of organs and they perform the most crucial function of breaking down the food we consume into nutrients so that our bodies can absorb them. When this intricate system faces disruptions, it can lead to discomfort and health issues, and one of the most prominent conditions known is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)  also known as spastic colon or irritable colon is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, often known as the gastrointestinal tract. The colon muscle contracts more in patients with IBS than in people who do not have the condition. As a result, cramping and discomfort arise. Patients also have lower pain tolerance. According to research, patients are prone to having excess bacteria in the GI tract which adds up to the symptoms.

How Does Ayurveda Define Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS in Ayurveda is known as “Grahani”. 

Ayurveda throws light on the digestion process where the purpose of Agni (the digestive fire) is to break down the food into energy and nutrition. Once the digestion is complete, the food passes onto the next stage from various digestive organs. But when these organs don't work properly, or the bowel loses control and absorption weakens, it's called "grahani”. This poor digestion can result in the buildup of toxins (ama), which can cause all of the primary symptoms of IBS. As a result, the first step in Ayurvedic therapy of IBS is to cure and reduce Ama. The body gets detoxified and the doshas are balanced in this manner.

The Symptoms

Very few patients experience severe symptoms. Many can manage symptoms through diet, lifestyle, and stress management. For those with severe symptoms, medication and counseling are effective treatments.

 Let’s get a better understanding of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One of the primary symptoms of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort that comes with change in bowel habits. Most patients describe different kinds of abdominal discomfort like a sharp pain, cramping, bloating, fullness, and even burning. This can be caused due to certain foods, mealtime, stress, constipation, or diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

• The feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Migraine headaches

• Sleep disturbances

• Mucus in stool

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Urgency

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The root cause of IBS remains unknown, though there are many ways to treat the condition. An overly sensitive colon or immune system are two possible explanations for the condition. It is also said that a past bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system causes postinfectious IBS. IBS is tough to prevent because of numerous probable reasons.

• Colon moving too slowly or spasming, leading to painful cramps.

• Unusual serotonin levels in the colon, mess with movement and bowel activity.

• A bacterial imbalance in the digestive tract.

• Improper timing of having food or skipping meals

• Any sort of physical and mental stress.

• Accumulation of Toxins in tissues involved in the process of circulation.

• Some underlying conditions like nervous system imbalance and abnormal gut activity.

• Toxin build-up in tissues involved in the process of circulation.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ayurveda is a holistic and natural treatment option for IBS that effectively treats and reduces the symptoms in the most natural way. The Ayurvedic treatment for IBS aims to balance body energies, improve digestion, and detoxify the system. Stress is a major factor, so treatment also includes lifestyle advice and herbs for calming the mind and nervous system.

Based on bowel patterns, it may be divided into four types:

• Constipation predominant Grahani/IBS (Vataja)

• Diarrhea predominant Grahani/IBS (Pittaja)

• Dysentery predominant Grahani/IBS (Kaphaja)

• When a person encounters a combination of all the above symptoms (Tridoshaja)

Ayurvedic treatment is performed depending on the body type. Here an experienced Ayurvedic physician will be in a better position to advise you on the type of treatment plan after diagnosing your mind/body type.

Panchakarma or Ayurvedic Detox

Panchakarma treatment focuses on a specialized enema therapy. Ayurvedic enemas directly cleanse and nourish the colon, bypassing the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. This treatment signifies 5 forms of treatment namely Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana. These actions help your mind and body respond better to IBS treatments.

At Vaidya Healthcare, your health will be in the best hands, as the core system they follow is Ayurveda, and  Irritable Bowel Syndrome is treated here in the most effective manner, assuring you stay in the best of health. Specifically, the Kerala Ayurveda tradition is employed to provide comprehensive treatment for chronic ailments.

CONTACT US

Vaidya Health Care Hospital

MC Road,Vattakatupady

Perumbavoor,Ernakulam ,Kerala India 683542 

0091-9744-55-3000 , 0091 9995922289

info@vaidyahealthcare.in