AYURVEDIC REMEDIES OF CONSTIPATION

Ayurvedic Remedies Of Constipation

This article specifically focuses on Ayurvedic Remedies Of Constipation. Constipation is a common complaint found in clinical practice. It usually refers to persistent, difficult, infrequent or incomplete evacuation of stool. An objective criterion for defining the condition of constipation is pretty difficult. Generally chronic kind of constipation arise with inadequate consumption of fiber or fluid or disordered lower gut function.

Ayurveda has its own kind of understanding about constipation and really effective measures for the remedies of constipation or management of it. Here in this article we will discuss about the ayurvedic approach for the Management and Remedies of constipation.

Constipation from the spectacles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda considers constipation as a result of aggravated Vata in the region of colon. Vata is responsible for all kinds of movement inside the body and the regulatory center of Vata lie in the colon. The common causes for aggravation of vata is enlisted below:

• Vata provoking diet and lifestyle
• Less intake of fluid
• Unhealthy dietary habits
• Irregular eating habit
• Less consumption of food
• Over consumption of meat products
• Suppression of urges
• Anxiety
• Lack of sleep

Way of Remedies of Constipation Through Ayurveda

1. Prohibition of causative factors:

For any ailment in Ayurveda the first line of treatment is Nidan Parivarjan – withdrawal from causative factors. So all the causative factors mentioned above should be prohibited even before commencing the treatment. Since aggravated vata is the primary cause of constipation, measures for reinstating the vata to its normal level should be applied.

This would include:

• Intake of light food which are easily digested– boiled fruits and vegetables, Mung dal soup, rice gruel etc.
• Increased intake of fluid
• Food primarily of sweet, sour and salty taste
• Avoid cold and dry food
• Warm and unctuous diet should be favored
• Maintenance of regular routine of food intake

2. Regular intake of water

Among many techniques, next remedies of constipation through Ayurveda is regular intake of water. Water is required for proper absorption of digestion products and easy evacuation of metabolic waste. Regular intake of water ensures good health of digestive system. Ayurveda recommends intake of warm water after wake up for easy evacuation in the morning.

Intake of frequent sip of water along with the meal and intake of a glass of water at regular interval after meal is considered good for digestion of food and comfortable passage of stool. Intake of water just before and after the meal is prohibited as it disrupts the proper digestion of food by weakening the digestive fire.

However, lukewarm water can be recommended at the end of a heavy meal.

3. Yoga and meditation

Chronic constipation may arise due to psychological causes too. Yoga asana, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for constipation arising from psychological causes. Yoga asana beneficial for constipation include

• Pawanmuktasana
• Udarakarsasana
• Shashakasana
• Matsyasana
• Halasana

Abdominal breathing practice, Uddiyana Bandha and Moola Bandha involves the activation of abdominal and perineal muscles which can help to relieve constipation. Stress relieving meditation practice can be beneficial for relieving symptoms of constipation due to psychological and insomniac causes.

4. Use of laxatives – Technique of remedies of constipation

There are lot of laxatives described in Ayurveda for the management of constipation. Generally used laxatives include Triphala Churna, Panchshakar Churna and Psyllium seed husk.

Triphala churna consists of fruit powder of three plants namely – Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica). While Panchashakar Churna includes powdered form of dried ginger, senna leaves, Anethum sowa, unripe fruit of Haritaki and rock salt.

Usually 3gm of powdered form of these laxatives along with lukewarm water before sleep facilitates easy passage of stool.

Another homemade laxative would be ghee mixed milk.1 spoon of ghee mixed in 1 glass of warm milk also acts as a potent laxative. But it can’t be recommended to those who have lactose intolerance. So it’s better to consult physician which laxative medicine would be better for your condition of constipation.

5. Elimination therapies

Virechana and Vasti are the part of 5 detoxification therapies in Ayurveda. Virechana is the therapeutic purgation while Vasti is the therapeutic enema. Primarily designed for the elimination of aggravated Pitta and Vata respectively, Virechan and Vasti are effective Remedies of constipation too.

In Virechana, the patient is first recommended with specific diet and preparatory therapies of oleation and fomentation before the main therapy. On the day of the therapy the patient is asked to drink purgative medication under the guidance of trained therapist and physician. The patient will experience frequent defecation after some duration of intake of medication.

Similar to Virechana, in Vasti therapy too, the patient has to undergo preparatory phases. Then on the main therapy day, herbal decoction is prepared which is then passed through the anal route as enema fluid.

Conclusion

With changing habit of diet and lifestyle, ailments related to gastrointestinal system is increasing day by day and constipation is one of them. Ayurvedic Remedies Of Constipation is sound and safe. With holistic approach, Ayurveda can relieve constipation of chronic conditions through diet, medication, yoga and elimination therapies.