Straining in the toilet seat? Are you still depending upon those over-the-counter laxatives and still suffering from constipation? Do you wish to recover from this never-ending saga? Let’s do this naturally!
Constipation is a frequent ailment that can strike anyone at any age, but it’s more prevalent in the elderly. This digestive disorder can make it difficult to have regular bowel movements, which can cause discomfort, bloating, and even abdominal pain. While several over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate this issue, Ayurvedic treatment for constipation has been used for centuries as a natural remedy.
What is Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive problem caused by factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and dehydration. Constipation occurs when the large intestine absorbs too much water from the stool, resulting in dry and hard stools passing. It could also be due to insufficient bowel wall contraction to evacuate the stool and waste product.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Constipation can be correlated to Vibandha in Ayurveda. Due to excessive consumption of fermented foods, excessive fasting, daytime sleeping, night work, stress etc., Vata dosha in the body gets aggravated, resulting in loss of appetite, heaviness in the abdomen, irregular bowel habits, etc.
What Causes Constipation
Several factors may cause constipation. Even though it’s fairly typical to occasionally not have bowel movements, if the problem continues, you may want to change some aspects of your lifestyle. It may be helpful to understand the reasons for constipation. Let’s look at it now.
- Poor diet(low-fibre diet)
- Irregular eating and sleeping patterns
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Less immobility and lack of exercise
- Ageing, stress and travel
- Ignoring the urge to defecate
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Drugs such as antacids, anti-histamines, antipsychotic drugs, aspirin, beta-blockers,anti-hypertensive drugs, iron and calcium supplements, diuretics, calcium channel blockers etc.
- Secondary to hypothyroidism, anal fissure, chronic renal failure, colon or rectal cancer, hypercalcaemia etc.
- Lazy Bowel Syndrome, an underlying condition where the colon contracts abnormally to prevent stools from passing, can also cause constipation.
- Constipation is an issue among some pregnant women who are perfectly healthy otherwise.
Related diseases with constipation
Constipation rarely leads to complications for the majority of individuals, but persistent constipation can lead to:
- Haemorrhoids (piles)
- Faecal impaction (Condition where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum)
- Bowel incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools)
- Rectal prolapse
Risk factors
- Old age
- Female gender
- Less exercise/ physical activity
- Low-calorie intake
Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation
The first step in ayurvedic therapy for constipation is determining the underlying cause of it for each individual. A personalised treatment plan is provided that is made specifically for your body system. Ayurveda concentrates on balancing your vitiated doshas (vata dosha in the case of constipation) and offers a realistic diet plan, several lifestyle suggestions, and an Ayurvedic remedy for constipation. As a result, Ayurveda relieves constipation, strengthens the digestive system, and enhances the quality of life.
The treatment plan includes the following:
- Nidana parivarjana (avoidance of aetiological factors)is the first step towards a successful treatment. Avoiding an unhealthy diet, erratic eating patterns, a low-fibre diet, tension, and insufficient hydration is best.
- Samshodhana chikitsa (Bio-cleansing treatments)
- Snehana: Three to seven days before panchakarma, perform snehapana (internal oleation) with Sukumara ghrita 50 ccs and 2-3 gm sadhana lavana daily.
- Swedana:One day of Sarvanga Sveda
- Virechana with draksha phanta, eranda taila etc., can be performed according to the patient’s condition.
- Vasti: Niruha vasti and anuvasana vasti can be performed intermittently according to the yoga vasti krama
- Phalavarti (medicated suppositories)
- NB: Virechana and Vasti are clearly under the descriptions of a physician based on the patient’s state.
Medication
If lifestyle changes fail to alleviate constipation, pharmacological therapy should be initiated, typically with laxatives, carminatives, and pachana drugs. Avipathy churna, Triphala churna, Gandharvahastadi kashayam, Eranda taila, Sukumara lehyam, Trivrt lehya etc., can be given according to the condition of the patient.
Yogasanas
Several yoga poses are gentle and effective, and they work by improving digestion and facilitating regular exercise that can help alleviate constipation. Poses like Paschimottanasana (seated bowel movements. forward bend), Malasana (garland pose), Pawanmuktasana (wind relieving pose), Kurmasana, Vakrasana, Katichakrasana, Sarvangasana, Shavasana, Mandukasana, Vajrasana, Merudanda Sanchalanasana etc.
Additionally, Yogamudra, Shankha prakshalana, Nadi Shodhana pranayama, and regular exercises like walking or jogging can equally benefit you.
Natural remedies
1. Triphala powder: Triphala is a combination of three fruits that help to cleanse the colon and promote bowel movements. It should be mixed with water and taken before bedtime.
2. Castor oil: Castor oil is a natural laxative that can help to relieve constipation. It can be taken orally or applied externally to the abdomen to promote bowel movement.
3. Psyllium husk: Psyllium husk is a natural fibre that can help to soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. It can be mixed with water or juice and taken daily.
4. Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that can help to relieve constipation. Drinking ginger tea can improve digestion and promote bowel movements.
5. Trikatu churna: Trikatu churna combines three spices (ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) that can help stimulate digestion and promote bowel movements. It can be mixed with honey and taken after meals.
In addition to these natural remedies, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and managing stress. If constipation persists, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Diet changes for managing constipation.
Take warm water or milk in the early morning
Eat an adequate breakfast
Increase the intake of fibre-rich diets like beans, brown rice, whole cereals, fruits, citrus fruits, and legumes.
Include an adequate amount of oil in the foods as it may result in Rectal cancer
- Use a few seasonings, including asafetida, carom seeds, ginger, turmeric, and garlic.
- Ghee or organic oils are advised for use when preparing.
- Eat less junk food, fried food, prepared food, spicy food, and meat-based foods. Drink tepid water all day long.
- You must drink enough water all day long
- You can consume warm stews or dal soups.
- Additionally, it’s important to refrain from smoking, drinking booze, and taking too much caffeine.
- Overeating and other unhealthy eating habits hurt digestive health and should be avoided.
Lifestyle changes
- Make a habit of regular bowel habits
- Walk for about 30 minutes daily
- Don’t suppress the urge to defecate
- To encourage regular bowel motions, dedicate 10 minutes daily to the toilet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ayurvedic treatment for constipation offers a gentle and natural approach to addressing digestive issues. The most effective way to address constipation is through dietary and lifestyle changes. Eating a diet that’s high in fibre can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Ayurveda recommends eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to ensure adequate fibre intake. Adding spices like ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper to meals can help improve digestion. Additionally, yogic practices and a proper diet bring about satisfactory results.
