Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS: An Ayurvedic Approach

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ayurveda

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal disorder causing diarrhoea and constipation. It can also be accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating. According to Ayurveda, IBS comes under Grahani or diseases due to improper bowel and intestine functioning. Besides, Grahani is an ayurvedic term denoting the seat of digestive fire or Agni, which is responsible for metabolism and digestion. A weak Agni can cause indigestion and consequently lead to Ama or toxins formation. Hence, Ama accumulation can also occur when you suffer from IBS. Ayurveda lists a number of reasons that can cause Grahani, such as suppression of natural urges, irregular eating habits, and stress. Furthermore, Grahani is of four types depending on the dosha imbalances, and so irritable bowel syndrome Ayurveda treatment consists of various approaches, which we will be discussing below.

The four types of Grahani or IBS are Vataja Grahani, Pittaja Grahani, Kaphaja Grahani, and Tridoshaja Grahani. And here are the causes, symptoms, and treatment for each Grahani.

Vataja Grahani

Vataja Grahani is a type of IBS which occurs when the Vata dosha is out of balance. It is caused by the excess intake of astringent and pungent foods as well as inadequate food intake or fasting. Consuming dry, contaminated foods, suppressing natural urges and overexercising too can cause Vataja Grahani. The signs of Vataja Grahani include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, excess wind, dry skin and mouth, weight loss, sleep deprivation, anxiety etc. Ayurvedic treatment of Vataja Grahani focuses on removing the excess Vata. It is done with the help of ayurvedic massages using Vata reducing oils. Further, regular food intake, herbs and spices like ginger, cardamom, shatavari, ashwagandha, triphala, etc help in treating Vataja Grahani as well.

Pittaja Grahani

The type of IBS that occurs as a result of Pitta dosha imbalance is called Pittaja Grahani. Excess intake of sour and salty foods, suppression of natural urges, and overexercising give rise to Pittaja Grahani. Fever, sweating, heartburns, excessive thirst, and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms of Pittaja Grahani. Treating Pittaja Grahani in Ayurveda requires alleviating the excess Pitta. Apart from massages, herbs and spices such as coriander, fennel, turmeric, and amlaki are used as well in the treatment. And when getting treated, it is advised not to take ayurvedic medicine without a prescription from an ayurvedic expert.

Kaphaja Grahani

As the name indicates, Kaphaja Grahani is a type of IBS involving imbalanced Kapha dosha. It is generally caused by consuming hard to digest foods, fatty foods, eating frequently, and immediately sleeping after eating. Kaphaja Grahani symptoms are indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, running nose, lethargy, and so on. The treatment of Kaphaja Grahani starts with balancing the Kapha dosha. Herbs like trikatu, pippali, triphala are beneficial in relieving excess Kapha. And ayurvedic massages with Kapha reducing oils also aid in the treatment. However, proper consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before following any ayurvedic health tips.

Tridoshaja Grahani

Tridoshaja Grahani is a union of the three IBS types mentioned above and involves the imbalances of the three doshas. Hence, the causes, symptoms, and treatments also comprise the combination of the other three Grahani. However, when treating IBS using Ayurveda, the Ama or toxins are eliminated first, and then the particular dosha imbalance causing the condition is treated. Also, it is highly recommended for you to consult an ayurvedic practitioner to know your Ayurveda body types and then start the treatment.

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