How To Identify And Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Through Ayurveda

Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that troubles innumerable people around the world. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, a chronic condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

According to Ayurveda, Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease called Grahani is disturbed the functions of the bowels and intestines. Ancient ayurvedic scriptures of Susruta Samhita and Charak Samhita describe Irritable bowel syndrome as Grahani, which is a mix of belly discomfort and trouble with normal bowel functioning. The imbalance of the Vata doshas in the body leads to an aggravation of the IBS symptoms. So Ayurveda recommends that Irritable Bowel syndrome can be treated effectively by normalizing the Vata doshas in the body.

Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a series of symptoms that typically affect the digestive tract and intestines.

Some symptoms of IBS:

• Pain in the lower abdominal region.
• An urge to empty the bowels after meals.
• Abdominal pain followed by the emptying of the bowels.
• Diarrhoea.
• Constipation.
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowels.
• Flatulence.
• Abdominal distension.

Causes Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to Ayurveda, the reasons for Irritable bowel syndrome or Grahani are as follows,

• Unhealthy dietary choices.
• Excessive intake of food particles which are difficult to digest.
• Intake of foods that cause allergy.
• In taking foods low on nutrients.
• Overeating, eating at irregular intervals.
• Other physical and mental factors like emotional problems, stress etc.
• Due to excessive consumption of spicy junk food or acidic food.

Different Types Of Gragani

Ayurveda speaks of 4 different types of Grahani based on the Dosha involved. They are Vataja Grahani, Pittaja Grahani, Kaphaja Grahani, Tridoshaja Grahani.

1. Vataja Grahani

This type of IBS/Grahani, Pitta Dosha is involved and out of balance.

Symptoms

• Dry skin, hair, nails, a dry mouth or throat.
• Constipation or constipation alternating with diarrhea.
• Abdominal distension, bloating, flatulence, and excess wind.
• Feeling cold most of the time.
• A history of back or lower abdominal pain.
• Loss of weight, loss of sleep, anxiety, nervousness.

2. Pittaja Grahani

This type of IBS/Grahani, Pitta Dosha is involved and out of balance.

Symptoms

• Heat symptoms, sweating, fever, feeling hot.
• Heartburns, belching, sour eructation.
• Excessive thirst, irritability, and a history of loss of temper.
• Diarrhea, loose liquid stools.

3. Kaphaja Grahani

This type of IBS/Grahani, Kapha Dosha is involved and out of balance.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in digestion.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
• A running nose, expectoration.
• The heaviness of the body, lethargy, loss of movement.
• Stools are slimy and full of mucus.

4. Tridoshaja Grahani

It occurs by the combination of factors of the above three types.

Symptoms

• Gurgling sounds in the abdomen.
• Passing of stools with mild pain.
• Pain in the lumbar region.

Vataja Grahani, Pittaja Grahani, Kaphaja Grahani, and Tridoshaja Grahani are four types of Grahani that arises due to the imbalance of Tridosha such as Vata,Pitta and Kapha.

Remedies To Cure IBS Through Ayurveda

• Eat fiber-filled foods. Eat fiber-filled foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
• Avoid problems creating foods. These may include alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages such as coffee and sodas, medications that contain caffeine, dairy products, and sugar-free sweeteners such as sorbitol or mannitol.
• Eat at regular times. Don't skip meals, and try to eat about the same time each day to help regulate bowel function.
• Avoid too much use of dairy products.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Try to drink plenty of fluids every day. (water is the best).
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to relieve depression and stress, stimulates normal contractions of your intestines, and can help you feel better about yourself.

Some of the remedies to cure IBS prescribed by Ayurveda are to consume whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and avoid beverages like alcohol, coffee, soda, and dairy products. Drink plenty of water and regular exercise help to reduce the symptoms of IBS.

Ayurvedic Treatments For IBS

Following are some of the ayurvedic treatment to satisfy the symptoms of IBS,

• Reset your digestive system with a Balanced diet.
• Practice yoga for all-body wellness.
• Try meditation, massage, or aromatherapy to reduce stress.
• Try herbal tonics to balance doshas.
• Follow dietary guidelines to suit the Dosha.
• Avoid excess tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid excessive spicy food items and oily foods.
• Avoid excess stress.
• Intake of warm water.
• Intake of mild ayurvedic herbal teas to suit the Doshas.
• Ghee mixed with appropriate herbs and spices to suit the Doshas.

Herbal Medicines To Treat IBS

• Chamomile

  The use of herbal plants like chamomile relaxes the intestine and treats diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence, etc.

• Aloe vera

  The regular use of Aloe vera helps to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, and flatulence that lead to IBS.

• Ginger

  It helps to reduce the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus and prevents acid reflux and indigestion.

• Fennel Seeds

  Regular intakes of fennel water (soak the fennel in water overnight, strain, and have the water the next morning) stops the pain and prevents symptoms related to IBS.

• Turmeric

  Fresh turmeric pieces are taken with jaggery or added as a powder in a specific diet is reducing the symptoms of IBS.

Ayurvedic treatment and medicines aim to restore balance in our body. So that these herbal medicines have the power to eliminate the symptoms of IBS.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned information is collected from various Ayurvedic resources. The treatment rules may change based on a person's body nature and disease. So always take the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic herbs for IBS symptoms.