THE CONCEPT OF AYURVEDA ON CONSTIPATION RELIEF

 

We’ve talked about constipation and its treatment a lot of times in our past blogs. And we know that it is a condition wherein a person experiences infrequent bowel movements due to lack of fiber and water in their diet or sometimes, an underlying medical condition.

 

Looking at it from the point of Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian medical system using a holistic and all natural approach to addressing physical and mental health, sees constipation as an unnatural condition. It believes that our digestive system will function easily if we are in line with nature.

 

 

If you want to stay away from laxatives or any other chemical products to help ease constipation, Ayurveda offers a holistic and simple way of treating the condition using herbs and all natural ingredients.

 

According to Ayurveda, constipation occurs when there is imbalance in the Vata Dosha. Ayurveda points out three doshas which are the basic regulating principles of the body and mind. The Vata governs action, air and space. Pitta is an energy that governs metabolism, fire and water while Kapha is related to body structure, earth and water.

Since constipation is related to Vata, then this simply means that there is excessive air and energy in the system. And Vata is related to movement and action, hence it affects the movement of the waste from the body. This occurs primarily in the colon. Ayurveda practitioners believe that Vata’s cold and dry qualities affect the colon hence, the remedy is introducing oil, water and warmth.

 

Ayurvedic enemas are also quite effective in relieving constipation. Panchakarma basti is a process of cleaning the bowel using medicated enemas called basti. The purpose of Panchakarma is to remove toxins and waste build up in the body. Basti which is a herbal blend suspended in oil is administered with the use of an enema tube and is inserted into the rectum. It can be done at home using an enema kit purchased over the counter or online. But most Ayurvedic practitioners recommend that it be done by a health professional. If you are however used to performing an enema on your own, then by all means, you can do it yourself.

Ayurvedic massage is a whole body massage using oils as maintenance for good health or for preparation for Panchakarma. Research shows that massage can actually help ease constipation for people with stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Prevention Is Still The Best Cure

Like any other healing system, Ayurveda still believes that preventing constipation is the best remedy. By adapting an Ayurvedic lifestyle change and by using Ayurnutrigenomics which is a personalized nutrition based on genetics, health and constitution. It tells a person what to eat and at what time to prevent constipation. However, more research has to be done about this in order to make it more effective.

Ayurvedic constipation prevention also points out that eating a lot of high fiber foods, drinking more water and regular exercise is necessary to maintain good digestive health.

 

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION

Ayurvedic laxatives such as Senna, Himalaya Herbolax and Triphala, all Ayurvedic herbs and blends that have medicinal healing properties. They can be brewed into a laxative tea. Senna and Triphala are primarily safe for adults and children but caution is give to children when taking Himalaya Herbolax. Before taking any of these, always consult a medical professional.