Treating Constipation with Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient healing science from orient always considered our array of physical and psychic malfunctions as interrelated and integrated in the gross nature of our organic incoherence. Thus treating constipation with Ayurveda does not precipitate or suggest any readymade medicinal approach like curative drugs of allopathic tradition. Constipation is one of the most common health problems experienced by countless people all over the world. Constipation in most cases is characteristically chronic, though in some cases it can be experienced for a particular time being as acute problem. Constipation is one of the leading causes of great array of health problems, particularly digestive disorders, metabolic problems and stomach problems. Besides all types of chronic disorders that have their root in our sedentary lifestyle, treating constipation with Ayurveda is far procreative for health as it is focused on uprooting the problem rather than providing quick relief with probable side effects.

What is Constipation?

Constipation refers to the problem concerning proper evacuation of disposable waste from the body through regular bowels movement. Irregular bowels movement and consequent non clearance of body waste causes further array of trouble. A regular bowels movement of at least once in 24 hours is referred as normal when it becomes irregular than this it is called constipation. A person suffering from constipation may experience bowels movement even once in 2 or 3 days as well. A person suffering from constipation may experience very painful, hard to pass bowel movement and constant feeling of having a full stomach or flatulence. Lack of hunger, sleep disorder, irritation, gastritis, are other symptoms of constipation. As for most common cause lack of lubrication or body fluid to help to pass the bowels movement is the most commonly cited immediate cause. Thus in treating constipation with Ayurveda primary emphasis is given on consuming water or liquid as much as possible.

The causes of Constipation

In Ayurveda contributing factors behind a health problem is of seminal importance as only such factors indicate and guides the Ayurvedic practitioner to the course of action. Thus procedures and approaches of treating constipation with Ayurveda may differ from one person to another depending on the particular contributing factors. Constipation is caused mainly due to certain food habits and sedentary lifestyle. Lack of sleep, stress, lack of physical exercise, lack of consumption of water or fluid substances, sedentary and irregular food habit, are some of the most prominent factors behind majority of cases of constipation.

Ayurvedic Approach to Constipation

As we have already seen in Ayurveda preventive measures are more important than so called medicinal approach. In Ayurveda constipation is mainly a Vata disorder, though excess Pitta or high Kapha (mucus) congestion in the colon can also cause constipation. The bowels movement takes place by the propulsion of the waste in the colon and expulsion from the rectum. Now for these propulsion and expulsion to take place the waste substance should not be too dry and stiff, on the contrary should be lubricated enough to pass through.

Various factors in our lifestyle as cited above contribute to this situation where lubrication is lacking. Harmful junk food may trigger excess heat in the colon causing the waste substance to dry, on the other hand lack of fluid or water intake can contribute to the same problem. Physical exercise and proper rest make digestive organs more lubricated and smooth and thus eases the bowels movement. Thus all approaches concerning treating constipation in Ayurveda are basically driven towards creating better lubrication in the bowels movement. Besides certain helpful herbal formulation, a regular food habit rich in green leafy vegetables, fiber rich grains, vegetables and fruits and enough intake of water are most important attributes of Ayurvedic treatment of constipation.