Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms stem from a dysfunctional gut, characterized by chronic abdominal pain and constipation, diarrhea or alternating of both.
In Ayurveda, a similar condition is described at length: grahani or sangrahani. Grahana, a Sanskrit word, means “retaining ability.”
The grahani organ is the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. When the body loses its ability to retain the partially digested food absorb nutrients, overtime the person becomes depleted. This condition is called grahani.
Caraka (one of the founding fathers of Ayurveda) mentions the importance of dehagni, the thirteen bodily agni responsible for digestion and metabolism. If the dehagni function normally, the individual will have a healthy long life.
Similarly, if the agni becomes abnormal, the person will suffer from various disorders which effect vital energy, complexion, strength, motivation, growth, luster, temperature, ojas, longevity and even life itself. The food that a person consumes nourishes all saptadhatu, to produce ojas, but only when dehagni are functioning normally (Ca. Ci. 15/3-5).
Vataja Grahani - abdominal pain, increased frequency of stool, altered bowel movement, distention of the abdomen, flatus, head ache, debility, chest pain.
Pittaja Grahani - burning of the chest, belching, head ache.
Kaphaja Grahani - mucousystool, sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, nausea, vomiting, flatus, heaviness of abdomen.
Sannipataja Grahani - all three dosas are involved presenting with mixed features of all the dosas, including lack of concentration and severe debility. This stage is also called sangrahani.
With sangrahani, gurgling in the abdomen, fatigue, bowel with flatus or mucus, constant urge to pass stools, intermittent episodes and increased frequency of bowel movements in the daytime are common.
Musta Arishtam: diarrhea and indigestion.
Kutaja Arishtam: diarrhea and IBS.
Pippalya Asavam: anemia, piles, digestive and liver disorders andsprue; aids in weight gain.
Jiraka Arishtam: diarrhea and indigestion.
Vilwadi Gulika: diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, fever and dyspepsia; increases appetite.
Vilwadi Leham: gastro-intestinal and acid peptic disorders, strengthens digestion, and improves the absorption of nutrients. Balances all three dosas, especially pitta.
Ashta Churnam: indigestion, weak appetite, bloating, IBS; balances vata and kapha.
Dadimashtaka Churnam: IBS, malabsorption, dysentery, indigestion, diarrhea; balances vata and kapha.
Many people with IBS also have anxiety and/or depression. In such cases, along with efforts to restore digestive health, it is helpful to undergo relaxing and restorative therapies.
For more information about AYURVEDA AND IBS, purchase this book by Ayurvedic experts from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, available on our online store.
For more information about AGNI: THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT, purchase this book by Ayurvedic experts from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, available on our online store.
Original source: Dr JV Hebbar, EasyAyurveda.com
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will connect you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.
Vata is the force that drives and motivates all movement in the body. It is responsible for all input and output of sensory and motor functions. Vata controls the functions of the mind, sense organs, and the higher process of thought and emotion.
The other two dosas pitta and kapha are dependent on vata for normal or abnormal movement.
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