According to Ayurveda, constipation can either be a primary condition or secondary with another disorder. This is the reason an Ayurvedic doctor will first rule out the root cause of the constipation to fully understand the proper treatment protocol.
When there is an imbalance of vata within the colon, the natural downward movement (peristalsis) is lost. This creates stagnation and dryness of the waste materials.
Constipation can be associated with much more than just slow bowel movements. Ayurveda recognizes constipation as a sign of vata imbalance and blockage of the eliminatory channel. As a primary or secondary condition, constipation often accompanies many disorders like depression and migraines. When constipation is relived, so is the depression or migraines! The proper downward flow of vata is essential for maintaining good health, as well as the daily elimination of waste products.
What factors causes constipation?
There are many factors that lead up to chronic constipation and mostly they are all the same factors that increase vata. All things that create dryness, lightness, roughness, and irregularity will increase vata dosa.
- Intake of foods that are too dry, light, or rough
- Intake of foods that overly pungent, astringent, or salty
- Staying awake all night
- Low intake of water or liquids
- Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or wind
- Long walks or travelling
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Lack of fiber in diet
- Neurological disorders
- Excessive use of antacids
- Pregnancy when the fetus puts pressure on the intestines
- Intestinal obstruction or structural problems
Complications of chronic constipation
When constipation is chronic and neglected, secondary problems may also manifest. Conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, gas and bloating and impacted stool can affect the digestive system. Other conditions like migraines, sluggish liver, metabolic dysfunction, backache and even depression can all be a result of chronic constipation or the improper elimination of waste materials.
Is psyllium husk a good choice for constipation?
Psyllium husk acts as a laxative, but is drying and slightly aggravates vata. When used in excess or long term it can cause constipation. Basically, it does not moisten or liquefy the stool but as it moves through the digestive system it pulls the waste along with it and does not weaken peristalsis or the natural downward movement of digestion.
When taking psyllium husk, it is recommended to drink extra water to help create sliminess within the digestive tract. Ayurveda recommends psyllium husk based on each person’s digestive strength and level of toxins. If taken improperly or long term it aggravates vata and depletes important minerals like iron, phosphorus and calcium which has a worse effect on physiology.
Both primary and secondary constipation are understood by Ayurveda and it takes a trained Ayurvedic doctor to fully understand the correct holistic management. If you experience chronic constipation, we recommend consulting with Dr. Vishwanath, a senior Ayurvedic Doctor.
An Ayurvedic consultation will help you understand the root cause as well as the best protocol for fast relief from your discomfort. If you would like to schedule an Ayurvedic consultation, visit our website to meet Dr. Vishwanth and get started now.
Kottakkal Products for Constipation
Abhaya Arishtam balances both vata and kapha dosa in the intestines. It improves digestive fire which helps in properly digesting the food. It also relieves gas, bloating, and heaviness in the stomach. It eases bowl evacuation by balancing apana vata dosa.
Avipathi Churnam helps to reduce excess acid (pitta) from the intestines. It improves appetite and digestion. It eliminates unwanted toxins (ama) from entire gastrointestinal track and relieves constipation issue.
Gandharvahastadi Kashayam balances all three dosas (vata-pitta-kapha) and is especially good for vata dominant disorders. It corrects peristalsis movement of intestines and enhances bowel movements. It promotes digestion and clears anorexia thus improves tastes. It acts as a laxative.
Sukhabedi Gulika a good laxative and eliminates accumulated toxins from the body. It is recommended to take 1-2 pills at bedtime with warm water.
Trivril Leham is the safest herbal jam to evacuate bowl. It does not give hard on both small and large intestine. It cleanses entire gastrointestinal track and relieves gas, bloating, and constipation.
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 provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.