Meaning of Constipation & Management:
Constipation is also known as dyschezia or costiveness. It is defined as an acute or chronic condition mainly characterized by dry and hard infrequent stools that are quite painful or difficult to pass. Multiple factors are responsible for this condition, primarily a patient’s habits often reveal contributory and correctable causes, such as insufficient dietary roughage, lack of exercise, suppression of defecatory urges at inconvenient moments, bad time for full defecation, and prolongs travel. Hence the definition and causes of the disease hold the same in contemporary science too. In Ayurveda, there are multiple herbs that help in the management of constipation and prevent a person from various health-related disorders.
In general, constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass.
Causes of Constipation:
The most common causes of constipation are due to dehydration or intake of a low-fiber diet. This condition is common among children, pregnant women, and aged ones. Constipation is not a severe problem, but understanding the right cause will help in preventing this condition. The most common causes of constipation are given below:
- Less intake of water
- Continuous sitting at the same place for a longer time
- Lack of fibers in the diet
- Irregular eating disorder
- Excess use of antacids, steroidal medications, narcotic analgesics, etc.
- Excess intake of salt, pungent, astringent foods
- Continuous night awakening
- Depression, stress, or other mental ailments
- Pregnancy
- Cancer of Colon
- Obstruction: Chronic inflammation, tumors, ischemia, diverticular disease
- Other causes: Rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, hypocalcemia, Parkinson’s disease
- Along with the above factors, responsible for constipation are lack of exercise, inadequate allotment of time for full defecation, etc.
Symptoms of Constipation:
The most common symptoms of constipation are:
- Feel bloated, heaviness, abdominal pain
- Stomach ache or cramps
- Stool becomes hard, dry, or lumpy
- Pain while passing the stool
- Loss of appetite
- Straining when passing stool.
Types of Constipation:
In general, it is seen in chronic conditions, but it is seen in the acute phase in some. Davidson and Macleod mentioned two types of constipation:
- Colonic constipation
- Dyschezia constipation
Ayurvedic Point of View on Constipation:
In Ayurvedic terms, Constipation is known as Vibhandha and the results of a vyapad of Vamana and Virechana. As per Ayurvedic view, constipation is a signal of aggravation or imbalance of Vata dosha and blockage of channels. It mainly occurs as a complication of sansodhan (vamana or virechna) in Ajirna. According to Ayurveda, it is apatarpanjanya roga (nutritional deficiency), and one of the complication in Raktarsha (bleeding piles).
In the body, there are three primary malas – mutra, sweda, and shukra. Kitta is produced after the digestion of food in the large intestine. The undigested food residue, which is expelled out of Palvashya with the help of apan vayu is called Purisha.
The Ayurvedic concept believes in the doshik theory of disease and there are multiple medicines for constipation available in ayurveda that effectively helps in the management of constipation naturally. In Ayurveda, health is termed when there is a balanced state of three doshas, and thereby, imbalanced state of the doshas causes pathophysiology and results in a disease. The balanced state of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha maintain the integrity of these basic substances human body and equilibrium is responsible for maintaining good health.
Kostha: Digestion is the most crucial process in the formation of Mala, and digestion takes place in the Kostha. Three types of kostha are mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts: Krura kostha, Madhyam kostha, and Mrudu kostha.
Synonyms for Constipation: In Ayurveda, vibhandha can also be termed as Vishtabdhata, Vibhandha, Baddhavarchas, Stabdha, Malabaddhta, Varcho vibhandha, etc.
Dosha responsible for Constipation: Vata dosha is five times, out of which Apana vata is responsible for the free flow or expulsion of stool. But when the functions of Apana vata is disturbed or affected, it results in constipation.
Causes of Constipation According to Ayurveda:
The following are the leading causes from which a person can suffer from constipation:
Ruksha aahar
Guru aahar
Vegavighata
Ativahanam
Atiyanayanama
Atisthanam
Atyasanam
Atichakramana
Purisha Vridhikar Lakshan:
If purisha increases, a person is suffered from heaviness, flatulence, abdominal pain, spasms, indigestion, hyperacidity, etc.
Symptoms of Constipation According To Ayurveda:
Generally, symptoms may vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms of constipation are given below:
- Shushka evam grathil mala
- Udar-shool
- Pravahan
- Aadhmana
- Atop
- Aniyamita
- Shiro-shool
- Amlodgaar
- Ajirna
- Uro-daha
- Aalasya
- Mana-aswasthya
Pathophysiology of Constipation:
According to Ayurveda, the main component of the body is Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Purisha or Vida (stool) and Mutra (urine) are the waste product of anna (food), i.e., consumed food formed at the end of the process of digestion and metabolism known as Mala. The waste products developed are eliminated from the body, which is brought by a process called Excretion. And if it remains for a longer time in the body tends to vitiate the normal doshas by causing Stroto avrodh called Vibhandha (Constipation).
According to the Ayurveda:
Hetu: Agnivaigunya results in Amma formation, then there is a process of Malasanchaya, and finally results in Vibandha.
Dosha: Apana vayu
Srotas: Pureesh vaha srotas
Udhbhava sthana: Pakvashaya
Vyakta sthana: Adhakaya
Best Home Remedies for Constipation:
Constipation Home Remedies are beneficial to improve the digestive system, overcome the associated problems, and effectively help in the management of constipation. Generally, constipation occurs due to our stressful life schedule, low consumption of fiber, lack of proper liquid consumption, lack of exercise, etc.
A person can easily strengthen the digestive system by adopting some natural home remedies for constipation which are mentioned below:
Flaxseed: Flaxseeds plays an essential role in the management of constipation as it is rich in soluble mucilaginous (gumlike) fiber that can lower unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) and balances blood sugar levels. A regular intake of flaxseed relieves constipation and helps to overcome the associated symptoms.
How to use: A person can consume a few flax seeds with a half cup of warm water daily. A regular intake of flaxseed work as a great remedy for constipation.
Triphala powder: Triphala is an excellent ancient remedy that acts as laxative, helps loosens the stools, thus reducing constipation chances, and helps in the management of constipation.
How to use: Steep ½ to 1 teaspoon in a cup of water for 5-10 minutes. Or can easily take 1-2 capsules with lukewarm water.
Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds helps in soothing the muscles of the stomach and intestine, relieve constipation, hyperacidity, indigestion, heaviness, etc.
How to use: Take roasted fennel seeds, grind them, and sieve the mixture. Collect the powder in an airtight container and take a half teaspoon of the powder daily with a glass of lukewarm water.
Honey: Honey work as the best remedy for the management of constipation because it contains laxative properties and is a highly effective for combating constipation naturally. Also, it strengthens the immune system and aids the digestive system as well.
How to use: Consume 2 teaspoons of honey twice or thrice daily.
Castor Oil: Castor oil is an extract from castor beans and effectively relieves constipation. The oil is well-known to stimulate bowel movement and lubricate the process without absorbing moisture from the intestine walls. It works by increasing the activity of the intestine and helping the stool to come out naturally.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Constipation:
Constipation is not a disease. It is a symptom of an upcoming disorder, hence it is essential to focus on our diet and lifestyle activities. The following are some preventive measures that must be followed by every individual to get rid of digestion-related problems and helps in the management of constipation naturally.
- Increase the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole wheat, corn (bran), cauliflower, raisins, cabbage, berries, green leafy vegetables, celery, beans, guava, figs, dates, flax seed, spinach, orange, mushroom, and so on, which provide fiber in your diet.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and along with water, take a fiber-rich diet that helps in softens bowels and prevent constipation.
- Avoid or decrease the excess amounts of tea, coffee, and other carbonated drinks.
- Also, avoid a continuous intake of heavy, spicy, oily, deep-fried food, non-veg, fast foods.
- Do some common exercises and yoga daily for about 30 minutes. Yogasanas for constipation: Uttana padasana, Yoga mudra, Pavan muktasana, etc, are very beneficial in managing constipation.
- Ayurveda teaches us that a natural urge is a signal to the person to act. It needs to be attempted immediately, because suppressing the natural urges can result in multiple health-related disorders. So, don’t hold the natural desires.
- Ayurveda has always focused on the importance of physical activity for every aspect of health, including healthy digestion and bowel movements. In today’s world, it was clearly noticed that a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of constipation and other health-related disorders. It should be observed that doing daily exercises and physical activities like brisk walking can improve digestion and lower the risk of constipation.
Ayurvedic Herbs Useful In Mild to Severe Constipation:
Many natural herbs are available in Ayurveda that effectively helps in the management of constipation, indigestion, hyperacidity, and other digestion-related problems. Some of the common herbs are: Haritaki, Aragwadh, Draksha, Trivrit, Danti, Jayaphala, Abhyarishta, Dantyarishta, Icchabhedi rasa, Ashwakanchuki rasa, Dantyarishta, Avipattikar churna, Abhaya modaka, Triphala churna, Panchan sakar churna, Phala varti, Patoladyarishta, Erandabhrista hareetaki, Padavaladi Ghana kashaya, etc, that helps in the elimination of excess toxins from the body, clear the blockages, and improves the overall functioning of the digestive system.
Ayurvedic Management for Constipation:
In the Ayurvedic field, a physician examining the patient must consider, age of the patient, the condition of the dhatu and the malas, the place of his residence, strength, and the power of digestion, body constitute and diathesis, the mental state, the habit, the food usually taken, and other minute items related to the patient.
Ayurveda has unique herbal products that boost the digestive system, eliminate excess toxins from the whole body, rejuvenate the cells, improve the functioning of all the organs, and balance tridosha.
A person can easily find the best way to manage constipation and other digestion-related problems from a quality-based company ‘DEEP AYURVEDA COMPANY’. We provide the best, genuine, and result-oriented products formulated by a doctor team after many research and clinical trials.
For proper management, a patient can use ‘Constipation Treatment’ composed of 4 products named Livclear herbal capsule, Virog tablet, Triyog herbal capsule, and Herbal powder formulation. All the products are natural, pure, organic herbs, safe to use, free from side-effects, preservatives, and adulterations.
A brief description of each product is given below:
Livclear Herbal Capsule: Livclear capsule is a 100% extract of natural, organic herbs that help in the normalization of the liver organ by rejuvenates the cells, speeds up the recovery of hepatic cells, restores liver function, acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, enhances digestion, and provide relieve from hyperacidity, burning sensation, abdominal cramps, heaviness, bloating, flatulence, and effectively helps in the management of constipation.
Triyog Herbal Capsule: Triyog capsules is a composition of well popular ayurvedic herbs: harad, baheda, and amla that effectively helps in the management of constipation because it acts as a natural laxative and eliminates excess toxins from the whole body. It is a composition of harad, baheda, amla used from ancient times to get relief from constipation and other digestion-related disorders.
Virog Tablet: Virog tablet is beneficial to detoxify the whole body and effectively manages constipation. It balances Tridosha and normalizes the functioning of each organ naturally. The tablet comprises triphala, manjistha, giloy, ajmod, and other essential herbs that boost the digestive system and relieve digestion-related problems.
Herbal Powder Formulation: This is a mixture of some classical herbs that help eliminate harmful toxins from the whole body. Also, it improves the digestive system, enhances the digestive fire, improves the functioning of the liver organ, and provides multiple health benefits to an individual.
Rather than taking steroids, excess use of artificial laxatives, if a person can adopt a healthy-natural diet, natural herbs, the condition can be managed naturally and help maintain the digestive process. Adopt Ayurveda in daily routine and live a disease-free life.
For more detail on ‘Ayurvedic Management of Constipation’ please visit our nearest clinic or if you want to consult with our Chief Ayurveda Consultant & Founder – Dr. Baldeep Kour, then write with detail history at info@deepayurveda.com