WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

Constipation is a condition in which stools become difficult to pass due to infrequent bowel movements.
Constipation is determined in large intestine which is the main area to move food, absorb liquids from intestine and pass stool to rectum through muscle contractions.
It makes defecation painful and difficult.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF CONSTIPATION

According to Ayurveda, any irregularities in the body are caused due to imbalance in the tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body.
Constipation is the result of Vata Imbalance in the body as Apana Vayu is a type of Vata that regulates downward movement.
An Imbalance in the Apana Vayu can affect the colon movement and impact the working of its muscles.

According to ayurveda vibandhta (constipation) is broadly classified into different categaries-

MRIDU KOSHTHA-

Pitta dosha is involved.
In this food is digested easily.

MADHAYAM KOSHTHA-

Kapha dosha is involved.
In this food is digested ordinarilay

KRURA KOSHTA-

Vata dosha is involved.
In this difficulty in digestion of food is seen.
It is main reason of constipation.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF CONSTIPATION-

1.Passage of hard stools
2.Straining during passage of stools
3.Abdominal pain
4.Discomfort and excessive bloating
5.Persistent headache
6.Malaise
7.Feeling of incomplete evacuation

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION-

1.Stress
2.Surgery
3.Lack of exercise
4.low-fiber diet
5.Insufficient fluid intake
6.Low intake of fluids
7.Overuse of laxatives
8.Weak digestive system
9.Medications such as nalgesic and anti-depessants-

Complications of chronic constipation include:

COMPLICATIONS

1.Hernia
2.Bowel obstruction
3.Rectal prolapsed
4.Spastic colitis
5.Anal fissure (Torn skin in your anus )
6.Hemorrhoids ( Swollen veins in your anus)

HOME REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION

DIETARY CHANGES

Constipation is caused due to imbalance in apana Vata, so you need to take a Vata pacifying diet.
Constipation cannot be improved if you are not changing your diet.

Foods To Be Consumed-

1.Use of rich fiber diet such as grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
2.Fruits- apples, bananas, guavas, figs, oranges, carrots, etc.
3.Spices- garlic, ginger turmeric, cumin, and asafetida, and carom seeds
4.Freshly cooked and warm foods should be consumed.

Food To Be Avoided-

1.Junk foods, fried food, processed food, spicy food, and non-vegetarian food.
2.avoid taking too much caffeine in the form of tea and coffee
3.Avoid smoking and drinking
4.Avoid cold and stale food.

DRINK PLENTY OF WARM OR HOT WATER-

1.Not drinking sufficient water makes you dehydrated.
2.The colon then completely absorbs water in the food leading to hard stools.
3.Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day. Warm and hot fluids are best because they balance
4.vata’s cold quality.
5.Drink these fluids at least 20 minutes before meals, or 1 hour after eating.

TAKE MILK WITH GHEE

It is an effective remedy for relieving constipations.
This remedy is especially good for vata and pitta constitutions.
Mix 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of ghee (clarified butter) in a cup of hot milk and drink it at bedtime.

ADD SOME FRUIT JUICE

Prune juice and Pineapple juice are particularly effective at moving excess vata in the colon.

IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY

1.Normal sleep duration is thought to be essential for healthy bowel function because poor sleep cause constipation
2.Sound Sleep is very important to treat any disease since sleep rejuvenates the body and heals it.
3.Try to maintain your sleep hours and get stress free sleep.

USE TRIPHALA-

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula used to treat constipation in the most natural way possible.
Triphala is an effective formula comprised of fruits Bhibhitaki, Amalaki, and Haritaki, is balancing for all three doshas (vata,pitta and kapha).
It works as a natural laxative and helps improve bowel movement thereby giving relief in constipation.

TAKE PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS

Probiotics may help prevent chronic constipation, so try eating probiotic foods or taking a supplement.
Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in the gut.
They include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
People can increase their levels by eating probiotic foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi etc.

DO SOME YOGIC PRACTICE-

Asanas-

The following yogic practices are very beneficial in constipation.

1.Kurmasana
2.Vakrasana
3.vajrasana
4.Katichakrasana
5.Sarvangasana
6.Shavasana
7.Pawanamuktasana
8.Mandukasana
9.Yogamudra, Shankha Prakshlana, Nadishodhana
10.Surya Anuloma Viloma And Deep Relaxation Technique

AYURVEDA HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR CONSTIPATION

1.KALYAN GUDA
2.TRIFALA CHURNA
3.AVIPPATIKAR CHOORNA
4.ABHAYARISHTA
5.ERANDA TAILA
6.SUKUMARA GHRITA
7.KUMARYASAVA
8.HINGUTRIGUNA TAILA
9.DASHMOOLA KWATHA
10.DASHMOOLA TAILA
11.HINGVASTAKA CHURNA
12.CHITRAKADI VATI
13.KAISHORE GUGGULU
14.PANCHA SAKAR CHURNA
15.GANDHARVAHASTADI KASHAYAM