IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Ayurvedic Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of disorder affecting gastrointestinal tract (tubular structure starting from mouth to anus) and the person often experience digestive issues, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating etc. Most cases are easily treatable with lifestyle changes and simple medication. IBS is usually caused by changes in abdominal muscle contraction, impaired nerve signals to intestine, stress, intestinal infection or alterations in gut microbiota.

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Signs and Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms of IBS are abdominal bloating, pain in abdomen, gas trouble, urgency to pass stool, diarrhoea/ constipation/ both,

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Ayurvedic Analysis

Grahani is a disease condition in which the person experiences changes in bowel movements, indigestion, diarrhoea, passing undigested/ partially digested food, frequent defecation, feeling of incomplete voiding of stool, loss of appetite and gas trouble. Grahani may be associated with other health conditions like arsha (haemorrhoid), garavisha (food poisoning) etc.

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Agnimandya (reduced power of digestive fire) causes Grahani. The power of agni is reduced by altered food pattern, stress, increased intake of spicy/ sour/ salty food, disturbed sleep etc. Sometimes, it is caused by certain krimi (infection).

Possible Complications of IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Disease

The major complications of IBS are reduced quality of life and mood disorder.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Check whether there is any stress, diseases of intestine (eg: cancer) etc before planning treatment.

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Grahani is managed by suitable internal medication (like kashaya, gutika, choorna etc) along with virechana (purgation), vamana (emetic therapy), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine) etc. The main focus of treatment is to correct agni.

Diet

Include more vegetables, whole grains, fruits, buttermilk etc in diet. Avoid consumption of spicy and very hot food.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise can improve the bowel movement and reduce stress. Yoga, meditation and pranayama are also beneficial.

IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid consumption of very hot and spicy food. Drink more water. Include more vegetables, fruits, cereals etc in diet. Exercise regularly. Avoid stress and anxiety. Follow a regular bowel habit. Reduce the consumption of tea/ coffee/ alcohol and quit smoking.