Stomach Ulcers Ayurvedic Treatment

Ulceration of the inner lining of stomach is called gastric ulcer. It is caused by damage of the mucus lining of inner surface of stomach by digestive enzymes. The production of gastric enzymes is increased due to infection by bacteria (H. pylori), long term use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or rarely by a condition called Zollinger- Ellison syndrome. If properly treated, gastric ulcer is a manageable condition.

Stomach Ulcers Sign and Symptoms

The person with stomach ulcer often experiences pain and burning sensation between chest and belly button which usually increase when the stomach is empty and reduced by taking food/ antacids, heartburn, bloating, nausea, vomiting, avoiding food intake due to the fear of stomach pain, burping or regurgitation of acidic fluid into mouth, bloody stool, anaemia, weight loss and blood in vomitus.

Stomach Ulcers Ayurvedic Analysis

Vrana (ulcer) in udara (stomach) causes pain, burning sensation, inability to take food, regurgitation of acidic fluid into mouth etc. Prior to this condition, there may be sopha (swelling/ inflammation) inside udara. Long lasting cases may develop pandu (anaemia) due to internal bleeding, urdhwaga raktapitta (bleeding through mouth/ blood in vomitus) or adhoga raktapitta (bloody stools), karshya (loss of weight) etc.

Stomach Ulcers Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Aggravation of pitta due to increased consumption of pungent, sour, salty and hot food, viruddha ahara (incompatible food), mental distress (eg: anxiety, stress, fear) etc vitiate agni (digestive fire/ enzymes) and causes damage in the site of pitta/ agni (ie amashaya/ stomach). The deranged pitta along with other dosha results in sopha (swelling in the stomach lining), and vrana (ulcer). Gradually, it causes sushira (perforations) in stomach, raktapitta (bleeding disorder) and finally pandu (anaemia) due to loss of blood and lack of nutrition.

Possible Complications Stomach Ulcers Disease

The common complications of gastric ulcer are perforations in stomach wall, internal bleeding and obstruction of gastric outlet, mental stress, poor quality of life etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Check whether there are other gastrointestinal disorders liken IBS, GERD, colon cancer, Ulcerative colitis etc before planning the treatment.

Stomach Ulcers Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medications are given to pacify pitta, agni and vrana. If there is associated complications like pandu, raktapitta etc manage them too with suitable medication and procedures. Snehapana (internal administration of suitable lipid formulation), swedana (eg: steam bath), virechana (purgation), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine) etc are provided along with psychotherapy (to manage associated stress/ anxiety).

Diet

Avoid pungent, sour and salt tastes; food that cause burning sensation in stomach (eg: Bengal gram, carbonated drinks) etc. Take more vegetables, sweet fruits, juices, ghee etc that can pacify the ulceration.

Exercise

It is better to avoid exercise when there are ulcers in stomach. After proper management, indulge in mild to moderate exercise.

Stomach Ulcers Preventive Aspects in Ayurvedic

Reduce the consumption of spicy, sour, salty, hot food. Avoid skipping of meals, late night dinner, smoking and alcoholism. Exercise regularly. Ensure adequate sleep.

Importance of Diet

Select right food items that does not cause harm to the stomach wall. Avoid the triggering food and drinks.

Lifestyle

Take light soothing diet with less spices and salt. Drink more water. Take semi-solid or liquid diet. Keep head slightly elevated while sleeping. Lay on left flank after half to one hour of having food. Avoid stress, smoking and alcoholism.