Constipation (Vibandha) Management with Ayurveda

Constipation refers to the infrequent bowel movements in which it is difficult to pass stools. It makes defecation difficult and painful. It affects not only the frequency but also the consistency of the stools. The constipation is a symptom rather than a disease. It is a very common gastrointestinal problem that basically occurs due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. This problem is more common in children and pregnant women, whereas, in general, it can affect anyone.

As per Ayurveda, Constipation is considered as "Vibandha'. Particularly, it comes under 'Purishvaha srotas vyadhis'.

This condition arises due to the vitiation of Vata dosha and Mandagni (low digestive fire).

WHAT CAUSES CONSTIPATION?

Dietary Factors (Aaharaj Karana)

The foods which are Ruksha (dry), Guru paki (heavy to digest), and Sheeta (Cold) will affect digestion and responsible for constipation.

• Less intake of fibrous diet.
• Excessive fasting.
• Irregular food habits - Not taking the meals at proper time intervals.
• Excessive intake of Kashaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent) and Tikta (Bitter) foods.
• Less liquid intake.

Lifestyle Factors (Viharaj Karana)

Excessive indulgence in Vyayam (Strenuous exercises) and Vayvaye (Sexual intercourse).

• Vega dharana - Suppressing the natural urges especially Mutra (Micturition) and Purisha (Defecation).
• Mental status (Mansik Karna) - Excessive grief can aggravate Vata dosha.
• Occupational hazard - Usually the sitting jobs affect the intestinal peristalsis.
• Diseases - Any associated diseases like inflammatory bowel disorders, Paralytic ileus, Piles, Structural deformities and even a few systemic diseases can cause constipation.
• Pregnancy – Usually during pregnancy, constipation is quite common due to aggravated intra-abdominal pressure. 
• Medicines - Even certain medicines can cause constipation.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Hard stools
• Anorexia (Aruchi)
• Abdominal pains (Udar shoola)
• Bloating (Anah)
• Flatulence (Atop)
• Indigestion (Ajirna)
• Acidity (Amlapita)
• Headache (Shira shola)

PATHOGENESIS AS PER AYURVEDA

1. Excessive indulgence in the activities and food items which affects Vata dosha in the body
2. Aggravates vata dosha in our body (Vata Prakopa)
3. Gets localized in Intestines (Pakwashya)
4. Affects Purishwaha srotas
5. Brings dryness in the colon hence affects the intestinal peristalsis and consistency of stools hence develops difficulty in evacuation.
   

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The management of low back pain:

• Detoxifies the Colon
• Maintain the Agni
• Subsides the Vata and Kapha dosha

TREATMENT

Vibandha can be easily managed with the medicines.

Initially we can detoxify our body with the help of Shodhana chikitsa (Purification therapies). Therapies like Basti (Medicated Enema), Virechana (Purgative Therapy), Varti (Suppositories) are beneficial in this condition.

Shaman Chikitsa includes the administration of internal medicines so for managing this problem Planet Ayurveda has a perfect solution.

• It is a group of effective herbal remedies that has the potency to treat constipation from its root.
• The herbs used in these formulations are of standard quality and pure.
• These are totally chemicals and steroids free medicines.

Description of Products Presented by Planet Ayurveda to Manage constipation:-

1. Vara Churna
2. Kabaj Mukti
3. Triphala Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Constipation

1. Vara Churna

It is a potent herbal formulation which helps to detoxify the body. It helps to eliminate the accumulated toxins from the body by clearing the Srotas (channels). It is composed of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitiki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). This is an effective laxative that helps to eliminate the Pakwa as well as Apakwa mala (stools).

DOSAGE: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Kabaj Mukti

The name of the capsules itself defines its action – Kabaj means constipation, Mukti means relief. So, it’s a perfect blend of herbs in capsules to relieve constipation. It is composed of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Senna (Cassia angustifolia), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) and Saunth (Zingiber officinale).

DOSAGE: 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Triphala Capsules

The pure extract of three herbs is incorporated in these capsules i.e. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitiki (Terminalia bellirica). It helps to evacuate the morbid material, waste products hence detoxifies the channels. It also improves appetite and digestion.

DOSAGE: 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website - www.PlanetAyurveda.com

IMPORTANCE OF DIET IN CONSTIPATION

A balanced and nutritional diet is really very important to prevent this problem. To relieve constipation, a high fiber diet is required as it will increase the weight and bulk of the stool and promote a healthy digestive system.

Cereals

Consume - Wheat, White rice, Brown rice, Sorghum, Amaranth, Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Pearl millet, Buckwheat, and Little millet.

Avoid - Refined flour and its products.

Fruits

Consume - Apple, Banana, Water melon, Muskmelon, Avocado, Peaches, Pear, Coconut, Pomegranate, All types of berries, Figs, Grapes, Custard apple, Orange, Sapodilla, and Grapes.

Avoid - Canned fruits and juices Banana (overuse).

Vegetables

Consume - Zucchini, Sweet potato, Pumpkin, Ginger, Celery, Eggplant, Coriander, Radish, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Mushrooms, Spinach, Carrot, Peas, Fenugreek leaves, Potato, Yam, Okra, Bottle gourd, and Bitter gourd.

Avoid - Canned vegetables and Frozen vegetables.

Pulses

Consume - All pulse and legumes.

Dairy Products

Consume - Low-fat milk, Tofu, Yogurt, Buttermilk.

Avoid - Whole milk and cream, Full-fat yoghurt, Cream cheese, Condensed milk, and unpasteurized cheese.

Oils

Consume - Cow ghee, Sunflower oil, Canola oil, Olive oil, Mustard oil, Rice bran oil.

Avoid - Cream, Palm oil, Butter.

Spices

Consume - Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper, Fennel, Cinnamon.

Avoid - Red chilies.

Drinks

Consume - Coconut water, Sugarcane juice, Homemade soups, Green juice, Herbal tea, Aloe Vera juice, Buttermilk, Milk, Shakes, Smoothie.

Avoid - Cream based liqueurs, Canned soup and packaged soup, Alcohol, Sweetened drinks, Squashes, Carbonated drinks.

Flesh

Consume - Egg white, Roasted chicken, Grilled Fish (Rohu), Lean meat, Skinless chicken.

Avoid - Processed and fried meat, Red meat- (Beef, Lamb, Pork), Fishes – (Tilefish, Shark, Swordfish, Egg Yolk, Salami, Bacon, Duck, Goose.

Dry Fruits / Seeds

Consume - Almond, Raisin, Walnut, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds.

Avoid - Pistachio, Cashew, and Peanuts.

HOME REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION

Along with the intake of a balanced diet, some home remedies can help you getting rid of the problem earlier.

• Psyllium husk - It is a natural laxative which is rich in fiber. It creates bulk in stools and gives relief from constipation. Psyllium husk can be added in juice or plain water.
• Flax seeds - It is a rich source of fiber. It helps in digestion and prevents constipation. 1 tsp. of flax seeds with warm water can be consumed in the early morning.