Constipation and Ayurveda

Constipation is the condition where the bowel movements are infrequent, incomplete or hard to pass. Usually it can be taken as 3 or less number of bowel evacuation in a week, difficulty during defecation due to hard stools or feeling of incomplete evacuation. It is a very common disorder and it many be chronic or acute according to variation in the food and lifestyle. At times constipation can present as an disorder individually or may be present as a symptom of any other problem. In any case, the cause of the condition has to be examined and treated accordingly. It may be present as a symptom in number of conditions like bowel obstruction due to tumors, polyps, paralytic ileus, hernia, appendicitis, proctitis etc. Insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, decreased physical activity, side effects of medications, hypothyroidism etc can also cause constipation.

According to Ayurveda, constipation is caused when the dryness in the body increases, which causes vitiation of Vata. The factors that cause vitiation of Vata are:

• Intake of very dry, spicy and sour food substances.
• Intake of cold beverages and food items.
• Intake of foods of mutually contradictory characteristics, eg curd and fish, milk and any sour food item.
• Intake of excess amount of food.
• Avoiding food intake when hungry
• Taking insufficient quantity of food.
• Exposure to dry and cold winds.
• Being awake at night.
• Excessive indulgence in sex.
• Doing strenuous exercise and work.
• Travelling long distance.
• Sitting in improper posture for long duration.
• Habitual suppression of urges of urine and feaces.
• Old age

All these causes increase of Vata in the body which in turn hampers the digestive fire dries up the moisture in the digestive system and the stool hence making it into a hard mass. The movement of Vata in the normal downward direction also is disturbed, due to which it does not effectively eliminate the wastes from the body resulting in constipation. That is the main reason why constipation is associated with flatulence, distension of abdomen, gurgling noise in the abdomen and pricking pain. The Vata which is entrapped in the abdomen causes all these disturbances.

Chronic constipation can result in conditions such as piles, fissure in ano, fistula, perianal abscess, loss of strenght, loss of appetite, easy fatiguability etc

MANAGEMENT:

The main line of treatment of this condition is regulating the digestive fire, pacification of Vata and regulating the movement of Vata in the downward direction.

This can be achieved by use of oil, in diet, as enema, and in the form of external application (massage). Abhyanga or massage is best for Vata related diseases. This lubricates the body, reduces the dryness and hence effectively controls Vata. Internal medicines are also very effective in treating the condition and should be taken in the initial stage when the problem is severe. Later it can be managed with food and lifestyle regulation. Prevention of the causative factors plays an important role in the management of any disease.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• The diet should be light and easily digestible.
• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much dry food should be avoided.
• The food must have proper amount of oil in it.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods causes indigestuion which in turn leads to constipation.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• Sipping hot water at intervals helps in increasing digestion and bowel movement.
• Avoid excessive cold beverages and food.
• Foods which are old or refrigerated should not be consumed.
• Avoid staying awake at night.
• Regular and mild exercises helps to increase digestion.
• Practicing Yoga regularly help to regulate the digestion and bowel movements.
• One must take diet rich in fibre.
• Fresh fruit juices and boiled vegetables has to be included in the diet.
• Milk is useful in this condition due to it's laxative effect.
• Taking a glass of warm water in empty stomach early in the morning facilitates good bowel movement.
• Sitz bath in warm water mixed with triphala churnam, relaxes the anal muscles and facilitates good bowel movement.