Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious. You don't have to have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your doctor.
















 

Symptoms of Constipation:

1. Needing to open the bowels less often than usual.
2. Hard, dry stools that may be painful to pass.
3. Straining to pass the motion.
4. Having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual.
5. The sensation afterward that the bowel has not fully emptied.
6. Bloated abdomen.
7. Abdominal cramps.

 

Common causes of constipation:

1. Inadequate fluid intake.
2. Insufficient dietary fiber intake.
3. Lack of physical activity.
4. Side effects of medications.
5. Hypothyroidism.
6. Obstruction by colorectal cancer.

 

Complications of chronic constipation :
Some of the complications of chronic constipation include:

1. Fecal impaction- the lower bowel and rectum become so packed with feces that the muscles of the bowel cannot push any of it out.
2. Fecal incontinence- an overfull bowel can result in involuntary 'dribbling' of diarrhea.
3. Hemorrhoids- constant straining to open the bowel can damage the blood vessels of the rectum.
4. Rectal prolapse- the constant straining pushes a section of rectal lining out of the anus.
5. Urinary incontinence- the constant straining weakens pelvic floor muscles, resulting in the involuntary passing of urine during sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

 

Ayurvedic View :







Constipation is called Malabaddhata, vibandha in Ayurveda. It is due to vata imbalance and blockage of channels. Apana vata is responsible for the free flow/expulsion of stool. When the function of Apana vata is significantly affected, it results in constipation.

Causes of vibandha/ constipation :

1. Excessive consumption of pungent, astringent and salt foods.
2. Intake of food possessing dry, light, rough qualities. Any food that causes dryness of mouth, lightness in the body and roughness in skin.
3. Night awakening.
4. Less intake of water.
5. Lack of sufficient fiber in the diet.
6. Working in strong sunlight, long walks, and heavy traveling.
7. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
8. Excessive use of antacids.
9. Depression.
10. Rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Pregnancy- the fetus putting pressure on the intestines, causing lack of bowel movements.
12. Colon cancer.
13. Intestinal obstruction- structural problems such as twisting of intestines (volvulus).

Treatment of Constipation/ Vibandha in Ayurveda:
Ayurvedic treatment for constipation aims at lifestyle modifications such as scheduling regular meal times, responding to natural urges timely, high fluid and high fiber intake, exercise to stimulate and strengthen the muscles of the intestinal tract, and administration of carminatives and mild laxatives.

Long-term sufferers might be advised to undergo specific Panchakarma Ayurvedic Treatment procedures like Sneha Vasti ( medicated oil enema) and/or Kashaya Vasti (medicated decoction enemas) after a course of snehana and swedana to correct the deranged apana vayu.









 

Triphala:- Triphala is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for constipation. It is a combination of three herbs, namely Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. It helps in restoring the balance of the three doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha present in the body. It helps in improving digestion, eliminating toxins from the body, and improving absorption of nutrients from the food. It acts as a mild laxative, which helps in relieving constipation.

Castor Oil:- Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil made from the beans of the castor plant. It is a mild laxative that helps to soften the stool and stimulate the intestines to contract, which helps to move the stool along.

Psyllium Husk:- Psyllium husk is a type of fiber that is derived from the seeds of the plantago ovata plant. It works to add bulk to the stool and helps to soften it, making it easier to pass.

Ginger:- Ginger is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for constipation. It helps in improving digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes. It also helps in improving the absorption of nutrients from the food. Additionally, it helps in reducing inflammation in the intestines, which helps in relieving constipation.

Fennel:- Fennel is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat constipation. It helps in improving digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes. It also helps in improving the absorption of nutrients from the food. Additionally, it helps in reducing inflammation in the intestines, which helps in relieving constipation.

Flaxseed:- Flaxseed is a type of seed that is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It helps to add bulk to the stool and soften it, which makes it easier to pass.

Senna:- Senna is an herb that is often used as a laxative to help relieve constipation. It works by stimulating the intestines to contract, which helps to move the stool along.

Guggul:- Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb that is often used to help reduce constipation. It works by stimulating the digestive system and improving the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. Additionally, it helps to reduce inflammation in the intestines, which can help to reduce the symptoms of constipation. Guggul also helps to increase the production of gastric juices, which helps to break down food and aid in digestion. Additionally, it helps to strengthen the intestinal muscles, which helps to move the stool along the digestive tract. Additionally, it helps to reduce the absorption of fats, which can help to reduce the symptoms of constipation.

Cumin:- Cumin is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat constipation. It helps in improving digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract. It also helps in improving absorption of nutrients from the food. Additionally, it helps in eliminating toxins from the body, which helps in relieving constipation.

Amla:- Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a powerful Ayurvedic herb used to treat constipation. It helps in relieving constipation by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulating the digestive system. It also helps in improving the absorption of nutrients from the food and eliminating the toxins from the body.

Cascara:- Cascara is a herbal remedy that is often used to help relieve constipation. It works by stimulating the muscles of the digestive system, which helps to promote bowel movements.

 

Ayurvedic formulations used for constipation are:

1. Abhayarishta.
2. Trivrit lehyam
3. Triphala churna.
4. Sukha virechani vati.
5. Aragwadharishta.
6. Castor oil.
7. Hareetaki choorna.
8. Gandharvahastadi kashaya.
9. Panchasakara churna.
10. Kayam churna.
11. Triphla ghritam.

 

Contact experienced Ayurvedic doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to manage your bowel problems through natural remedies without any side effects. CONTACT