Ayurvedic Treatment For Constipation: All You Need To Know

 Constipation is the state when bowel movements become rare or hard. It can be caused due to certain foods or as a side effect of some medications. Infrequent constipation is not considered a problem, but if it occurs more than thrice a week, you might have a digestive disorder. Bowel movements happen at least once per day in a healthy individual. Further, difficulties in egestion give rise to other problems like fissures and haemorrhoids due to overexertion. Besides, constipation is a common health issue affecting individuals of all ages. Modern medicine does not provide a permanent solution to constipation. Meanwhile, Ayurveda addresses the root causes of constipation, which by the way is the imbalance in the doshas and treats the condition accordingly.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can be due to the following reasons.

• A low fibre diet and insufficient water intake can cause constipation.
• Problems with colon muscles result in slow contractions and delays egestion, thus leading to constipation.
• A sedentary lifestyle is another reason for constipation since it affects the metabolism of the body.
• It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
• Constipation can be a result of stress and routine or lifestyle changes.
• Diverticulosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and other similar ailments too can cause constipation.
• Delaying egestion causes constipation as well.

Treating Constipation The Ayurvedic Way

According to Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the three doshas present in the human body. And, imbalance in Vata dosha causes constipation. So, ayurvedic treatment for constipation primarily involves balancing Vata through dietary and lifestyle changes as well as administering natural laxatives and incorporating physical activities in daily routine.

Dietary Modifications

A Vata pacifying diet is recommended to treat constipation the ayurvedic way. Here is a list of what is to be included in your diet and what is to be excluded.

• Foods rich in fibre content such as wheat, leafy greens, bananas, and apples are to be eaten.
• Include spices like garlic, turmeric, etc in your foods.
• Drink a lot of warm water and only eat what is needed at the right time.
• Avoid fried, processed, and spicy foods.
• Limit consumption of coffee or tea.

Exercise

Staying physically active helps improve metabolism and reduces the chances of becoming constipated. Besides, performing Yoga relieves gas, bloating and corrects Vata imbalance which causes constipation. Poses like Bhujangasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Shalabasana, Trikonasana, etc can be beneficial in alleviating constipation. Yet, it is crucial to have good sleeping habits as sleep helps to rejuvenate the body.

Herbal Formulations

Herbal remedies balance Vata, improve digestion and enable proper functioning of the colon. Some of the commonly used herbal remedies for constipation consists of Triphala, Dhasamula, Abhayarishta, etc.

Natural Laxatives

Avoid using chemical laxatives to treat constipation, and use natural laxatives instead. For example, castor oil is a natural laxative that can be used as a remedy for constipation. Furthermore, roasted fennel seeds along with warm water can be used as a natural laxative as well.

Also, Ayurveda massages and therapies such as Abhyanga and Panchakarma are considered effective in the treatment process. However, make sure you avail such services from a certified ayurvedic practitioner at a reputed ayurvedic clinic.