There is a deep relationship between gut health and overall health. In Ayurveda it is believed that, if your gut is healthy, you are less prone to diseases, but if you have an unhealthy gut, you can experience many signs and symptoms leading to disease. Accumulation of undigested food causes production of toxins in the human body and these toxins, if not cleansed in a timely fashion, can lead to chronic diseases. Some of the signs and symptoms related to an unhealthy gut are gastritis, bloating, pain and a decrease in appetite. Constipation is another digestive issue that we come across very often. It is the incomplete or absence of bowel movement, or decrease in frequency, size, consistency, and ease of movement. It is known by the term “Vibandha” in Ayurveda. If this condition is not treated it can lead to bloating, flatulence, indigestion, migraine, hemorrhoid’s, headache, liver disorder, feeling of fullness, and disturbed absorption of nutrients. This condition also impacts our mental health causing depression and stress.
Cause:
According to Ayurveda the cause of constipation is the imbalance of doshas. It is mainly due to the Vata dosha imbalance. The cooling and drying property of Vata Dosha obstructs the colon from clearing the bowels easily. A few common causes for constipation are:
- Intake of dry, light and rough meals.
- Intake of cold and refrigerated food.
- Excess intake of pungent salty and astringent tastes.
- Intake of cold water or inadequate water.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Stress.
- Low fibre diet.
- Suppressing your urges.
Treatment:
According to Ayurveda, treatment includes:
- Internal Lubrication: This includes improving diet and lifestyle. Internal lubrication can be done by avoiding dry, cold meals and preferring meals cooked with ghee/sesame oil/olive oil.
- External Lubrication: External Lubrication includes self-massage with sesame oil and treatments such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Basti etc.
- Herbs Preferred: Haritaki, Triphala, Avipattikar Powder, Amla juice, Aloe vera juice etc.
Prevention:
A few helpful tips to prevent constipation are as follows:
- Drink plenty of lukewarm water throughout the day.
- Favour warm quality food instead of cold food.
- Favour cooked meals instead of raw meals.
- Use digestive spices such as cumin, turmeric, garlic, carom seeds, and asafoetida while cooking.
- Favour warm herbal teas and take less of coffee.
- Include decent quality organic oils for cooking. You can use ghee, olive oil, sesame oil for cooking as these oils help in balancing Vata Dosha.
- Snack on Fruits (apples, fig, oranges, papaya etc.) and activated nuts (soaked nuts) instead of chips, crackers, biscuits, dry nuts etc.
- Exercise: Include yoga postures such as Sukhasana, Paschimottanasana, Matsyendrasana, Malsana, Balasana, Pawan mukta sana etc. in your everyday routine.
- Practice pranayama (breathing exercise).
- Do self-massage with lukewarm sesame oil every day.
- Avoid junk food and fried food.
- Avoid use of laxatives over prolonged periods of time.
If you wish to seek further information about the Ayurvedic principles or need support with gut health, we are just a call away at Aspects of Healing on 8110 4300. Enquiries can be emailed to enquiries@aspectsofhealing.com.au
Written by Doctor Rajneesh Kour