Types of IBS
There are two forms of IBS. They are:
I. Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D):
Patients with this type of IBS have symptoms like feeling of incomplete bowel movements, frequent stools, nausea, abdominal discomfort or pain, gas, loose stools and urges to have bowel movement at an unexpected time.
I. Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D):
Patients with this type of IBS have symptoms like feeling of incomplete bowel movements, frequent stools, nausea, abdominal discomfort or pain, gas, loose stools and urges to have bowel movement at an unexpected time.
Symptoms (Rupa)
In people with Vataja Grahani, the following symptoms are seen:
Hyperacidity
Dryness of throat and mouth
Excessive Thirst
Blurred Vision
Abnormal taste in mouth
Patients with Pittaja Grahani has the following symptoms:
Undigested bluish or yellow liquid stools
Heart burn
Sour belching
Excessive Thirst
Patients with Kaphaja Grahani has the following symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting
Sweetness in mouth
Cough
Malaise
Causes (Nidana)
Derangement of Agni is the main cause of Grahani Roga. Factors which can cause impairment of Agni are:
1. Causes of Vataja grahani:
Excess intake of pungent, bitter foods
Suppression of natural urges
Excess fasting
Walking long distance
2. Causes of Kaphaja Grahani:
Excess consumption of heavy, oily and cold food
Sleeping Immediately after meals
3. Causes of Pittaja Grahani:
Excess consumption of heavy, oily and cold food
Changes in time, place and season
4. Other factors:
Chronic illnesses causing reduced digestion strength
Herbs:
The following herbs stimulate digestive power, promote digestion and are effectively used to treat IBS:
Chitrak
Sunthi
Marich
Pippali
Improper, unhealthy lifestyle is considered to be the main causative factor of IBS. Though it is not very serious, yet it can be really distressing to the patients. Ayurvedic therapy and lifestyle changes are helpful in managing IBS symptoms very effectively.
Management of IBS- The Ayurvedic Way
IBS is difficult to treat, and it takes a long time. Ayurvedic practitioners have an opinion that IBS can be treated in children, can be cured with difficulty if the patient is middle-aged, and cannot be treated in older patients.
Ayurvedic approach for IBS include:
Snehana (oleation therapy)
Swedana (fomentation therapy)
Shuddhi (elimination therapy)
Langhan (fasting therapy) – Fast or light diet
Aushadhi (Ayurvedic Preparations)