Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Grahani)

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Ayurvedic Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Causes, Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome abbreviated as IBS is a chronic condition affecting the intestine. It is manifested in different ways in each patient. Only in less percent of patients IBS becomes severe. But usually, it requires treatment for the long term. IBS does not affect the intestinal tissues and does not lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In Ayurveda, a condition similar to IBS is explained as Grahani.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has an effective Ayurvedic treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). As the condition requires long-term management IAFA has initiated a well-defined treatment protocol for ensuring complete recovery from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact reason for IBS is not known. Following are considered to be some causative factors:-

Variation in intestinal muscle contractions: Stronger and long-lasting intestinal contractions may result in gas formation, bloating, and diarrhea. Slower and weaker intestinal contractions reduce the speed of food passage and result in hard and dry stools.
Abnormalities of Intestinal nerves: Defects in neuronal signals between the brain and the intestines may result in overreaction to the digestive process causing pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Intestinal Inflammation: More number of immune-mediated cells it can cause increased response manifested as pain and diarrhea.
Severe infection: Severe bacterial or viral diarrhea can lead to IBS later. Also, a large number of bacteria in the intestine can cause IBS.

Ayurveda explains the reasons for IBS as either improper management of diarrhea or excess intake of indigestible food.

Ayurvedic Reference of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Grahani)

Signs and Symptoms of IBS

The signs and symptoms of IBS vary in different people. The common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps or bloating
These symptoms are usually reduced on passing a bowel.

Excess gas production
Alternating attacks of diarrhea and constipation
Mucus in the stool

In most people, the symptoms of IBS will be in come and go pattern. The symptoms may be triggered by certain allergic food, stress, and hormonal changes.

According to Ayurveda, the general symptoms of IBS are irregular and unreasonable episodes of constipation and diarrhea. There may be prodromal symptoms like heartburn, fatigue, tastelessness, thirst, bloating, etc.

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has formulated effective Ayurvedic treatment protocol for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® focuses on physical, mental, and emotional aspects that ensure a complete cure from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Embrace IAFA in your life and dismiss IBS away!!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet in IBS

Do’s (Pathya) in IBS

Light and easily digestible food
Intake of lesser quantity of food
Frequent intake of small amounts of lukewarm water
Mild exercise
More fiber-containing fruits and vegetables
Green gram
Pomegranate

Don’ts (Apathya) in IBS

Excess food intake
Fatty and heavy food
Intake of food before digesting the previous meal
Coldwater
Restaurant food
Fried and bakery food
Alcohol consumption
Spicy and sour food
Mental stress

Yoga and Pranayama in IBS

Yoga helps to reduce mental tension that can contribute to the treatment of IBS. Following Yoga postures are beneficial in strengthening the digestive system:

Parighasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Jathara Parivartanasana
Salamba Setu Bandhasana
Ananda Balasana
Pavanamuktasana
Malasana
Bhujangasana

Pranayama helps to relax all the body parts including the bowels. It helps to attain control over body movements and functions. This will be extremely beneficial in IBS.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Ayurveda describes effective management through various treatment modalities for physical as well as mental ailments related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Internal Medicines for IBS

Kaidaryadi Kwath
Kalasakadi Kwath
Kalyanakam Kwath
Ashta Churnam
Dadimashtaka Churna

Hinguvachaadi Gulika
Kapithastak Churna
Chitrakadi Gutika
Manasamitra Vatakam

Treatment Procedures for IBS

Sirolepa (Application of medicinal paste on the head)
Sirodhara (Pouring medicated water on the head)

Sirovasti (Retention of medicated oil on the head)

Single Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Patha (Cissampelos pareira)
Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

References

Shloka No. 8, Atisaragrahaninidana, Nidanasthana, Ashtanga Hrudaya by Vagbhata.
Agnivesha, Charak, Dridhabala. Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Atisara Chikitsa Adhyaya, 19. In: Yadavji Trikamji Acharaya., Editor. Reprint Edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Publication; 2001. p. 547.
Bhavprakasa of Bhava Misra; Commentary by Bulusu Sitaram Reprint ed. Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi. 2015, p. 135.
Bhaisajya Rartnavali of Govind Das Ed. By Brahmshankar Mishra Vidyotini Hindi commentary Reprint ed. Chaukhambha Prakashan Varanasi 2013, p. 236.
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, IBS Chapter No. 46, Page No. 289-293.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is IBS?

Answer: IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a group of symptoms affecting digestion of food and excretion of feces. It is manifested as alternate episodes of constipation and loose stools, abdominal cramps, etc.

Question: What are the causes of IBS?

Answer: Exact cause of IBS is not known. It may be caused by problems with intestinal muscles, neurons, hormones, stress etc.

Question: Does Ayurveda assure cure for IBS?

Answer: Yes, Ayurveda can assure a complete cure of IBS through various internal medicines and external therapies to make the body, as well as mind, relaxed.

Question: What is IBS known in Ayurveda?

Answer: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is known as Grahani in Ayurveda.

Question: What is the treatment of IBS in Ayurveda?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of IBS focuses on alleviating the aggravated doshas, restoring the function of digestive system and eliminating the toxins. As stress is the important cause of IBS, the treatment also consists of psychological guidance along with herbs to nourish the mind and nervous system.

Question: What is the lifestyle management in IBS according to Ayurveda?

Answer: Avoid unwholesome food like alcohol, sour curd, fermented beverages, junk food, gas – producing food items like cabbage, egg plant, broccoli, cauliflower etc.