According to Ayurveda, gut issues arise mainly due to improper Agni and Dosadusti, affecting the functional dependency between normal Vata Dosha and Agni in grahni. The role of Dhatus and Purishavaha srotas, aided by Apana Vayu, is significant. Dusti occurs at the levels of Apana Vayu and Samana Vayu. Mansik Bhavas and Ahara Viharas that hamper Agni and Rasavahasrotas, and cause Vatakopa, are main causative factors. Lifestyle changes and stress contribute to grahani disorders.
Clinical features:
- Shoola (Abdominal pain): Pain in the iliac fossa or hypogastrium, relieved by defecation, provoked by food, often associated with constipation.
- Atisara (Painless intermittent diarrhea): Passage of several loose watery stools, hard pellet-like stools with mucus when constipated.
- Vibandha (Bloating of abdomen)
- Alternate constipation and diarrhea
- Nausea, anorexia, tiredness, tenderness of abdomen
Treatment
Agnimandhya is the main causative factor in Grahani Dosha, treated with Agnivardhana, Deepana, and Pachana drugs. Ajirna and Atisara should be considered in treatment. Internal medicines and diet modification are crucial.
Ayurvedic therapy:
- Choornapindaswedam
- Dhanyamaladhara
Do’s:
- Eat old rice, jawar, gourd, coriander leaves, lentil, green gram soup, black pepper, dried ginger, pomegranate, nutmeg, buttermilk
- Complete rest, adequate sleep
Don’ts:
- Avoid wheat, maize, barley, pigeon pea, pea, cowpea, spiked Dolichos, black gram, gram, soybean, saga, kidney bean, potato, sweet potato, onion, coconut, groundnut, chili, oily food, chicken, red meat, crabs, prawns, fish, mango, pineapple, apple, watermelon, cashew, pumpkin gourd, papaya, fig, jackfruit, excess milk
- Avoid day sleep, awakening at night, tension, suppression of urges before bed
