Ayurvedic Wisdom for Constipation Relief: Understanding Vibandha and Effective Home Remedies

Understanding Constipation (Vibandha) and Effective Ayurvedic Home Remedies

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition with symptoms of dry and hard stools difficult to pass or an inability to completely evacuate the bowels, often linked with dietary and lifestyle choices. Constipation is indeed  a symptom, not a disease but it can be a warning  sign of different diseases

As per Ayurveda, it can be co-related with ‘vibandha’ which means blockage of excretory channels. The waste products formed after the process of digestion is removed from the body which is brought by a process called excretion. If it remains for a longer time in the body tend to vitiate the normal doshas by causing srotosanga called bandha (constipation). In Ayurveda, constipation is not recognized as a standalone disease but is acknowledged as a symptom of various underlying health imbalances and various methods and treatments have been explained to relive the symptoms 

Ayurveda highlights that a diminished digestive fire, known as mandagni, is linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which may lead to constipation. Factors such as a high consumption of fatty foods and insufficient physical activity exacerbate this issue by hindering metabolism and impacting 'Apana Vayu,' the force responsible for bowel movements. Slow digestion results in the gradual buildup of ama in the stomach and intestines, disrupting Vata equilibrium and causing constipation. 

When a person ignores constipation and continues the causes of vata vitiation for a long time it can lead to  Antrakoojana (bowel sounds), Udara (abdominal pain), Atoop (flatulence), Mala Mutrakrchra (difficulties in passing urine and stool), Anaaha (abdominal distension) and Trikvedana (pain around sacral region) which are the symptoms of Vata accumulation in the Intestine (Pakvasayagatavata).

What are the causes of Constipation?

·      Insufficient fiber diet

·      Inadequate sleep can exacerbate the urge of defecation, making it harder to get rid of constipation.

·      Lack of exercise

·      Insuffiency of water and other fluids, dehydration

·      Changes in routine

·      Avoiding  the urge of defecation

·      Overuse of laxatives

·      Some medications like strong painkillers, antidepressants, antacids 

·      Alcohol or caffeine

·      Certain health conditions like Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Spinal cord injury, Hypothyroidism, Pregnancy Diabetes, Lupus, etc.

·      Ano rectal disorders like piles, tumors, rectocele

·      Excessive stress and mental exhaustion can lead to complications such as inadequate sleep and constipation.

·      Weak Digestive System

·      Chemotherapy

·      Skipping meals

·      Irregular eating habits

What are the symptoms of Constipation?

·      Hard, lumpy and dry stool

·      Disturbed bowel movements

·      Lethargy

·      Abdominal pain/bloating

·      Abdominal cramps

·      Headache/heaviness at the head

·      Decreased appetite.

·      Loss of taste.

·      Nausea

·      Feeling of blockage and heaviness and incompletely emptying the stool from the rectum.

·      Straining during bowel movements

What are the risk factors associated with Constipation?

Health issues that can arise as a result of severe constipation include:

·      Mental and physical stress, depression,

·      Fecal impaction

·      Hemorrhoids

·      Anal fissure

·      Rectal bleeding

Causes (Samprapthi) of Constipation (vibandha) according to Ayurveda 

It is caused due to the prakopa(aggravation )  of Apana Vata. This prakopa is caused mainly due to the Vriddhi (increase)of Ruksha guna (dryness) which results in excessive Shoshana (dehydration ) of drava (liquidity) in the pakwashya (intestines) and pureesha (feces). The dravashoshana (loss of liquid)  in Pakwashya leads to the decreased peristaltic movement of the large intestine and Drava Shoshana in Pureesha results in an increase of the hardness of the stools. This pathology occurs in the Pureesha Vaha srotas moola  Along with Apana Vata, Samana Vata Vaigunya is also common in constipation.

What is the Ayurvedic treatment of Constipation?

Ayurvedic treatment is based on natural healing methods, including the use of herbal medicines from ancient Samhita texts, to cleanse the body of toxins and get rid of constipation. The line of Ayurvedic treatment of Constipation is Samyak Anulomana of Apana Vata. Since Vata is the main Prakupita dosha here, the aim is to balance Vata dosha.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

Panchakarma provides the good & effective treatment along with the oral medicines

For a permanent solution for constipation, we may have to follow

• Nidana parivarjana (uprooting the causes of constipation ) •Prakruthi analysis (knowing the constitution of the patient) • Ahara (Food habits) and Vihara (lifestyle) of the person.• Roga bala (intensity of the disease) and Rogi bala (strength of the diseased)

Then he can undergo the shodana and Samana procedures

Single herbs effective in alleviating Constipation, like 

·      Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra),

·      Abhaya (Terminalia chebula),

·      Aragvadha (Cassia fistula),

·      Eranda (Riccinus communis),

·      Trivrit (Ipomoea turpethum),

·      Jatiphal (Myristca fragrans),

·      Triphala- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and     Amalki (Emblica officinalis).

·      Cows ghee

· Rosebuds.

·      Draksha

·      Isabgol(Psyllium Husk)

·      Figs (anjeer)

·      Katuki (Picrorrhizakurroa)

·      Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

·      Senna leaves

Some Ayurvedic medicines useful in the treatment of Constipation are:

·      Abhayarishta

·      Dantyarista

·      Trivit Lehyam

·      Triphala Choorna

·      Drakshadi lehaym is often recommended for relief from constipation in Ayurvedic practices.

·      Patolamooladi kashyam

·      Gadharvahasthadi kashayam 

·      Sukumara kashayam is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy used in Varanasi.

·      Avipathy choornam 

·      Sukumara ghritha

·      Vaishvanara choornam  etc 

Panchakarma is an all-encompassing Ayurvedic treatment focused on detoxification and cleansing, with the goal of harmonizing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and removing built-up toxins from the body. Although Panchakarma is not explicitly intended to address constipation, certain aspects of the therapy may have a positive impact on digestive wellness.

Virechana:

·        Virechana is a therapeutic purgation that aims to eliminate excess Pitta and toxins from the body, targeting the gastrointestinal tract. It involves the ingestion of herbal purgatives. This process can help cleanse the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements.

Basti:

·        Basti, or herbal enema therapy, involves introducing medicated oils or decoctions into the rectum. Basti is considered highly effective for balancing Vata dosha, which is often associated with constipation. It lubricates the intestines, softens stools, and facilitates their passage.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Constipation Ayurvedic Treatment

·      Fibre-Rich Diet:

·      Diet should comprise mainly of freshly cooked vegetables, soups, and fresh fruits. All green leafy vegetables, carrots, radishes, bottle gourd, and cucumber are good choices. Fruits like papaya, apples, figs, pears, and berries are beneficial.

·      Drink a cup of warm milk or warm water added with a little ghee at bedtime.

·      Soak 1 tbsp raisins in water overnight and eat it the next morning.

·      Staying awake late at night and rising late in the morning also affects bowel movement. Try to go to bed before midnight and wake up early to avoid complications like inadequate sleep.

·      Reduce dairy product intake in your diet.

·      Intake of foods like frozen food, white bread, and snacks like chips, pizza, spicy and oily diets, excess cheese, fried food, and carbonated drinks should be avoided.

·      Avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee.

·      Avoid prolonged sitting; move around to prevent stagnation.

·      Don’t resist natural urges; attend to them promptly. establish a consistent toilet routine

·      Steer clear of junk and processed foods in your diet.

·      Start your day with warm liquids. Drink small sips of water, preferably warm water at frequent intervals.

·      Maintain a regular meal schedule.

·      Avoid self-medication; seek professional advice.

·      Practice mindful eating, including prunes or probiotics,

Recommended Yoga Poses for Constipation

Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist),Vajrasana,Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose),Halasana,Pavanamuktasana,

Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, BaddhaKonasana (Butterfly Pose), UttanaPadasana other exercises that put pressure on the abdomen are useful.

What is Vibandha in Ayurveda?

Vibandha, known as constipation, is a common digestive disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and passing hard stools.

What are the symptoms of constipation according to Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic understanding of constipation includes symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty in passing stool, and bloating.

What are the causes of constipation in Ayurveda?

The main reasons for increased parental constipation include factors such as improper digestion, excess vata dosha, and dry and hard stools.

How does Ayurveda treat constipation?

Ayurvedic treatment for constipation involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, herbal medicines, and specific therapies like panchakarma to balance the doshas and improve bowel movements.

What are some effective home remedies for constipation in Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic home remedies for constipation include consuming warm water, fiber-rich foods, herbal teas, and specific herbal formulations to promote proper digestion and relieve constipation.

Is constipation common in pediatric age groups according to Ayurveda?

Constipation is a condition seen in childhood, and Ayurvedic management emphasizes gentle treatments and dietary modifications tailored to children to alleviate constipation.

Can Ayurveda help in relieving chronic constipation?

Ayurvedic understanding of constipation as a disease condition allows for integrated treatment approaches involving diet, lifestyle, and herbal medicine to provide long-term relief from chronic constipation.

What is the quickest relief for constipation?

Sipping warm water at frequent intervals can stimulate the bowels. Gentle abdominal massage can relieve constipation too.

What are the drugs used in Vibandha?

All drugs which are laxative in pharmacological actions are used to relieve constipation.

What are the symptoms of Vibandha?

Lumpy  bowel movements, solidified hard stools, painful defecation and feeling of bloating,

abdominal discomfort, or incomplete elimination

Which tablet is best for constipation?

Triphala choornam  tablets and kayam choornam tablets can help to relieve constipation

How can I soften my stool quickly?

Add fibre-rich foods and drink warm water at frequent intervals

What are the risk factors associated with Constipation?

Mental and physical stress, depression, Fecal impaction, Hemorrhoids, Anal fissure, and Rectal bleeding.