Irritable Bowel Syndrome

All treatments in Ayurveda are prescribed only after a careful diagnosis of the patient’s body constitution, family history, sex, age, stage of the disease etc. This will enable the patient to receive treatments that are specifically suited to his very needs. Ayurveda treatments will therefore vary from patient to patient.
 
The first consultation with an Ayurveda doctor, including the diagnosis will last for more than an hour. The basic step in the diagnosis will be to find the person’s body humour (Dosha) – Vata, Pita or Kapha, because it is the imbalance of these body humours that creates this irritable bowel syndrome. 

The dominance of dosha in a person is found by asking several questions on his behavior, food habits, sleeping patterns, personal details like age, height & weight, place of life, profession, health problems and medical reports etc. Ayurveda diagnosis comprises of clinical and laboratory tests also.   The doctor can decide if an Ayurveda treatment is helpful on providing these details.

Pulse, tongue, nail, and eye examinations are important diagnosis methods used to reveal a person’s body humour and its imbalance. This will help the doctor in treating the disease.

Pulse diagnosis in Ayurveda is not just counting the beats. It also reveals the health status of the entire body constitution, including the dosha imbalance and the health of the various body organs.      

In tongue diagnosis, the doctor checks the general appearance, colour and coating of the tongue. In Ayurveda, as different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs of the body, the Ayurvedic practitioner can determine which organs of the body are out of balance by having a detailed tongue examination.

Nail examination is done to check the type, colour and shape of the person’s nail. Imbalances of doshas are easily detected on close examination. 

In the eye diagnosis, the colour, size and even the shape of the eyes are important in determining the dosha dominance of a person. His mental status, nervousness, anxiety, confidence level etc can also be learned through eye diagnosis.

A preliminary consultation with Ayurveda doctors online is also possible nowadays for guests worldwide

After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and Rasayana therapies .

The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, They are classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.

The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.These comprise diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda doctors will advise you how to lead a healthy life. The beneifts and results of the treatment are shown only after the Rasyana Treatment is over and doctors advise is strictly followed. The results will manifest itself normally after 3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate itself.

Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding these wastes.  These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind.

The following pre-purification methods are usually adopted for curing Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Snehapanam is oleation therapy and consists of oral intake of medicated ghee for a specified number of days. Usually, the medicated ghee is made by processing common ghee with a mixture of spices and herbs, including malabar nut, wild snake gourd, sweet flag, sandal wood, neem, amaltas, asparagus, ginger, mustard, gooseberry juice etc. 

Thalapothichil means the application and retention of herbal paste on the scalp for about 40-50 minutes; reduces anxiety, tension and restlessness which adversely affect the digestive system.  Herbs and fruits such as gooseberry, liquorice, asparagus, henna, lotus seeds, sandal, nut grass tuber etc. are commonly used in the treatment. 

Main purification therapy is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors.  The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is Vasthi.

Vasthi is enema therapy and is considered the ace colon cleaning Panchakarma treatment. Special medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. Dill seeds, honey, rock salt, herbal pastes, oils and decoctions are the main ingredients used in Vasthi. 

These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course.  Rasayana includes oral medicines and diet regulation.

Oral medicines for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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form an important part of any ayurvedic treatment and will be extracts of pure medicinal herbs, leaves, spices etc. These are prepared specifically to restore the lost balance and to provide the needed inputs to cure IBS.  Lehyams and Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams – semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed.

Some of the herbs used in the preparation of these oral medicines are tinospora, basil, gooseberry, ginger, black pepper, nut grass tuber, cardamom, lemon, cinnamon, aloe vera, coriander, liquorices, etc.

The type and quantity of the medicines to be taken are decided by the doctor after a detailed consultation and examination. The patient’s body type, age etc are also important factors to be considered.  

Diet regulation will be suggested for patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome during and after the treatment. Proper diet is a brilliant means of controlling and curing the symptoms of IBS. Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest to the disturbed organs. They are designed for controlling the digestive fire, better digestion, reduction of ama and for well being.

The food consumed should be fresh, well cooked and satisfying. Meals should be taken at regular intervals. Frits and vegetables are rich in fiber that protects the stomach lining. Fruit juices are excellent for IBS patients.

It is also important to eat only when hungry. Over eating is not advisable. Eating in a distraction free environment will help in better digestion.

Sour, salty and pungent foods are best avoided. Increase the intake of bitter foods, sweet fruits and green leafy vegetables. The usage of onion and garlic should be restricted. Drinking lots of water is necessary. Barley water can be taken through out the day. You can find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself. 

Patients suffering from Irritated Bowel Syndrome should avoid tension and anxiety in their daily lives. The timing and method of eating are also important factors which should be taken in to consideration. Food must be eaten with attention and satisfaction. Being distracted with books, computer, driving, phone calls, etc during a meal dulls all chances of a balanced digestive process.

It is also advised to take at least one or two weeks of rest after the Panchakarma experience. At this time the body is weak after a purification process and needs time to get back to normalcy. Avoid strenuous exercise, late nights, viewing television for long periods and stimulating experiences. However, light yoga postures, meditations and breathing exercises can be followed.