Ayurveda Portal
   
Virechanam Gastric Ulcer is a Disorder in the digestive fire or “agni”, caused mainly by improper metabolism, stress, tension and anxiety. The excessive gastric juice secreted destroys the mucous lining of the digestive tract causing sores or ulcers.

Ayurveda emphasizes that balancing the “Pita” humour, using various natural treatments, heals ulcers.

Classic symptoms include burning, (during, after, and in-between meals) intense pain in the mid-upper abdomen, fatigue, increased stress, loose stools, constipation etc.

All stated Ayurveda treatments will focus on balancing the pita humour, correcting the digestive fire and mending the digestive sores and ulcers.

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Diagnosis – the Ayurveda way
Treatments for Gastric Ulcer
Panchakarma for Gastric Ulcer
Pre-purification Therapies
Main purification Therapies
Rasayana Therapies for Gastric Ulcer
Oral medicines for Gastric Ulcer
Diet regulations for Gastric Ulcer
Life style for Gastric Ulcer
   
Diagnosis – The Ayurveda Way  back to top

The initial 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 create the disease. 

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.
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. 
 
Treatments for Gastric Ulcer   back to top

After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriatePanchakarma 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 docotrs advise is strictly followed. The results will manifest itself normally after 3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate itself.
 
Panchakarma for Gastric Ulcer   back to top

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 method is usually adopted for treating Gastric Ulcer.

Snehapanam is the intake of medicated ghee in empty stomach. It’s done only once a day and is generally continued for 3 to 7 days. Ghee is both a medicine and a carrier of the medicines it holds. It penetrates deep into the mucous layers, destroys the ulcers and allows tissue growth on the intestinal lining.

Common ingredients and herbs used are malabar nut, sweet flag, neem, asparagus, mustard, gooseberry juice etc.

The ghee does other functions too. It softens and opens the channels of circulation and elimination so that proper nourishment reaches the tissues. It also lubricates all the channels of the body, including the lymph, and forces out the toxins from them, into the digestive tract for eventual elimination during the upcoming main purification therapies of Panchakarma. 
 
Main purification therapies for Gastric Ulcer  back to top

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 treatments for Gastric Ulcers are:

Vasthi means medicated enema. It washes out all the toxins that were brought into the digestive tract as a result of Snehapanam done in the pre purification phase. Since medicines reach the bowels directly without enzymatic actions, its effectiveness is very high.   Herbs and other ingredients used for Vasthi are dillseed, castor plant, bael, honey, rock salt, oils etc.

Virechanam is the method of cleaning and evacuation of the bowels through the use of purgative medicines.  It eliminates the ulcer causing excess bile toxins from the mid zone of the body.  When the digestive tract is clean and toxic-free, it benefits the entire body systems. As a result, the person’s appetite increases, and his body strength enhances.

Herbal powder, medicated castor oil, or herbal paste is commonly used as the purgative medicine.  Avipathychoornam is the herbal powder generally used for the treatment. It is a mixture of herbs like turpith, embellia fruits, dry ginger, cardamom, long pepper, cinnamon etc  
 
Rasayana Therapies for Gastric Ulcer  back to top

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 Gastric Ulcer  back to top
                                                     
The pitta dosha which is aggravated in gastric ulcer can be efficiently controlled with the help of herbal medicines. They are prepared specifically for the disease to help restore the lost balanceKashayam and Arishtam- herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed.

Ulcer treatments involve not only the wound healing process but it should also facilitate tissue growth. The oral herbal medicines used act mainly by inhibiting acid secretion and blocking oxidative damage of the gastric mucosa.

Tinospora, basil, gooseberry, black pepper, nut grass tuber, cardamom, lemon, cinnamon, aloe-Vera, coriander, liquorice, etc. are some of the herbs used. Gooseberry significantly reduces stress induced leakage in gastric tissue and confers protection against ulcers.  
 
Diet regulation for Gastric Ulcer back to top

Diet regulation will be suggested for patients during and after the treatment. They are designed for controlling the digestive fire, better digestion, and for total well being.

Foods that are easy-to-digest and do not stimulate acid secretion are good for ulcer.  Only foods that are nourishing to gastric tissues, cleanse the physiology, and strengthen digestion are to be eaten. The food consumed should be fresh, well-cooked and satisfying.

Increase the intake of bitter foods, sweet fruits and green leafy vegetables; they minimize acid secretion and rebuild the mucous layer. The usage of onion and garlic should be restricted. Drinking lots of water is necessary. Barley water can be taken throughout the day.

Sour, salty and pungent foods are not permitted. Hard-to-digest foods excessively activate acid secretion and hence are to be avoided. Eggs, meat, certain raw vegetables and fruits, hot chilly, spices, etc. in excess, carbonated drinks, beverages, tinned and packed food aggravate ulcer.

The necessary diet pattern would be selected by an experienced doctor.  You can also find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself. 
 
Life style for Gastric Ulcer back to top

As lifestyle and eating habits are a major cause of ulcer, it is imperative to follow good life style. Meals should be taken at regular intervals. It is also important to eat only when hungry. The timing and method of eating are also important factors which should be taken into 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 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, too much television, and other stimulating experiences. 
 
 
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