Gastrointestinal { जठरा – आन्तरिक रोग }
Gastrointestinal disorders in modern medicines are described in Ayurveda under two sections: disorders of annavaha srotas (अन्नवाहः स्रोताः gastrointestinal system) and purishavaha srotas (पुरीषवाहः स्रोताः excretion system). These disorders are commonly occurring due to weak digestive fire (मन्थग्नि mandagni) and ama (अमा). The common diseases described in Ayurveda under this category are agnimandya (अग्निमन्थ्य इति: state of the inadequate process of digestion on ingested food), arochaka (आरोचकः ), chardi (चर्दि vomiting), atisara (अतिसारः dysentery), pravahika (प्रवाहिका tenesmus dysentery, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)), arshas (अर्शः Hemorrhoids), anaha (आनाह a type of intestinal obstruction that causes constipation and suppressed urine and faeces), adhmana (अध्मना: distention of lower abdomen) atopa (आटोप Painful distension of abdomen accompanied by rumbling noise), ajirna (अजिर्णा indigestion), visucika ((विसूचिका cholera), alasaka (अलास्का severe pain in the abdomen due poor digestion capacity), vilambika (विलम्बिका indigestion feels discomfort in the chest region), udavarta (उदावर्तः abnormal movement of vayu in large intestine or colon), amlapitta (अम्लपित्तः acid reflux disease), Grahani(ग्रहणी irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)), pitta Grahani (पित्त ग्रहणी Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease ) etc.
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to managing and treating gastrointestinal disorders by targeting the root causes: imbalances in Agni (digestive fire, the core principle of Ayurveda) and the accumulation of Ama (toxins). Ayurvedic treatments, including herbal remedies and lifestyle modifications, can help restore balance and harmony to the digestive system, improving overall well-being.
General Ayurvedic Therapies for Gastrointestinal disorders
- Shodhana Chikitsa: Detoxifies the GI tract, eliminates toxins, balances doshas.
- Deepana-Pachana: Stimulates Agni, improves digestion, burns Ama.
- Herbal Remedies: Treat diarrhea, constipation, acidity, IBS, and improve gut health.
- Rasayana (Rejuvenation): Rejuvenates gut lining, strengthens digestion and absorption.
- Ahara (Dietary Guidelines): Balances digestion, prevents toxin buildup.
- Vihara (Lifestyle): Supports consistent digestion and bowel function.
- Pranayama & Yoga: Stimulate digestive fire, relieve gas, and regulate bowel movement.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
