CONSTIPATION -Ayurvedic Treatment and self help guide

It says only if our elimination is proper, we can be healthy, energetic and fit.

According to Ayurveda  we should have -
Easy bowel movement first thing in the morning.The stool should float on water.
If the stool sinks, then it is an indication of accumulation of Ama(Toxins) in colon,and poor digestion.

THE MAIN CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION

There are PHYSICAL,PSYCHOLOGICAL, and MEDICAL causes of constipation.
If we look under PHYSICAL CAUSES  ,it will be
Dietary - eating food which is hard to digest
Irregular sleeping pattern
Getting up quickly and. Rushing off  to work
Sex in the morning
Coffee or tea in the morning
Sedentary life style
Lack of exercise
As a complications of a infectious disease or fever.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS are
Stress, worry, nervousness ,grief and fear all of these contributes to develop constipation.
Insomnia,Excess stimulation of the nervous system like watching TV too much or using electronic gadgets late in the night.

Apart from these some MEDICAL FACTORS  serve as a contributing factors like taking too many drugs which can cause dryness of colon.

SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE CONSTIPATION

A person might feel Feverish, bloated ,gas, and abdominal pain or palpitation. Thick coating on tongue is a sign of Constipation.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

Ayurveda has few famous herbs to tackle acute constipation and Chronic constipation separately .
Where strong bitter purgatives like Senna and Rhubarb root are used to treat acute constipation, the famous Triphala formula is specific for Chronic constipation.

  1) Triphala  is a great colon cleanser as well as a tonic and rejuvenative  for the colon.
It improves the appetite and nourishes the bones and nerves.
Dosage - to be taken 5- 15 grams once a day in warm water before sleep.

2) Aloe gel - this is good  general treatment for most types of constipation.

Take 1-2 teaspoons three times a day .
It has lubricating and cleansing action.

3) To make Triphala formula works more effectively ,we can increase the Haritaki ( main laxative ) out of the three herbs a bot more.

4) Psyllium husk powder - take 1-2 teaspoons with warm water before going to bed.

5) Simple Home remedy for constipation will be taking Warm Milk with Ghee at bed time.

6)   Kapha type constipation responds better to following formula
Powdered Rhubarb Root -3 gms
Dry Ginger Powder - 2 gms
Take with one cup of warm water before sleep.

7) Castor Oil -Specially for Vata type Constipation, take 1-3 teaspoons of castor oil before sleep.

Enema therapy and Purgation ( Virechan ) Therapy are only prescribed by authorised prescriber and needs supervision.

SELF HELP GUIDE

In general, it is important to have a regular routine everyday to allow the biological clock works effectively. So arise at dawn and drink one glass of warm water or may be some herbal tea.
Some yoga postures to help bowel movement.
Mild oil massage on the lower abdomen.
A good breakfast like oatmeal,milk and ghee .
Take prune juice or Grapes juice
Avoid sitting on the toilet for longer time waiting for bowel movement .
Avoid too much spicy,hot,dry food in general.
Food high in sugar,bakery products like bread,cakes etc can be constipating.
Increase exercise and drink plenty of water, fluids but not fizzy drinks.

Hope these guidelines help to understand a bit more about Constipation in general and it's simple herbal remedies.
Obviously, if the problem is chronic and showing up some other serious symptoms, then contact your healthcare adviser straight away.