Dyspepsia - Treatment through Ayurveda

Dyspepsia - Treatment through Ayurveda

Dyspepsia, otherwise called as indigestion in normal term, is an uncomfortable feeling in the upper part of the abdomen usually associated with pain, distension, burning sensation, sour belching etc. People of any age can get dyspepsia. Both men and women get it. It is a very common ailment, which can at times be very much debilitating, disturbing one's mind and affecting the general well being and work efficiency. Though it is a very common ailment, recurrent episodes can lead to much serious problems like gastric ulcer. Hence proper diagnosis and timely intervention is important to rectify the problem.

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Heaviness of abdomen
• Pricking pain in the upper part of abdomen.
• Distension of stomach
• Burning sensation
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• Sour belching
• Irregular bowels.
• Heart burn

Management:

The main stay of treatment in modern is administration of antacids. Though they provide temporary relief, it is mostly symptomatic. The understanding of the digestive system and digestion in Ayurveda is much more complete and hence the treatment of digestion related problems like dyspepsia is very effective. The treatment aims at treating the cause rather than the effect. The proper correlation of the causative factors with the effect it has on the body is substantiated perfectly in Ayurveda.

The concept of Agni is simple and yet so important in treatment of any disease of the body. The condition of dyspepsia is understood as Agnimandhya in Ayurveda. The Agni is vitiated by factors such as

• Too much intake of food
• Taking food too often before the food of previous meal has got digested.
• Intake of heavy, too much dry or too oily food, and too spicy foods
• Intake of very cold or very hot food substances.
• Day sleep
• Being awake at night
• Suppression of natural urges of the body.

Due to these reasons, the Agni is hampered and it becomes incapable of digesting the food, The food which is improperly digested takes the form of a sticky substance called Aama, which coats the inner lining of digestive sysytems and affects absorption of nutrients, gastric motility and also further digestion of the food. Various factors causes disturbance of one particular dosha, which affects the Agni and the exhibits the relevant symptom.

When Vata is predominantly affected, it causes pricking pain, flatulence, distension of abdomen, constipation, restlessness of the body etc.

When Pitta is predominantly affected, it causes sour belching, burning sensations, mouth ulcers, burning sensation during micturition, disturbed sleep, yellowish discolouration of the eyes, urine and stools.

When Kapha is predominantly affected, it causes heaviness of the abdomen, sweet taste in mouth, loss of appetite, laziness, drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, vomitting etc.

According to the symptoms exhibited, the relevant dosha has to be identified and rectifed. Increasing the digestive fire is the first line of treatment in this condition. It can be done by simple fasting if the onset of the problem is quiet recent and mild. In case it is slightly severe, then medicines having the digestive and carminative property has to be resorted to under a doctor's prescription. When the condition is profound and chronic, Panchakarma treatments helps to remove the excess accumulated Doshas and Aama from the body. Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation)  are the procedures which are adapted. Once the body is cleared of the toxins, the quality of the Agni is enhanced. It leads to proper digestion of foods and assimilation of the nutrients for the growth of the body.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• The diet should be light and easily digestible.
• Use of Ghee regularly has very good effect over the digestive system.
• Too much oily food has to be avoided.
• Too much heavy, spicy, hot and salty foods has bad impact over the digestive system.
• Digestive and carminative spices like cumin, pepper, ginger, asafoetida etc should always be used in our diet.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Curd should not be taken regularly.
• Food should be taken only after one feels hungry.
• Sipping hot water at intervals helps in increasing digestion.
• Avoid excessive cold beverages and food.
• Foods which are old or refrigerated should not be consumed.
• Avoid day sleep
• Regular and mild exercises helps to increase digestion.
• Practicing Yoga regularly help to regulate the digestion and bowel movements.