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Causes Symptoms

What is Constipation?

Constipation is the inability to clear bowels completely or having extremely dry stools, which is defined in Ayurveda as ‘Vibandh’ and is commonly faced in every human once in a while. This dysfunction of the digestive system occurs due to wrong lifestyle habits and dietary practices. It means a delay in passing stool. When there’s a need to pass motion, but little comes of it, or when normal satisfaction is not achieved after passing stool. Ayurveda sees it as Vibandh disorder.

Although constipation is often looked upon as a common problem, but if not treated or if Constipation treatment is delayed, it can lead to further problems such as fissures, fistulas, piles, lack of appetite and indigestion.

Constipation Symptoms

Bowel Movements

Less than three bowel movements per week.

Hard, dry, or lumpy stools

Hard, dry, or lumpy stools

Excessive straining during bowel movements.

Excessive straining during bowel movements.

Blockage in the Rectum

A feeling of a blockage in the rectum that prevents bowel movements

Stool Removal Manually

There is a need to help with stool removal manually

Causes of Constipation

• Diet: Too much intake of astringent, dry, cold or even stagnant food habits raises Vata, which brings irregularity in bowel movements. Inadequate fibre content is one of the first reasons behind it because, through bulking up the faeces, a sufficient amount of fibre enhances the movement of the intestinal contents.
• Lifestyle Factors: Eating at irregular intervals, prolonged cognitive activity, and poor sleep patterns disturb the natural order of the body’s internal system and Vata.
• Ignoring natural urges: An individual withholding the urge to pass out can increase the chances of the stools drying out and becoming firmer in consistency.
• Hydration: A deficit of water would result in stools becoming dry and more difficult to pass.
• Physical inactivity: The absence of any physical exertion can result in the weakening of the intestinal muscles, making it even more difficult to evacuate the bowels.
• Medications: Several medications, which include some medications used to relieve pain, antidepressants and the use of iron supplements, are associated with causing constipation as a side effect.
• Age: Elderly adults have also been observed to have a gut movement deficiency because with age comes a decreased metabolism rate, by which the chances of constipation increase.
• Pregnancy: Constipation may occur as a result of the hormonal imbalance and the growth of the uterus that applies pressure on the intestines.

Risks & Complications

• Haemorrhoids: In passing the stools, the effort to do so may lead to bulging and rupture of the vascular tissue situated near the anus.
• Anal Fissures: Passing stool, particularly when constipated, can lead to anal fissures, which are small cuts around the anus and can be painful and bloody.
• Faecal Impaction: In other words, due to chronic constipation, faecal matter becomes impacted or lodged within the intestines.
• Rectal Prolapse: During such activities, slight pushing may encourage some part of the rectal tissue to emerge through the anal opening.
• Psychological Impact: A prolonged case of constipation may have drastic effects like anxiety, depression or other factors that affect a person’s well-being.

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• Constipation has not resolved or decreased for over a week or more.
• Unintentional and significant loss of body mass occurs.
• A person suffers extreme discomfort or pain during the process of defecation.
• Blood in the stool appears.

Constipation Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda emphasises restoring the body's natural balance through a holistic approach:

Dietary Adjustments

Incorporate warm, moist, and oily foods that balance Vata. Foods which are rich in fiber, such as fruits and leafy greens like papaya and banana, are recommended.

Herbal Home Remedies For Constipation

• Triphala: A mix of three fruits that is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine to support bowel health and aid detoxification.
• Isabgol: Also known as psyllium husk, it is used for its high fibre content, which can help bulk up stool & make it easier to pass.
• Ginger and liquorice: Known for their digestive properties, they can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular Exercise: Activities like yoga for constipation and walking help stimulate intestinal activity.
• Adequate Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps soften stools.
• Routine: Eating at regular intervals and not ignoring the natural urges of the body are crucial.

Panchakarma Therapies

• Basti (Medicated Enema): Considered the most effective Ayurvedic treatment for Vata disorders, including constipation, it helps cleanse the colon and restore hydration.

Jiva’s Evidence-Based Treatment Process

Nadi Pariksha

Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Constipation accurately.

Prakriti Analysis

Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor a Constipation treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.

Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)

In our investigations, we examine the if and how Constipation is progressing by the dietary, lifestyle, and psychosocial aspects, identifying individual factors for customised intervention and pinpointing specific triggers for targeted treatment.

Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan

After that, we create a detailed Constipation treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance digestive health.

Continuous Monitoring & Amendments

 Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised Constipation Care plan with Jiva's ongoing support.

What Our Patients Say

87% of patients rate us excellent in service.

78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.

92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.