Constipation — Ayurvedic Treatment
Constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer — generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
Signs & Symptoms of Constipation
- Passing fewer than three stools per week
- Having lumpy, hard, or pellet-like stools
- Straining excessively to have bowel movements
- Feeling of blockage or incomplete emptying in the rectum
- Abdominal bloating and discomfort
Causes of Constipation
Constipation occurs when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum. Key causes include:
- Blockages in the colon or rectum (haemorrhoids, rectal stricture)
- Problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
- Difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination (pelvic floor dysfunction)
- Conditions affecting body hormones (hypothyroidism, diabetes)
- Imbalances in gut microbiome composition
- Low-fibre diet and inadequate fluid intake
Diagnosis
- Dietary elimination to rule out food intolerances
- Stool sample analysis to rule out infection
- Blood tests to check for anaemia and rule out coeliac disease
- Colonoscopy or anorectal manometry in chronic cases
Complications of Constipation
- Haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus)
- Anal fissures (small tears in the anal skin)
- Faecal impaction — hardened stool that cannot be expelled
- Rectal prolapse due to excessive straining
Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation
Ayurveda views constipation as a Vata imbalance affecting the colon. Treatment focuses on rekindling digestive fire (Agni) using herbs like Triphala, Haritaki, Isabgol, and Castor oil along with a personalised dietary plan and lifestyle modifications. Constipation treatment in Ayurveda restores healthy, regular bowel function naturally and permanently.