Can You Use Ayurvedic Methods To Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Successfully?

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Western medicine uses a combination of prescription medications and lifestyle changes to address the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Other approaches include acupuncture and holistic treatments such as Ayurveda. The article below helps understand how Ayurvedic practices can help treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, along with potential side effects and benefits.

Ayurvedic medicine is a centuries-old holistic health care practice that originated in northern India.
It is a form of treatment that embraces the well-being of body, mind and spirit. It encourages you to consider all three when managing health problems.
In Ayurveda, the body balances different types of energies, or doshas. The three dosages are: Vata, pitta, dapha
Each dose of this medicine is responsible for a different part of your body. For example, Vata controls bodily functions such as waste removal and electrolyte balance in the body.
If the three doses are not balanced for any reason, you may become ill or ill. You need to maintain a balance in dosage to maintain good health.
Irritable bowel syndrome is thought to occur when one of the dosages is unbalanced or when toxins are present.
Ayurvedic medicine aims to restore balance. It does this through natural treatments so that the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome will be eliminated. It also aims to get rid of any toxins in the body.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome usually include:
Abdominal cramps Abdominal pain Bloating and bloating Constipation Diarrhea First deal with Ama (or poison)
In Ayurveda, Agni (or digestive fire) ) is responsible for converting food into energy and nutrients. When you eat something, the food stays in the duodenum until it is completely digested by Agni.
When digestion is complete, the food moves on to the next stage of digestion. If for some reason the food is not fully digested, you may get sick. This could signal that your Agni is weak.
As a result of inadequate digestion, your body may develop Ama aka toxins. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be the result of weak Agni and the resulting accumulation of these toxins.
That is why the first step in Ayurvedic medicine is to treat the Ama. Then you deal with other disorders.

Then balance the three dosages
With these treatments you may see improvement in your symptoms within a few days. But in some cases, it can take a long time to properly treat the imbalance.
Since health depends on the equilibrium of all three potions, all of them must be balanced before you can feel restored.

Here are some Ayurvedic steps to help promote good health:
Reset your digestive system with a bland diet
Initially, your Ayurvedic specialist may suggest you eat a regimen Eat bland to help reset your digestive system. This diet may include soft, warm foods such as basmati rice and light soups.
Practitioners may also recommend a short period of fasting. During this time, the goal is for your body to naturally rid itself of Ama while reducing irritations that may cause future symptoms.
Furthermore, you can try drinking skim milk. Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, buttermilk is said to help with recovery and relief of symptoms.
Alternatively, your doctor may suggest that you consume buttermilk or condensed butter. Research shows that practitioners believe ghee helps stimulate weak Agni.
Yoga for full body health
Yoga, like Ayurvedic medicine, takes a whole body approach to wellness. The goal of yoga is to help increase strength and flexibility, but the additional goal is to eliminate stress and reduce physical symptoms of illness.
Specific yoga poses or postures may be more helpful to relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These include the sleeping position and the sun salutation.

Try meditation, massage, or aromatherapy for stress relief
It's not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but research suggests stress can play a big role in who develops irritable bowel syndrome and when symptoms worsen.
In the Ayurvedic method, stress is the result of an imbalance in the doshas. Anti-stress techniques, such as meditation, aromatherapy, and massage, can help reduce stress. That can eliminate or reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Try herbal tonics to balance the dose
Herbal tonics and supplements are an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. Exactly which tonic you use will depend on the imbalance or dosha you are looking to treat. A practitioner can help you choose the right one.
Is it possible to combine western medicine treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with Ayurvedic medicine for irritable bowel syndrome?
Prescription drugs are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but no medication can completely eliminate the condition.
People with irritable bowel syndrome often take anti-diarrheal, anti-constipation, and antispasmodic medications when symptoms occur.
Ayurvedic medicine is considered a holistic approach to disease treatment and healthcare. In contrast to prescription drugs, it aims to eliminate symptoms before they occur.
That is why some practitioners are open to those who combine Ayurvedic practice with their Western medicine and vice versa.
Combination therapy can be beneficial for those who are looking for alternative solutions and holistic treatments.
Furthermore, many elements of Ayurveda do not interfere with Western medical treatments.
These may, such as herbs and tinctures, should be administered by your doctor or pharmacist before you take them. This can help you spot possible drug interactions before they become problematic.
If you want to consider using both types of treatment, talk to your doctor or clinician. Together, you can find the treatment that's right for you.

Ayurvedic medicine has been around for centuries. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's well-researched. In fact, very few clinical studies have examined this type of treatment and whether it works.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tinctures and herbs popular in Ayurvedic medicine as supplements. That means they are not tested or approved by the FDA.
If you decide to try this medicine, it is important that you tell all your healthcare providers.
In case you need to add or change treatments for any condition, they need to be mindful to monitor and prevent possible negative interactions and side effects.
Important Things
Although Ayurveda has existed for centuries, it is not considered a primary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Many elements of this holistic approach to health and care can be applied easily without worrying much about side effects. However, that's not always the case.
You should talk to your healthcare provider and a trained Ayurvedic doctor to find the right treatment options for you.

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Reference
Chase, JS. (2018). How to fast the Ayurvedic way. banyanbotanicals.com/info/blog-the-banyan-insight/details/how-to-fast-the-ayurvedic-way/ Jaiswal YS, et al. (2017). A glimpse of Ayurveda – The forgotten history and principles of Indian traditional medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.02.002 Pulikkottil AJ. (2012). Ayurvedic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. researchgate.net/publication/277804839_AYURVEDIC_TREATMENT_FOR_Irritable Bowel Syndrome _IRRITABLE_BOWEL_SYNDROME Tiwari R, et al. (two thousand and thirteen). Clinical evaluation of Bilvadileha in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. DOI: 10.4103/0974-8520.127717