Constipation (Vibandha) is described in Ayurveda as a condition caused by the vitiation of Vata Dosha, particularly Apana Vata, responsible for elimination. The dry (Ruksha), cold (Shita), and rough (Khara) qualities of Vata disturb bowel function in the colon (Pakvashaya), leading to dry, hard stools and impaired evacuation.
Causative Factors (Nidana)
-
Dietary Causes (Ahara Hetu): Excess intake of dry, cold, heavy foods; low-fiber and processed diets; incompatible food combinations leading to toxin (Ama) formation.
-
Lifestyle Causes (Vihara Hetu): Sedentary habits, irregular meals, and suppression of natural urges disturb Apana Vata.
-
Dosha Imbalance (Dosha Prokopa): Predominant vitiation of Apana Vata causes constipation.
-
Psychological Factors (Manasika Hetu): Worry (Chinta), grief (Shoka), and mental stress aggravate Vata and impair digestion and elimination.
Signs & Symptoms of Constipation
-
Alpa Mala Pravritti: Less than three bowel movements per week.
-
Kathina Mala: Hard and dry stool passage.
-
Mala Pravritti Kashtata: Straining or difficulty during defecation.
-
Mala Avasheshaj Jnana: Feeling of incomplete evacuation.
-
Gudagata Avarodha: Sensation of blockage in the rectum.
-
Prayatna Yukta Mala Pravritti: Need for pressure or aid during stool passage.
Ayurvedic Management at Aimil Healthcare
At Aimil Healthcare & Research Center, Delhi, we provide holistic and personalized Ayurvedic treatment for Vibandha, tailored to individual constitution (Prakriti), imbalance (Vikriti), digestive fire (Agni), and root causes (Nidana).
1. Dietary Regime (Ahara Chikitsa)
-
Eat fiber-rich foods: leafy greens, papaya, figs, raisins, whole grains.
-
Take ghee with warm milk at bedtime for lubrication.
-
Avoid stale, dry, heavy, and spicy foods.
2. Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara Chikitsa)
-
Follow a fixed morning bowel routine.
-
Practice yoga: Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana.
-
Avoid urge suppression and irregular sleep patterns.
3. Panchakarma Therapy (Shodhana Chikitsa)
-
Abhyanga & Swedana: Oil massage and steam to pacify Vata.
-
Basti Karma: Medicated enemas—Anuvasana Basti (oil) and Niruha Basti (decoction).
-
Virechana: Purgation in Pitta-associated cases.
4. Palliative Therapy (Shamana Chikitsa)
-
Herbal laxatives: Triphala churna, Avipattikara churna.
-
Isabgol with warm water/milk for stool softening.
-
Use Agnideepana and Vatanulomana herbs to aid digestion.
5. Ayurvedic Drug Therapy (Aushadhi Chikitsa)
-
Triphala Churna: Mild laxative and Rasayana.
-
Avipattikara Churna: Useful in constipation with acidity.
-
Eranda Taila (Castor Oil): Strong purgative for chronic cases.
-
Haritaki: Vata-pacifying and mild laxative.
Ayurveda addresses Vibandha through root cause correction, Dosha balance, and natural regulation of elimination for sustained gut health.
