*Stomach* *Diseases* *and* *Ayurveda* 

Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to managing a wide range of stomach disorders by addressing the root causes, improving Agni (digestive fire), and balancing the Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).

 *Causes According to Ayurveda* 

Improper food habits (e.g. incompatible food combinations)

Irregular eating and sleep schedule

Suppression of natural urges

Emotional stress and anxiety

Excess consumption of spicy, oily, or cold foods

 *Ayurvedic* *Treatment Principles* 

1. Agni Deepana & Ama Pachana – Strengthening digestive fire and removing toxins

2. Dosha Shamana – Pacifying aggravated Vata, Pitta, or Kapha

3. Srotoshodhana – Clearing blocked channels in the body

4. Rasayana Therapy – Rejuvenation and strengthening of the digestive system

5. Panchakarma – Detoxification therapies like Virechana, Basti, Vaman clears the Ama (toxins ) from the digestive system.

 *Acidity & Hyperacidity (Amlapitta)* 

Ayurvedic View

In Ayurveda, hyperacidity is referred to as Amlapitta, caused primarily by Pitta imbalance. When digestive fire (Agni) becomes too sharp, it produces excessive heat and acid, leading to sour belching, heartburn, and indigestion. Unhealthy food habits, stress, and irregular routines aggravate Pitta and weaken digestion.

 *Therapies* :

Virechana (therapeutic purgation) to eliminate excess Pitta

Takra Dhara (buttermilk pour) for calming the gut and nerves

Sheetali Pranayama to cool internal heat

 *Diet & Lifestyle* 

Eat cooling, mildly spiced, freshly prepared food

Include ghee, coconut water, cumin, coriander, and fennel in the diet

Avoid sour, spicy, fried, fermented, and acidic foods

Maintain regular meal timings

Practice stress-relieving activities like Pranayama and early sleep

 *Indigestion (Ajirna)* 

 *Ayurvedic View* 

Indigestion, or Ajirna, arises when the digestive fire (Agni) is weakened, leading to improper digestion of food. This results in heaviness, fullness, belching, and lack of appetite. Depending on the doshic involvement, it may manifest as:

Vishamagni (Vata) – Gas, irregular digestion

Tikshnagni (Pitta) – Burning, sour belching

Mandagni (Kapha) – Heaviness, nausea

Indigestion is often caused by eating incompatible foods, irregular meal timings, overeating, or stress. 

 *Ayurvedic treatment* 

Therapies:

Deepana-Pachana (digestive-enhancing herbs)

Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm oils to regulate Vata

Virechana in chronic indigestion with Pitta symptoms

 *Diet & Lifestyle* 

Follow a light and warm diet: khichdi, vegetable soups, buttermilk

Use spices like ginger, cumin, ajwain, and black pepper

Avoid cold, raw, oily, and processed foods

Eat at regular intervals and only when hungry

Practice gentle yoga and Pranayama to reduce stress.

 *Constipation (Vibandha)* 

 *Ayurvedic View* 

In Ayurveda, Vibandha (constipation) is mainly caused by Vata dosha aggravation, especially Apana Vata, which governs the downward movement of wastes. When Vata becomes dry and obstructed, it leads to hard stools, strain during defecation, and incomplete evacuation. Irregular habits, low water intake, dry foods, and stress worsen the condition.

 *Ayurvedic Treatment* 

Therapies:

Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) to pacify Vata and lubricate colon

Abhyanga with warm sesame oil followed by Swedana (sudation)

Pichu or warm oil packs on the abdomen

Diet & Lifestyle

Consume warm, oily, and fibrous foods like ghee, soaked raisins, cooked vegetables

Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day

Avoid dry, cold, stale, or processed foods

Include flaxseeds, soaked figs, dates, and papaya

Regular physical activity, especially morning walks and yoga

Avoid late-night dinners and emotional suppression

 *Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Grahani* 

 *Ayurvedic View* 

In Ayurveda, IBS is correlated with Grahani, a disorder of the small intestine caused by impaired Agni (digestive fire) and accumulation of Ama (toxins). It is primarily a result of Vata-Pitta imbalance, leading to irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating, and incomplete digestion. Stress and improper eating are major aggravating factors.

 *Ayurvedic Treatment* 

Therapies:

Virechana (purgation) to cleanse Pitta in chronic Pitta-dominant cases

Basti (medicated enema) – Especially effective in Vata-dominant IBS

Shirodhara or Takradhara – Calms the mind and gut-brain axis

 *Diet & Lifestyle* 

Favor freshly cooked, light, and warm foods

Avoid heavy, fried, spicy, and fermented items

Use buttermilk with roasted cumin and curry leaves

Include cumin, fennel, and ginger in cooking

Avoid raw salads, cold drinks, and packaged foods

Follow regular meal times and reduce screen time during meals

Practice meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to manage stress

 *Peptic Ulcers – Ayurvedic Perspective* 

Ayurvedic View

Peptic ulcers, involving erosion of the stomach or intestinal lining, are primarily due to Pitta aggravation in Ayurveda. The intense, corrosive nature of elevated Pitta along with impaired Agni weakens the mucosal lining, resulting in Parinamshoola (ulcer pain) and Amlapitta symptoms like burning pain, sour belching, and nausea. Stress and faulty eating are common causative factors.

 *Ayurvedic Treatment* 

Therapies:

Virechana (mild purgation) to eliminate excess Pitta

Takra Dhara (medicated buttermilk pour) – Calms Pitta and nervous system

Shirodhara for stress relief and gut-brain harmony

 *Diet & Lifestyle* 

Eat soft, bland, cooling, and nourishing foods like rice gruel, milk, ghee

Include coconut water, boiled banana, pomegranate, and buttermilk

Avoid spicy, sour, salty, fermented, and fried items

Refrain from smoking, alcohol, and late-night eating

Practice Sheetali/Sheetkari Pranayama and stay emotionally balanced

Maintain a calm routine with adequate sleep and stress management

 *Gastritis – Ayurvedic Perspective* 

 *Ayurvedic View* 

Gastritis in Ayurveda is known as Urdhwaga Amlapitta, a condition caused by Pitta aggravation affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach lining. When Pitta becomes excessive, it leads to inflammation and irritation, resulting in pain, acidity, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Factors such as improper diet, stress, and infections (like H. pylori) can trigger or exacerbate the condition.

 *Ayurvedic Treatment* 

 Therapies:

Takra Dhara – Medicated buttermilk therapy to calm Pitta

Abhyanga (oil massage) to pacify Vata and Pitta

Virechana (purgation) in cases of severe Pitta imbalance

Shirodhara for mental relaxation and soothing the stomach

 *Diet & Lifestyle* 

Consume easily digestible foods like khichdi, moong dal soup, steamed vegetables

Include cooling herbs and foods like coconut water, pomegranate, and cucumber

Avoid spicy, oily, and fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks

Maintain regular eating times and avoid overeating

Practice mindful eating and chew food thoroughly

Engage in calming activities like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.