Constipation

Constipation means hard stools, difficulty in passing stools or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. It is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week.

It is more common in children and old age.

CAUSES:

• Diet – common cause of constipation is diet low in fibre found in vegetables, fruits and diet high in fats found in cheese, eggs, etc.
• Liquid – low intake of liquid. Liquids like water and juice add fluid to colon and bulk to stool, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
• Medications – medicines like Antacid, Narcotics, Antispasmodics, Antidepressants, Iron supplements can slow passage of bowel movements.
• Abuse of Laxatives – Laxatives can be habit forming. The colon begins to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements. So over use of laxatives damage nerve cells in colon.
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes during pregnancy slow down the intestinal activities which might lead to constipation.
• Vitiated Vata Dosha

SYMPTOMS:

• Straining or difficulty in passing stools.
• Painful bowel movement.
• Abdominal pain.
• Dry bowel movement.
• Distention of abdomen.
• Feeling uncomfortable.

EFFECTS:

• Anal fissure
• Haemorrhoids (bleeding piles)
• Rectal prolapsed

HOME REMIDIES:

• Proper fluid intake.
• Diet rich in fibres.
• 1 glass of hot (luke warm) water after getting up in morning.
• 1 glass of milk with one table spoon of ghee mixed in it at night before sleeping.

TREATMENT :

• Panchkarma – Basti, Snehpan.
• Anuloman Chikitsa
• Snigdha Ahar
• Castor Oil etc.