Constipation

Constipation is a very common problem these a days. Our lives of constant rush, late nights and fat food habits have turned constipation into a problem of epidemic proportions. If a person does not pass stool at least once in 24 hours, he is considered to be constipated according to Ayurveda.

Causes
Accumulation of toxins in the colon as evidenced by a coated tongue is considered to be the main pathology. The cause of constipation on a pyhsical level is dietary - eating food which is difficult to digest. Our lifestyle also is an important factor – sleeping late, rushing off to work in the morning without giving proper time for evacuation, excessive stimulation like watching lot of television etc. all lead to constipation.

Mental factors like, insomnia, nervousness, stress also cause constipation as do medical causes like, fever, infections and being bedridden for long.

Treatment:
Acute constipation, which usually indicates accumulation of toxins in the colon (ama), as in cases of fevers, severe bloating or gas fasting and a light diet should be followed.

Chronic constipation:
Dietary issues should be looked at in the first place. The aim should be to have oily and bulky foods like, dairy products, whole grains, bran, raw fruits and vegetables. Fruit juices like prune and grape can be taken. Olive and sesame oil should be used.
Triphala is a very famous Ayurvedic compound it consists of three tropical fruits, haritaki, amalaki, and bibhitaki. It is an excellent general colon cleanser and tonic as well as a Rasayan (rejuvenator). The normal dose is 5–15 gm. taken at bedtime with lukewarm water.
Aloe gel 1-2 teaspoons three times a day is also good.
Psyllium husk powder 1-2 teaspoons in warm water before sleeping is also very good.
Strong laxatives like senna and rhubarb are good for acute constipation but should be used with caution. In the long run they can precipitate constipation.
Enema – many cases of acute and chronic constipation which are not benefited by the above medications may requires enema therapy. A word of caution though; enema should only be undertaken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert only.

Other remedies:
The digestion must be improved with the use of light spices like, cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida.
Drinking a glass of warm milk at the time of going to bed helps in evacuation, the next morning.
Do not stay up late in the night. Regulate your sleeping hours. Ayurveda advises to go to bed early and rise early.
In the morning after waking up, drinking a glass or two of water, preferably warm water, and then waiting for a few minutes before going for evacuation helps in cleaning the bowels.
Massaging the whole body with oil(abhayanga) once or twice a week and applying oil or ghee on the naval every day helps in curing constipation.