CONSTIPATION

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is characterized by passage of hard stool, incomplete evacuation, and with abdominal discomfort. The presences of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain are significant for further investigations. Intestinal obstruction, spinal cord lesions, anal masses, rectal prolapses, should also be considered. Conditions like colonic carcinoma, fissures, hemorrhoids, reduced colon motility and distention with gas can also lead to constipation. Metabolic diseases like diabetes, spinal cord disease, Parkinsonism, cerebral accidents, hypothyroidism etc also contribute to constipation. Apart from these certain drug like Aluminum antacids and iron supplements add to constipation.

Ayurveda considers it as a problem related to vitiation of vata in pelvic cavity and its structures like colon, rectum etc. Food habits and regimens play a major role to produce constipation.

Causes

•          Diet with more hot, pungent and astringent taste

•          Riding vehicles especially in bad roads

•          Sitting for long time

•          Obstructing natural urges

•          Excess sexual intercourses

•          Improper practicing of enema 

•          Continuous contact with cold water

•          Abortion, miscarriage

•          Walking long distance

•          Stress

•          Avoidance of sleep at night.

Management

Prevention of the cause

Medicament's selected identifying the situation

Common drugs used: Triphala, Dry grapes, Sennna leaves, Ghee + ksharam, Isabgol, milk

Diet:

Food must be having more fiber content (vegetables, wheat, fruits, etc.)

Avoid excess fried and oily food.

Adequate water should be consumed daily

Taking small banana after food prevents the chance of constipation.

Enema therapy (oil or decoction)

Practicing of Yoga _ Pavanamukthasanam,