CONSTIPATION

DEFINITION

Inability to completely evacuate the bowels or passing very hard stools is known as Constipation.

This prevalent problem is due to an incorrect lifestyle and poor eating patterns. Although constipation is often looked upon as a common problem, if not treated or if treatment is delayed, it can lead to further problems such as fissures, fistulas, piles, lack of appetite and indigestion.

CAUSES The basic cause is weak digestive power that results from

Irregular and incorrect eating patterns, Not taking in enough fluids, Taking a diet that is low in fiber, Sedentary lifestyle, and Bowel evacuation habits that are poor.

Psychological factors like Stress, Anxiety, Fear, Jealousy, and Sorrow also play an important role.

SYMPTOMS

Incomplete evacuation of the bowel or passing of hard stools is the main symptom and

May be associated with Pain in the stomach, Flatulence, Pain at the anus while defecating, Heaviness of body, Lack of appetite, Indigestion, Nausea and Acid eructation (belching).

MANAGEMENT

HOME REMEDIES

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION Take 3 -4 teaspoons of Abhyarishta with equal

quantity of water twice a day after meals. Take 1 - 2 teaspoons of Panchasakar churna with

lukewarm water. Take 1 - 2 teaspoons of Avipattikar Churna (powder)

with water or milk twice a day. Take 1 tablet of Gandhak Vati with hot water after

meals. Take 1 - 2 tablets of Virechani with warm water or

milk at bed time. Take 1 - 2 tablets of Gandharvaharitaki / Triphala

with warm water at bed time. Take 2 - 3 tablets of Triphala with warm water at

bed time.

EXERCISE TO TREAT CONSTIPATION - YOGA ASANAS

Bhujangasna (Explained in hyperacidity ppt) Vajra asana (Explained in hyperacidity ppt) Dhanur asana

DHANUR ASANASteps: Lie on your belly with your hands alongside your

torso, palms up. Exhale and bend your knees, bringing your heels as close as you can to your buttocks. Reach back with your hands and take hold of your ankles.

Make sure your knees aren't wider than the width of your hips, and keep your knees hip width for the duration of the pose.

Inhale and strongly lift your heels away from your buttocks and, at the same time, lift your thighs away from the floor.

Draw the tops of the shoulders away from your ears. Gaze forward.

With the belly pressed against the floor, breathing will be difficult. Breathe more into the back of your torso, and be sure not to stop breathing.

Stay in this pose anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds. Release as you exhale, and lie quietly for a few breaths. You can repeat the pose once or twice more.

THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Constipation Respiratory ailments Mild backache Fatigue Anxiety Menstrual discomfort

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS

High or low blood pressure Migraine Insomnia Serious lower-back or neck injury

DIET & LIFESTYLE ADVICE Increase intake of fiber, especially fruits and cooked

vegetables. An apple or banana each day is helpful. Bananas

should be ripe (bright yellow). Drink 7-8 glasses of water each day, preferably

lukewarm in winters and room -temperature water in summers.

Have a mid-morning soup, preferably prepared with spinach and tomato.

Take daily morning and evening walks for at least 20-30 minutes each.

Eat whole grains and nuts. Avoid removing bran from the flour because the bran is

an insoluble fiber that clears off the intestines and relieves constipation.

Avoid refined foods like white flour, bread, pasta, pizza, white rice, etc.

High -protein foods like cheese, red meat, and soybeans can cause constipation, so these must be taken with a bowl of salad and lots of liquids.

Meat is constipating and should be avoided. Natural antacid, baking soda can neutralize

stomach acids and reduce heartburn

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Disturbing psychological factors should be removed,

Meals should be taken in a relaxed and calm atmosphere.

The food should be warm and freshly -prepared, as cold and stale food slows down the digestive power.

Having excessively cold food like ice cream or chilled drinks reduces the bowel movement.

THANK YOU