ANAHA(COSTIPATION)

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INTRODUCTION

In Ayurveda we find explanation of various diseases which are now considered as just symptoms. And there is explanation of many symptoms, which are now, categorized as diseases. A few of the symptom complexes are also named with different terminologies too. Such an example is – fullness of abdomen or abdominal distension (Anaha / Admana).

Fullness of abdomen / abdominal distention is found as a symptom in various diseases. But Ayurveda refers it as a separate disease entity. This is referred so based upon the causes, patho-physiological factors and line of treatment.

First let us learn the few difference between the closely resembling entitles

1) Anaha- distention of abdomen with stools and often gas try it now!

2) Adhmana – distention of abdomen with gas try it now!

3) Atopa – distention of abdomen followed with gurgling sound try it now!

4) Udavarta – distention of abdomen caused due to suppression of natural urges. try it now!

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CAUSES FOR ABDOMINAL DISTENSION / FULLNESS

1. Indigestion (AjeernaAhara)

2. Improper diet VishaAhara (improper diet)

3. Taking wholesome and unwholesome foods together (Samashana)

4) Excessive food intake (Atyashana)

5) Incompatible food combinations (Viruddhashana)

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MANIFESTATION OF THE DISEASE

When the undigested food particles are accumulated in stomach / intestines or un-evacuated feces is collected in the large intestine, there will be obstruction of channel. This leads to VataDosha aggravation. This is because, large intestine is the natural place of VataDosha. Whenever there is obstruction to path, usually the first Dosha to get imbalanced is VataDosha, because Vata is the cause for movement. This further discourages the free flow of the faeces and flatus through normal routes, thus the fullness of abdomen is caused.

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AYURVEDIC LINE OF TREATMENT

Management of Anaha (distention of abdomen ):

Acharya Chakrapani explains to manage this condition with the line of treatment of Udavarta.

In general, for the treatment of both the types of Anaha, below line of treatment is recommended.

Snehakarma – oleation,

Swedana – sudation,

Virechana – purgation,

AsthapanaBasti – decoction enema,

GudaVarti – anal suppositories and

unctuous, fresh and wholesome diet are recommended.

SINGLE DRUGS RECOMMENDED IN DISTENTION OF ABDOMEN ARE-

1. Aragwada- Cassia fistula Linn.

2. Haritaki– Terminalia chebula Retz.

3. Draksha -Raisins- Vitisvinifera Linn.

4. Bilva – Aegle marmelos Corr.

5. Snuhi- Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.

6. Ajamoda- Trachyspermumroxburghianum (DC.) Sprague.

7. Jeeraka – Cumine seeds- Cuminumcyminum Linn.

8. Lashuna -garlic- Allium sativa Linn.

9. Saindhava – rock salt

10. Hingu-asafetida- Ferula narthex Boiss.

11. Devadaru- Cedrusdeodara (Roxb.) Loud.

12. Punarnava- Boerhaviadiffusa Linn.

13. Patola – TrichosanthesdioicaRoxb.

14. Katukarohini- PicrorhizakurroaRoyle ex. Benth.

15. Chavya – Piper chaba Hunter.

16. Karaskara- Strychnosnuxvomica Linn.

17. Changeri – Oxalis corniculata Linn.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

1. Lashunadivati

2. Abhayarishta

3. Narachachoorna

4. Icchabedi rasa

5. Ajamodadivati

6. Chitrakadivati

7. Chavikasava

8. Sukhavirechakavati

9. Mriduvirechakachoorna

10. Lavanabhaskarachoorna

11. Drakshasava

12. Pathyadichoorna

13. Yavakshara yoga

14. Trivritlehya

15. Abhayamodakaetc

UNWHOLESOME DIET AND HABIT

1. Guru Ahara (heavy food intake)

2. Vishtambhiahara ( constipating food)

3. Viruddhara (incompatible food)

4. Alukakanda( potato)

5. Jambu (blue berry)

6. Mula-kanda -shaka (raw underground vegetable)

7. Suppression of the natural urges

8. Vati aggravating food and habits

9. Sleepless nights

10. Dry and pungent food etc

WHOLESOME DIET AND HABITS

1. Manda (gruel)

2. Mudgayusha (soup of green gram)

3. Kharjoora (date fruits)

4. Draksha (raisins)

5. Kshara (alkalis)

6. Ajamoda (celery)

7. Dhanyaka (coriander)

8. Shatapushpa (dil seed)

9. Lavanga(clove)

10. Ushtradugdha (milk of the camel)

11. Ardraka (ginger)

12. Vyayama (proper exercise)

13. Dugdha (warm milk)

14. Jala (plenty of water) etc

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