In Ayurveda, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is referred to as “Grahani,” a gastrointestinal (GI) motility condition. IBS is a disorder characterized by abnormally increased motility of the small and large intestines. In adults in India, IBS affects 15% of people. People under 50 years old are more likely than older adults to have IBS. There are few factors that can increase your chance of having IBS.

• If someone in your family has IBS
• Events in life that are stressful or tough can make IBS symptoms worse.
• Infections of the digestive tract that are frequent or severe

IBS can be classified into four types based on bowel movements

1. Constipation predominant Grahani/IBS (Vataja) – Constipation IBS is characterized by all vata symptoms, including skin and mucous dryness, constipation or alternating constipation and diarrhea, a cold feeling thirst, bloating, sleeplessness, anxiety, fissures, and weight loss.
2. Diarrhoea predominant Grahani/IBS (Pittaja) – IBS with diarrhoea is characterized by hotness, thirst, heartburn, diarrhoea, irritability, anger, sweating, inflammation, fever, and foul-smelling feces.
3. Dysentery predominant Grahani/IBS (Kaphaja) – Lethargy, sluggish bowels, mucus in the feces, nausea, indigestion, and heaviness in the chest and belly are all symptoms of the dysentery variety of IBS.
4. When a person encounters a combination of all the above symptoms (Tridoshaja)

Basic causes(Nidana) of IBS

• Toxins build up in tissue and obstruct circulation.
• Poor nutrition, include eating too much or too little, eating the wrong things, drinking too much or too cold liquids, and overeating.
• Having poor digestion as a result of eating the wrong things at the wrong times or skipping meals
• Nervous system imbalance
• Accumulating emotional and physical strain
• Reduced natural defenses and immunity (low ojas)
• Disturbance of the biological cycle

IBS Symptoms are characterized by:

• Irregular Bowel habits – Unhealthy bowel habits include changed bowel patterns (constipation and diarrhea that alternate), passing undigested food particles, and having the urge to urinate right away after eating.
• Abdominal pain
• Distension
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation.

Additionally, upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like dysphagia, chest pain, and heartburn may be present.

These could also consist of physical and mental signs like tiredness, irritability, headaches, anxiety, and depression, as well as urologic dysfunction and gynecologic symptoms.

Diet and Lifestyle

IBS is a lifestyle condition, and poor food and lifestyle choices are its main causes. IBS can be cured by adhering to the right dietary and lifestyle guidelines.

Avoid processed foods, foods to which you are allergic or intolerant, and foods that are difficult to digest. Everybody has a different physical condition. Ayurveda advises everyone on the ideal diet for them based on this. Such diets aid in digestion, the restoration of healthy gut flora, and vitamin deficiencies. More importantly, they support regular, healthy bowel movements.

IBS or Grahani’s first symptoms can be triggered by stress and despair. Depression and stress interfere with the digestive fire’s ability to function. The mind benefits from meditation, yoga, and pranayama, which boosts stress resistance. The methodical regimen prescribed by Ayurveda includes daily guidelines and seasonal regulations to safeguard themselves from illnesses brought on by a lifestyle

Treatment of IBS

A wide variety of treatments and formulations have been chosen from Ayurveda based on the IBS itself and the patient’s general health. At Dr. Era Ayurveda we follow 5 step process to treat IBS patient

1. Root cause analysis and dosha correction by Ayurveda Physician
2. Ayurvedic formulations are given to patients based on their body type and disease nature in order to correct GIT (Gastro-intestinal tract) issues and boost metabolism.
3. A nutrition plan tailored to your body type
4. A personalised yoga and meditation programme to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Lifestyle adjustments with the aid of your Ayurvedic Mitra will help you develop improved eating habits, exercise and adhere to your treatment plan.