Grahani is an Ayurveda term related to the anatomical seat (small intestine or duodenum) of Agni (digestive fire), which helps in the ingestion, digestion, absorption and assimilation of food.
Weak Digestive fire and deranged Vata Dosha are the root cause for IBS/Grahani
Understanding Grahani
Normally Grahani restrains the downward movement of the undigested food into small intestines when digestion is complete, the food passes onto the next stage of digestion through Lumen.
If the person is not able to digest the food easily, then it implies that his/her digestion is weak or you can say the fire element “Agni” is weak and results in the release of the undigested food.
This downward movement of the digested & undigested food is called “Grahani”, and the dosha responsible is Vata.
This weak and improper digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) and all the major symptoms of IBS can be the result of these toxins.
Factors responsible for IBS
Physiological
Luminal
Behavioral
Psychosocial
Agni mandhya ( low digestive fire ) and Manas (Mind) are involved in this disease. Treatment without considering the psychological part of the patient does not help
Young women are affected 2–3 times more often than men. Coexisting conditions, such as non-ulcer dyspepsia, chronic fatigue syndrome, dysmenorrhoea and fibromyalgia, are common.
Grahanai/ IBS classification based on Doshas
1. Constipation predominant Grahani/IBS (Vataja)
Passage of stools is difficult, sometimes voids stools frequently. Stools are hard, thin and produce gurgling sounds. Foul taste in mouth, craving for all tastes,flatulence.
2. Diarrhea predominant Grahani/IBS (Pittaja)
Stools are loose with undigested food and foul smelling.Burning sensation in the throat and increased thirst are some of the symptoms.
3. Dysentery predominant Grahani/IBS (Kaphaja)
Stools come out in small pieces, heavy and along with Phlegm. Weakness and slothfulness.
4. When a person encounters a combination of all the above symptoms (Sannipatika)
Symptoms of all the three Doshas are usually present.
Modern View
According to the updated ROME III criteria
IBS is a clinical diagnosis and presents as one of the three predominant subtypes
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
Mixed IBS (IBS-M)
NIDANA
(Etiological factors)
Improper functioning of digestive fire
Diseased condition which weakened Agni
Frequent fasting
Having food while having indigestion
Overeating
Incompatible diet intake
Following irregular pattern of eating
Food that is heavy, dry and rough in nature
Debilitation due to diseases
Holding natural urges like : Urine, stools, etc.
Stress, anxiety and grief
Undisciplined lifestyle and bad food habits
Unhygienic environmental condition
Nutritional insufficiency : e.g. Niacin, B-12 or Folic acid
Avoidance of concept of Desha and kala during consumption of foodstuffs
Excessive use of antibiotics
The abuse of laxatives is a common cause, which is often overlooked
Disease of the pancreas may cause large, frequent, fatty stools
Early symptoms
Excessive Thirst
Burning sensation
Cough
Tinnitus
Gurgling sounds in the abdomen
Laziness
Reduced of strength
Delayed digestion
Feeling of heaviness in the body
Symptoms of fully manifested IBS
Diarrhea characteristically occurs in the morning, and almost never at night.
Urge to defecate after meals.
Pain in the lower abdomen, pain often occurs in attacks usually relieved by defecation and sometimes provoked by food.
Bowel habit is variable.
Almost all patients notice ribbons like stools with or without mucus.
Sensation of incomplete emptying of the rectum.
Abdominal distension, excessive flatus, dyspepsia, heartburn, increased urine frequency.
Line of treatment in IBS
Ayurvedic treatment is conducted according to your body constitution (Know your body-Type). It is necessary to consult an experienced ayurvedic physician who can diagnose your mind/body type and customize a program for your particular health needs.
The first step in Ayurvedic Treatment of IBS is the treatment and reduction of Ama/Toxins. This way the body is detoxified and doshas are brought into balance.
Ayurvedic Management of IBS
Agni Deepana : This process involves the regulation of the digestive fire
Vata Anulomana: correction and balancing out the Vata dosha
Manonukulata : Involves relaxation and treatment of these underlying issues
Shodhan : Detoxification or purification
Shaman : Treating imbalances and neutralizing any impurities that remain after detoxification
Ayurvedic formulations : Rejuvenating and restoring the balance of the body with herbal formulations
Nidana Parivarajana : Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a restricted diet, yoga, and meditation & avoiding the etiological factors.
Panchkarma : Ayurvedic detox
Diet modification:
Do’s | Don’ts |
Grains : Eat old rice, Jawar | Grains : Wheat, Maize, Barley |
Vegetables: Gourd, Coriander leaves | Legumes: Pigeon pea, Pea, Cow pea, Spiked dolichos, Soya bean |
Lentils: Green gram | Lentils : Black gram,Kidney bean |
Spices : Black pepper, Dried ginger | Seeds: Saga |
Fruits : Wood apple, Pomegranate, Nutmeg | Vegetables: Potato, Sweet potato, Navalkol, Onion |
Dairy : Skimmed milk, Buttermilk | Nuts: Coconut, Groundnut |
Sipping Hot water throughout the day. | Spices : Chili |
Take probiotic foods like curd,buttermilk, etc. Buttermilk and Sour gruel should be taken as a post-meal drink | Oily food |
Identify and remove food intolerances. | Non- Vegetarian : Chicken, red meat, crabs, prawns, fish |
Eat according to the individual’s Prakriti/Body Type. | Leafy vegetables: sorrel, drum stick |
| Fruits: Mango, Pineapple, Apple, Watermelon,Papaya, Fig, Jackfruit, |
| Dairy : Excess milk |
Ayurvedic tips that can help you in IBS
Taking more soluble fibers can help prevent diarrhea. This is readily available in sources such as beans, oatmeal, and some fruits such as Apples, Strawberries and Grapes.
Drink enough water, as less water intake can obstruct the smooth movement of digested food in the GI/ Intestinal tract.
Avoid taking water while you eat. Taking water 1 hour before and after your meals will help considerably.
Eat aged rice, jowar, and skimmed milk.
For IBS-C (Constipation dominant)
Herbal laxatives:containing anthraquinones, such as senna, cascara, rhubarb and frangula may stimulate bowel movements.
Triphala:A natural detoxifier, it helps reduce constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.
For IBS-D ( Diarrhea dominant)
Bilwa tea
Pomegranate peel tea
This helps in reducing inflammation. These teas may reduce symptoms of diarrhea also.
Behavior modification | Daily regimen modification | Important Yoga poses |
Avoid stress, fear and grief which may affect Agni | Undisciplined lifestyle needs to be avoided | Dhanurasana (Bow pose) |
Remain positive and enthusiastic to maintain normal metabolic functioning. | Follow a daily regimen with fixed timing of each and every activity including a fixed daily routine of exercise, breakfast, meal and sleep. | Pavana-muktasana (Wind-relieving pose) |
Over thinking should be avoided since during thinking process blood circulation remain associated with brain mainly instead of intestines | Regular exercise to strengthen my body & Agni | Marjariasana (Cat pose) |
Be happy and associated with mental empowerment activities | Meditation to calm down stress | Adho-Mukha svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose) |
Suppression of urges(urination/passing of bowels) before bed should be avoided | Yoga and Pranayama also offer beneficial effects to increase stress resistance. | Ardha-matsyendra-asana (Sitting Half-Spinal twist) |
Sound sleep plays a very important role in your digestion and overall health | Ayurveda has mentioned some defined regimen such as; Ritucharya (link) and Dinacharya to get beneficial results of daily regimen. | Bhujangasana (Cobra pose |
This article is intended for education and awareness. Ayurvedic treatment and advice is always personalized.
Ayurveda treatments for irritable bowel syndrome give good results. The treatment must consider various aspects like Ama, Agni and psychiatric problems along with pathya.
Do consult our expert Vaidya before starting your treatment of IBS.
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