Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disease characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal and psychosomatic disorder occurring commonly in modern India. Frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain and anxiety are seen as clinical features in this disease.

Weight loss is also seen in some patients. When there is psychological stress, often signs and symptoms will aggravate and even in severity. Ayurveda system of Medicine has a best role in the management in this disease.

IBS can be correlated with Grahani in Ayurveda based on its symptomatology. InGrahani disease Agni(digestive factors) of the body is weakened due to which there is abnormality indigestion, assimilation of foods and bowel movements. The function of the Grahani part of the intestine is supported by the strength of Agni. During abnormal physiological conditions, due to weakness of Agni, Grahani gets vitiated and releases undigested food. This overall stimulates formation of Ama which leads to Grahani Dosha.

Symptoms of IBS

• Alternate loose and constipated stool (Muhurbaddha & MuhurdravaMala)
• Pain in Abdomen (Udarashoola)
• Feeling Thirst (Trushna)
• Tastelessness (Arochaka)
• Inability to perceive taste (Asyavairasya)
• Excessive Salivation (Praseka)
• Swelling over hands and feet (ShoonPaakara)
• Pain at joint and bone (AsthiparvaRuk)
• vomiting
• Iron smelling burps (Louha gandhi) and pungent odor burps (Amlaudgara)

So well explained by ayurveda acharyas even thousand years back.

IBS Treatment in Ayurveda

Treating the causative factor is primary treatment. Psycho or Somatic.

• Deepna -Pachna improving digestion and absorption by correcting the agni by deepna and pachana)
• Diet plays the most important role so strict diet to be followed until all symptoms are reversed and metabolism is established back by balancing dosha and dhatus.
• Releasing stress with meditation plays an important role in treatment with physical work out.