IBS is rather vague term for the group of digestion disorders in which no other organic cause is found and when there is some emotional stress that plays as a trigger. Prominent symptoms are periods of loose stools alternating with constipation and sometimes abdominal pain and bloating.

In chapter 15 of Charak Samhita this issue is discussed in great details. IBS symptoms are much similar to what is called as Grahani in ayurveda. The disease has the same name as the part of intestine which is affected (hence this is also similar to the phrase 'irritable bowel'). Grahani is that part of intestine in which second stage of digestion takes place (see my previous post on digestion). Vata plays major role in this. Importance has been given to pacify and balance Vata to treat this disease. Details of samprapti must be confirmed before deciding a specific treatment plan. Grahani is generally classified in two ways. First is according to dosha predominance (vataja, pittaja, and kaphaja.). Another classification is sama and nirama (with ama or without ama).

For Vataja and Sama grahani, (which is the most frequent occurrence), general treatment plan is as follows, first is snehan (oleation), swedan (fomentation) and panchakarma of either basti or anuloman (very mild virechan). Snehan is to be done internally as well as externally (preferred is ghee with saindhav salt for internal and til oil externally). Swedan could be done with steam bath.

After snehan swedan and basti, one must try to eliminate ama with the use of pachak medicines. Care must be taken to avoid using too hot medications which may lead to increase in pitta. Next comes improving the agni with sansarjan krama (see my previous post on digestion).

Medications that are proved very effective are trikatu, panchakola ghrita, kapardik bhasma, etc. Some may need treatment with panchamur parpati taken at the time of samana vata, i.e., during the meal.

IBS takes time to cure completely and must be treated according to individual causes and prakriti. Individual treatment of course varies according to awastha of the disease and prakriti.

Dr. Thite
www.ayurvedicrx.com

For further help, you can mail me with details of symptoms etc. at cmthite@gmail.com