Adhmana/ Bloatedness
Bloating is a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdominal area, often accompanied by abdominal pain. It can occur after eating certain foods like high-fiber meals, or if you eat too fast and too much. On occasion, it can be connected to food sensitivities or allergic reactions. It is frequently the result of factors such as constipation, an overgrowth of gut bacteria, delicate intestines (as seen in IBS), weak abdominal muscles (gastroparesis), or women's health conditions such as fibroids or PCOS.
Bloating is caused by a weak digestive fire or agni. In Ayurveda, this condition is called Adhmana (swelling of the lower abdomen), and it is a type of vata imbalance. Adhmana (distention of lower abdomen), anaha (distention of upper abdomen) and udavartha (upward movement of gas causing pressure feeling in waist, hip, and abdomen) are the conditions characterized by abdominal bloating in Ayurveda
Symptoms of Bloating
· Blood in your stool
· Noticeable weight loss (without trying)
· Vaginal bleeding (between your periods, or if you are postmenopausal)
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Heartburn getting worse
· Fever (due to an infection)
Causative Factors of Bloating
· Swallowing air (this can happen when you chew gum, smoke, or eat too fast)
· Overeating
· Weight gain
· Menstruation (in some women)
Other causes of Bloating could include medical conditions, such as:
· Infection
· Inflammation (such as a condition called diverticulitis)
· Irritable bowel syndrome
· Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
· Liver disease (abnormal build-up of fluid in your stomach or pelvis)
· Crohn’s disease
· Blockage in your bowel or bladder
· Cancer (ovarian, uterine, colon, pancreatic, or stomach)
· Mental health factors, such as anxiety or depression
· Some medicines
Bloating Causative Factors according to Ayurveda
In all these conditions, agni is weakened. Its causes are
Intake of heavy food,
Increased quantity of food,
Taking food before proper digestion of the previous one,
Consumption of viruddha ahara (incompatible food)
Asatmya ahara (unaccustomed food)
Ashuchi bhojana (unhygienic food),
Certain diseases like arsha etc.
Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken in Bloating
Rule out other health conditions (like IBS, chronic constipation, Celiac disease, and Gynaecological disorders) that cause bloating before planning treatment.
According to Ayurveda, Samprapthi /pathogenesis of Bloating/ Adhmana is
Bloating with distention (Adhmana) is purely a Vata disorder. Vata can get aggravated due to many factors.
Improper food habits, stress, sleep disturbances, not following a proper daily or seasonal regime, and forcible suppression of natural urges can all aggravate Vata dosha.
The aggravated Vata causes vitiation of gas and feces (dushya) which results in bloating (Adhmana).
Vitiation of Samana Vata causes disturbance in the function of the stomach and intestine which leads to impaired digestion, bloating and gas formation.
How does Ayurveda treat Bloating?
Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine originating from India, offers holistic approaches to alleviating bloating by balancing the body's doshas (energies), improving digestion, and promoting overall well-being.
Panchakarma for bloating :
Most clinical conditions consider Panchakarma therapy as the primary treatment option. This therapy, known for its purifying and cleansing effects, also yields positive outcomes for bloating.
· Herbal steam bath (Swedana),
· Herbal Paste massage (Udwartana),
· Different kinds of suppositories (Varti),
· Intake of foods like appetizers such as Soups that ignite the metabolic fire (Deepana), promote digestion (Pachana),
· Carminative herbs (Vata-anulomana) are recommended.
· Vamana (medicated emesis):
Occasionally, a gentle Vamana therapy, paired with appropriate Deepana, may be used to remove all harmful toxins from the body.
· Snehana and swedana:
Applying various warm Vata balancing medicated oils followed by a hot steam bath helps to pass gas and soften the stomach.
· Medicated Enema (Vasti):
For adults with severe pain or constipation, it is advisable to perform Aasthapana Basti (medicated decoction enema) for immediate results. It will aid defecation and help release gas. Document information about your symptoms for a better consultation.
· Herbal Powder: The same effect can be achieved by applying the powder of Hing, Triphala, or Trikatu alternatively, Ajamoda with Takra or warm water can be used, too.
Applying warm Hingu water (Asafoetida) in the umbilicus also helps release gas and alleviate pain.
For example, ginger and fennel seeds are known for their digestive properties.
· Diet in Bloating
Diet plays an important role in the management and prevention of bloating as it is often associated with certain food items and eating habits. Know the triggering food and drinks, and avoid them.
· Avoid the consumption of bitter/ astringent tastes, heavy-to-digest food, wheat, rye, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, sprouted pulses, mushroom, alcohol, carbonated drinks etc.
· Limit your intake of carbonated drinks.
· Eat slowly and avoid drinking through a straw.
· Use lactose-free dairy products (if you are lactose intolerant).
Lifestyle in Bloating
· Eat healthy food that won’t trigger the symptoms. Chew the food thoroughly before swallowing.
· Do not eat large quantities of food and avoid fast eating.
· Indulge in mild to moderate exercise that produces a massaging effect over the abdomen. Yoga, pranayama, and meditation are also effective.
· Drink hot water after having food.
· Lay on the left flank after half to one hour of having food at night.
· Self-belly Massages for Bloating
Abdominal massages may also help reduce abdominal bloating. Massages improve depression, anxiety, well-being, and perceived abdominal bloating symptoms.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Bloating
Abhayarishta
Pippalyasava
Jeerakadyaristam
Hingwastaka Churna
Hinguvachadi Gulika
Ashta choorna
Sukumara kashyam
gandharvahasthadi kashayam
sukumara lehyam
vaishvanara choornam etc given
Pranayama and yoga in Bloating:
Paschimottasana
Bridge pose
Balasana
Adho mukha savasana
Uttanasana
Trikonasana
Utkatasana
Q: What are the causes of bloating according to Ayurveda?
A: Bloating in Ayurveda is primarily caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha resulting from improper diet, weak digestion, or high stress levels.
Q: How can bloating be managed using Ayurvedic principles?
A: Ayurvedic management of bloating involves dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and stress-reducing practices to balance the Vata dosha.
Q: Are there any specific Ayurvedic clinical treatments recommended for bloating?
A: Ayurvedic clinical treatments for bloating may include herbal decoctions, abdominal massages, detoxification therapies, and rejuvenating tonics based on individual body constitution.
Q: What research studies have been conducted on Ayurvedic treatments for bloating?
A: Several studies have shown the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in managing bloating symptoms by addressing the root cause of Vata imbalance.
Q: How is bloating treated in Ayurveda according to ancient texts?
A: Ancient Ayurvedic texts recommend the use of specific herbs, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle practices to alleviate bloating and restore digestive health.
Q: Can Ayurvedic medicine have a lasting effect on reducing bloating?
A: With consistent use and adherence to Ayurvedic principles, Ayurvedic medicine can provide long-term relief from bloating by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body.
Q: Is it advisable to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the management of bloating symptoms?
A: Yes, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended for personalized treatment plans based on individual symptoms, constitution, and imbalances.
What is the concept of Adharniya Vega?
Adharniya Vegas (The urges which should never be suppressed): These are the natural urges of the. the body mainly to excrete the waste part or to through out any pathogens or unwanted things in the body.
How do you clear a bloated stomach?
Get moving, use carminatives and laxatives
What is the concept of Vega in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, the concept of “Vega” refers to the natural urges or impulses of the body, such as hunger, thirst, sleep, elimination etc.
What is 13 vega in Ayurveda?
13 Adharniya Vega according to Ayurveda are;
Mutranigraha (suppression of urge of urination),
Purishanigraha (suppression of urge of defecation),
Shukranigraha (suppression of urge of Ejaculation),
Apanavatanigraha (suppression of urge of Flatus),
Chhardinigraha (suppression of urge of Vomiting),
Kshavathunigraha (suppression of the urge to sneeze),
Udgaranigraha (suppression of urge of Eructation),
Jrumbhanigraha (suppression of the urge to yawn),
Kshudhanigraha (suppression of the urge of Hunger),
Trushnanigraha (suppression of the urge to Thrust),
Bashpanigraha (suppression of the urge to cry),
Nidranigraha (suppression of urge of Sleep),
Shramashwasnigraha (suppression of the urge to breathe caused by over-exertion).
What is the concept of Vega Udirana?
Suppressing (Dharana) or urging (Udirana) the Vega leads to pathological conditions in the body and the mind.
Regular intake of foods that are warm, oily, moist, smooth, and nourishing can negate the impact of vata imbalance in the body.