Indigestion, also referred to as upset stomach or dyspepsia, presents as a painful or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and at times, vomiting.
According to Ayurveda, indigestion, known as ajeerna, occurs when there is a decrease in the ability to digest food due to an imbalance in the digestive fire or agni. In Ayurveda, the body’s functions are governed by three energies known as doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha plays a specific role in maintaining overall health and well-being, and an imbalance in any of these doshas can lead to various health issues, including indigestion.
- Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement and is associated with dryness, coldness, and irregularity, can cause gas, bloating, and constipation when imbalanced, leading to indigestion.
- Pitta dosha, responsible for digestion and metabolism and associated with heat and acidity, can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and inflammation when imbalanced, leading to indigestion.
- Kapha dosha, responsible for stability and associated with heaviness and sluggishness, can cause a feeling of fullness, nausea, and slow digestion when imbalanced, leading to indigestion.
Therefore, Ayurveda recognizes that an imbalance in any of the three doshas can cause indigestion. By identifying the underlying doshic imbalance, Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to treating indigestion by restoring balance to the doshas through diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.
What are the Causes of Indigestion?
The causes of indigestion can vary, which include:
- Overeating
- Rapid eating
- Consumption of high-fat foods
- Eating during stressful situations
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications that irritate the stomach lining, fatigue, and ongoing stress can exacerbate or lead to indigestion.
Indigestion is often multifaceted and functional, typically lacking an underlying structural cause.
Symptoms of Indigestion
Symptoms of indigestion typically involve:
- Experiencing a burning or painful sensation in the upper abdomen
- Feeling full too quickly or for an extended period after eating
- Bloating, burping, and gas
- Nausea
- Regurgitation
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Loud stomach growling or gurgling.
- Other symptoms of indigestion may include signs of cardiac ischemia, peptic ulceration, and cholecystitis.
Therefore, a thorough differential diagnosis is essential, and any case of indigestion that does not improve requires immediate medical attention.
What causes Indigestion according to Ayurveda?
Indigestion in Ayurveda is often linked to an imbalance in the digestive fire, known as “Agni,” which is closely connected to the body’s doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Pitta dosha, in particular, plays a significant role in regulating digestion. When Pitta, responsible for metabolic functions, becomes aggravated due to dietary choices, stress, or lifestyle habits, it can disrupt the digestive fire, leading to indigestion. Symptoms of indigestion include acidity, heartburn, and post-meal discomfort. Balancing and understanding the Pitta dosha is crucial in managing and preventing indigestion, as it controls the transformative processes of digestion and absorption in the body. Ayurvedic methods focus on restoring Pitta balance through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal remedies to bring back digestive harmony and alleviate indigestion.
How does Ayurveda diagnose indigestion?
Ayurvedic diagnosis of indigestion involves a holistic approach that considers various factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and emotional well-being in addition to physical symptoms. This personalized evaluation helps identify the root cause of indigestion and allows for tailored Ayurvedic interventions for effective management.
- Nadi Pariksha: In Ayurveda, practitioners use Nadi Pariksha, or pulse diagnosis, to assess subtle imbalances in the doshas and Agni that may be contributing to indigestion. Changes in pulse rhythm, intensity, or characteristics can provide valuable insights into the state of digestion and doshic imbalances.
- Tongue and Eye Examination: Also, examining the tongue’s coating, colour, and any irregularities, as well as observing the eyes’ clarity, glossiness, or dryness, can help in diagnosing indigestion. These physical markers often indicate specific doshic imbalances that are affecting digestion.
4 Natural Herbal Teas for Managing Indigestion
In addressing indigestion or functional dyspepsia, the focus lies in refining the fine control of both metabolic and physical aspects of digestion and assimilation while alleviating discomfort with appropriate remedies. Herbal remedies play a role, with bitter stimulation promoting digestive secretions, carminatives easing flatulence and reducing inflammation, antispasmodics addressing abdominal cramping, and nervines helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension.
A combination approach utilizing indigestion tea and tincture formulas can offer anti-inflammatory, bitter, carminative, and nervine properties, which may aid in managing the symptoms associated with indigestion.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the digestive system and relieve indigestion. By steeping chamomile flowers in hot water and sipping slowly, discomfort can be alleviated.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint’s menthol content can relax the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing gas and bloating. Drinking peppermint tea can calm the stomach and provide quick relief.
- Coriander Tea: Boiling coriander seeds in water and consuming the infusion can aid digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion like bloating and discomfort.
- Triphala Tea: Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal blend of three fruits (Amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki), can promote digestion and alleviate indigestion when consumed as a powder or in tea form.
Precautions Guidelines for Indigestion:
- Avoiding foods and situations that appear to trigger indigestion is the most effective way to manage it.
- Antacids are not an appropriate treatment, as excess stomach acid does not cause or result from indigestion, although some individuals may find relief from them.
- Smokers may alleviate their indigestion by quitting smoking or refraining from smoking immediately before eating.
- It’s also advisable to avoid exercising with a full stomach and scheduling physical activity before a meal or at least an hour afterward.
- Lifestyle modifications are pivotal in managing persistent indigestion. Given the functional nature of the issue, any measures that alleviate discomfort or enhance physiological activity are recommended.
- Dietary adjustments are fundamental, and various therapies, ranging from chiropractic adjustment to rolfing to psychological counselling, can often provide relief.
Since indigestion can be indicative of or mimic a more serious condition, it is important to seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, appetite loss, black, tarry stools, bloody vomit, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, discomfort unrelated to eating, shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm.
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Blog Author: Dr Pranav Gujrati
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.