Digestive Disorders

Ayurveda heals digestive disorders using gentle natural remedies.
Ayurveda is the knowledge that indicates the appropriate and inappropriate, happy and sorrowful conditions of living, what is auspicious or inauspicious for longevity as well as the measure of life itself. (Charaka Samhita)

Constitutional fire is responsible for digestion. It is availability of fire that determines the production of gastric juices: hydrochloric acid, bile, enzymes, in short the caustic chemicals that are required for the breakdown of food and its conversion into micro nutrients that can be assimilated by the body and bulk matter that needs to be eliminated. Whenever this fire,, is weak, there is not enough digestive power to metabolize food.

What this means is that an individual could be on what might be touted as the world’s most perfect diet and still not be able to digest the food.

Ayurvedic approach

According to Ayurveda, all creation arises out of five great elements known as Panchamahabhutas. This phenomenal world is created first by the qualities of akash or space, which gives us the container for all form. Within this space vayu or air then manifests all possible movement. Agni or fire becomes responsible for all transformation and thus all possibilities. Next, jala or water offers the breeding ground for life and finally prithvi or earth gives shape that is recognizable to all senses, which are the perceivers of this manifestation.

Agni, the pivotal mahabhuta in this chain of creation is the capacity to digest and transform. As in the macrocosm (universe) so in the microcosm (us), says Ayurveda. Thus, as in the case of food (sustenance) it is what takes an apple and breaks it down into its essential components (parimanus) and then reconfigures them into the consciousness that permeates and nourishes us at the cellular level

According to Ayurveda, there are four possible states of agni, reflecting our constitutional makeup and its vagrancies. These are sama (balanced metabolism), vishama (irregular metabolism), tikshna (hypermetabolism) and manda (slow metabolism). To understand these different states of digestion requires an understanding of the doshas. Simply put, doshas are constitutional humors composed of the five great elements. They manifest as forces of movement, of transformation and of stability. Their vagrancies reflect excessive movement, excessive heat and excessive mucosal secretions.

Vata, the first dosha, is composed of the elements of space and air and will give rise to vishama agni as an erratic digestion, with the peristaltic movement being unpredictable, creating irregularity in appetite, variability in digestion, abdominal distention, indigestion, gases and constipation.

Pitta, composed mainly of fire and some water, is the dosha that creates tikshna agni when out of balance. Because of its hot, sharp, fire like qualities it causes an excessive release of acids and enzymes and thus a desire for large quantities of food. Its liquid, sour and hot qualities can then cause hyperacidity, gastritis, heartburn and diarrhea, and eventually lead to ulcers or colitis.

Kapha, the most stable dosha, when increased, turns sluggish and slow. This is because it is composed of the heaviest of the five elements: water and earth. It thus causes manda agni or a dull and slow digestion. Even a small meal can cause heaviness in the stomach, colds, congestion and cough. It can lead to edema, obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

Manifestation of Digestive Disorders

These developments of the different states of digestion are further reflected in deeper changes as the effects move steadily into our physical and psychological being. Vishama agni or irregular digestion eventually leads to dry skin, cracking joints, lower back pain and insomnia. Emotionally, the predictable results include anxiety, insecurity, fear and other neurological disorders. Tikshna agni or sharp digestion can cause inflammatory conditions especially of the skin; pain in the liver, nausea and vomiting. The individual thus affected becomes judgmental and critical, and carries feelings of hate, envy and anger. Manda agni or slow digestion leads eventually to lethargy, excessive sleep, cold clammy skin and general weakness of the body. Mentally, there can be greed, attachment and possessiveness.

The net result of any of these three states of agni is the build up of a sticky, foul substance called ama. Indicated by lethargy, a coated tongue and foul breath, this undigested substance can be recognized today as high cholesterol, candida, late onset diabetes, acute constipation and/or diarrhea among other ailments. In Ayurvedic thinking all diseased states arise as a result of ama, whether physical or mental and all ama is the result of an improperly functioning agni. In fact the key to a healthy agni is the intake of easily digested, fresh, lightly cooked, compatible foods eaten consciously at the appropriate times.

The ideal state of agni, that which is known as sama agni, is achieved by the balancing of the doshas. When agni is in equilibrium it produces a healthy metabolism. People with a healthy metabolism are blessed with strong constitutions where digestion, absorption and elimination are regular. This leads to good health, longevity and a strong immune system. People with sama agni are characterized by a calm, loving demeanor and great clarity of mind.

For further enquiries or to make an appointment please contact us at: +61 3 9078 2940 or email at [email protected]

Constitutional fire is responsible for digestion. Whenever this fire,, is weak, there is not enough digestive power to metabolize food.

Book an Appointment







    Your Name

    Your Number

    Your Email

    Choose Appointment Location

    Choose Appointment Type

    Select appointment date

    Additional Message


    Melbourne Naturopath


    Discover a new you





    Melbourne Naturopath

    Discover a new you



    Our Clinics »

    Melbourne CBD Clinic: 

    Exchange Tower, Suite 807 (Level 8) 530 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    Sunshine Clinic:

    16 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine VIC 3020


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    Taylors Lakes Clinic: 

    1 Fastnet Drive Taylors Lakes, Victoria, Australia 3038


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    GUHealth

    ahm

    nib

    HBF

    Bupa

    medibank

    Our Clinics »


    Melbourne CBD Clinic: 

    Exchange Tower, Suite 807 (Level 8) 530 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    Sunshine Clinic: 

    16 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine VIC 3020


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    Taylors lakes Clinic: 

    1 Fastnet Drive Taylors Lakes, Victoria, Australia 3038


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    GUHealth

    ahm

    nib

    HBF

    Bupa

    Useful Links

    • Disclaimer
    Disclaimer

    In any means, we, AYUR CLINIC team neither claiming to be a modern medical doctor nor we registered in the Australian medical board. The word doctor used here is only to represent or to refer the Ayurveda doctors recognized in India after achieving a Bachelor of ayurvedic medicine and surgery qualification. This qualification is recognized in Australia as a naturopath by Vetassess governing body. The information provided on this website is designed to provide helpful information on the ayurvedic subjects discussed. Information on this website should not be considered as a replacement for advice and consultation from a healthcare expert. This content or information is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any ayurvedic condition. For treatment or diagnosis of any ayurvedic condition or difficulties, consult a doctor. The publisher and creator are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require ayurvedic supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, application or use, to any person reading or following the data or information in this website. References are provided for informational purposes only. Readers should be aware that the linked websites listed on this website may change. This site does not recommend or support the self-management of health issues using the information provided on the website. Instead, we insist you to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for guidance. Information on this site is not comprehensive and does not cover all physical conditions, illnesses, weaknesses or their treatment. Contact your healthcare professional promptly if you have any health-related questions. Never neglect or delay ayurvedic advice based upon the information you may have read on this site.


    © AYUR CLINIC Ayurveda Melbourne | All Rights Reserved 2018 – 2023.



    © AYUR CLINIC Ayurveda Melbourne | All Rights Reserved 2018 – 2023.