Effective Management of Irritable Bowel Disease (Grahani) through Ayurveda: A Case Report

Abstract

Grahani is an important part of the Mahasrotas (gastrointestinal tract). Grahani and Agni (digestive fire) have an Adhara Adheya Sambandha (mutual relationship). Jatharagni (digestive fire) governs the process of digestion, supported by the Tridoshas (three bio-humors). Due to a chronic imbalance of the Pachaka Pitta (digestive fire), Saman Vayu (the air entity that aids digestion), and Kledaka Kapha (the type of phlegm involved in digestion), a weak digestive fire (Mandagni) can lead to the release of food in its undigested form (Ama Utpatti), resulting in Grahani Roga. This condition is accompanied by symptoms (Lakshanas) such as Atisrushta Atibadha Mala (loose or constipated stools), Trushna (thirst), Arochaka (lack of taste), Aasyavairasya (altered taste), Praseka (excessive salivation), Shoona Pada Kara (oedma in the hands and feet), Asthisara Ruk (pain in the phalangeal joints and bones), Chhardi (vomiting), Jwara (fever) and Louhagandhi Amlodgara (burps with an iron-like pungent odour). In the present case of a 38-year-old female patient, the histopathology study revealed ulcero-inflammatory strictured colitis with transmural lymphoid follicles, indicative of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). According to the basic treatment principles of Ayurveda, Grahani (IBD) can be effectively treated using a combination of Shamana (palliative care) and Shodhana Chikitsa (purificatory procedures). The general approach in Grahani treatment involves the use of Agnivardhana (appetiser) drugs with Deepana (digestive stimulant) and Pachana (digestive aid) properties, which work to enhance the digestive fire (Agni). In the present study, the patient had stopped allopathic drugs, and the Ayurvedic treatment proved to be a safe remedy without any side-effects. The present case study demonstrates the critical contribution of Ayurveda to the effective treatment of Grahani (IBD).

Keywords

• colitis
• gasrtointestinal tract
• inflammatory bowel disease