Crohn’s Disease from the view of Ayurveda
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition occurring in the digestive tract, and impacting the intestines. The disease usually affects the lower part of the small intestine, but it can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal system from the mouth to the anus. The disease usually occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 30.
According to Ayurveda, Crohn’s disease can be compared to “Grahani” disease, that primarily causes poor appetite and poor digestion.
The Ayurvedic view on Crohn’s disease is the following: when Agni (digestion fire) is weak, the degradation of food is incomplete. Then toxins are formed and spread with the blood all over the body, causing damage to cellular feed and blocking the channels through which the three vital body energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) flow. That causes disturbance of the vital processes.
If one of the Doshas (vital body energies) goes out of balance, it can cause symptoms anywhere in the digestive system. Usually the imbalance in one Dosha leads to imbalance in the other two. Ayurveda uses varied herbs in order to reduce inflammation of the digestive system and pain. Jatyadi Ghrita Lepam can be used externally to get relief from the swelling, redness, discomfort, excellent antimicrobial activity, and is very effective in treating Crohn's disease. Also taking herbal products such as Kanchnar Guggul, Shatavari, Ashwagandha herbal medications might be helpful.
To treat Crohn’s disease effectively, you have to work closely with our Ayurvedic doctors to diagnose exactly what is happening within your body.
Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Intestinal irritation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Skin inflammation
Other severe health issues, such as arthritis, gallstones, burning sensation in the mouth and eyes, skin rashes or ulcers, may develop depending on the complications of Crohn's disease.
Ayurvedic treatment of Crohn’s disease focuses on:
- Removing the build up of toxins (Ama) within the body – Panchkarma therapies are very effective, like Vamanam or Virechenam and different Ayurvedic Detox methods
- Improving nutrition and digestive function – prescription of Ayurvedic rejuvenating massage and detoxing treatments like Abhyanga (involving specially formulated warmed herbal oil massage, which has nourishing and revitalizing effect
- Lowering stress levels and supporting the nervous system – like Shirodhara – specifically formulated liquid being poured over the forehead and third eye area, this has a profoundly balancing effect on the brain while stimulating the nervous system
- Strengthening the body's ability to heal – means lifestyle modification, medicinal herbal medicines, instruction in gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises
Ayurvedic treatment includes a strictly individual complex of diet, detoxification, meditation, healing yoga, as all these are determined by an Ayurvedic doctor.
Tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of Crohn’s disease:
- Avoid cold food, such as ice cream
- Ginger, cardamom and turmeric are effective in treating Crohn's disease
- Avoid hot, spicy and fried food that irritates the digestive tract
- Taking Kitchari is recommended
- Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid artificial sweeteners
- Frankincense essential oil speeds up the secretion of digestive enzymes
- Lemongrass essential oil can help relieve pain from gas irritation in the stomach and bowels
- Deep breathing for a few minutes every day reduce chronic muscle tension and spasming
