Constipation is one of the most common health problems. Constipation is defined as having less than one bowel movement in a 24-hour period. The stools typically are dark in color, small round balls in form, and dry in texture. There may be accompanying gas, abdominal pain, and bloating of the abdomen or may increase the chances of distension and discomfort, flatulence and pain, headache, bad breath and it may also lead to absorption of toxins from the colon. Constipation may also cause pimples, acne, acidity, ulcers in the mouth, disturbed sleep and heartburn, and in some cases, it may cause depression. Constipation is often caused by not paying attention to the call of nature in time. A sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating habits, an incorrect diet, a disturbed and worried mind, and drinking too much tea or coffee, adding up to a sluggish digestion and further causing chronic constipation. Some of the most common causes are junk food consumption, alcohol drinking, smoking and overeating.

In Ayurveda, constipation is known as Vibandha. Vata is the dosha that is predominantly involved with Vibandha – which is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, scanty feces or painful defecation, dry feces, headache and lower back ache.

Constipation is the result of Vata imbalance in the body. Apana Vayu' is a type of Vata that regulates downward movement. An Imbalance in the Apana Vayu can affect the colon movement and impact the work of its muscles.