Ulcerative colitis is a
type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the
large intestine (colon) and rectum. The innermost lining of the large intestine
becomes inflammed, and ulcers, which are tiny open sores.
It's the inflammation in
the lining of the colon that causes the painful symptoms commonly associated
with Ulcerative Colitis. Inflammation causes the large intestine to empty
frequently, leading to diarrhea that-because of the ulcers- can sometimes be
bloody.
Four types of ulcerative
colitis:
·
Ulcerative Proctitis
·
Proctosigmoiditis
·
Left-Sided Colitis
·
Pan-ulcerative
colitis
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary in severity
and may start slowly or suddenly. They include:
· Abdominal
pain and cramping
· Blood
and pus in the stools
· Loss
of appetite
· Weight
loss
· Periodic
diarrhea
· Fever
· Tenismus
(rectal pain)
· Physical
stress
· Gastrointestinal
bleeding
· Joint
pain and swelling
· Anaemia
Causes:
The cause of ulcerative
colitis is unknown. People with this condition have problems with the immune
system. Stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms. Ulcerative colitis may
affect any group, although there are peaks at ages 15-30 and then again at
50-70. The disease can offset with the rectal area, may involve the entire
large intestine over time. Family history is a risk factor to this disease. Ayurveda treatment for Ulcerative Colitis:
Ulcerative Colitis is correlated to Grahani. Pitta type
people have a high tendency to develop this disease. All factors that cause
imbalance of Pitta, are responsible for developing ulcerative colitis.
The Pitta-aggravation
causes the improper functioning of rakta dhatu and mamsa dhatu. Vata dosha in
the lower colon is also aggravated and in the early stages blocks the Pitta and
Kapha causing inflammation, mucous accumulation and edema.
Causes:
· Factors
which can cause Ulcerative colitis in ayurveda include;
· Utmost
sun exposure or heat
· High
intake of alcohol and smoking
· Excessive
mental activities, Indulging in arguments too often
· Improper
eating habits, such as eating while watching TV or walking
· Eating
stale, infected, and soured food.
Ayurveda treatment for
Ulcerative Colitis:
·
Agni Deepana – (Improving the appetite)
· Ama
Pachana – (Measure to digest the Ama)
· Strengthening
Grahani (Gastro intestinal system)
Treatments:
The treatment modalities
includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications.
· Panchakarma
– Basti
· Externally
– Abhyanga, SSPS, Shiro Dhara, Chakra Basti, Hrid Basti
· Internally
–Pitta Shamana – Medicines to Balance Pitta
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Vranashodhana – ropana –
Helps in healing ulcers
Grahi – digestive and
which holds the food contents in the system to complete digestion
Stambhana – Stool binders
Activities:
Specific Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation, Deep
relaxation techniques
Food and lifestyle
changes: specific to the individuals constitution, nature of work
and geographical conditions.