Most people will suffer gas pain, sometimes referred to as flatulence or belly bloating, at some point in their life. It happens when gas builds up in the digestive system, causing discomfort and occasionally pain.
Causes
Swallowing air, the breakdown of specific meals during digestion, and gut bacterial activity are just a few of the things that might cause gas pain.
When eating, drinking, or even chatting quickly, using a straw, or when chewing gum, it’s possible to swallow air.
Foods high in carbs, such as broccoli, cabbage, onions, beans, lentils, and carbonated beverages, can cause the production of extra gas during digestion.
Even with typical levels of gas in the digestive tract, some people may be more sensitive to gas and experience pain.
Symptoms
When there is too much gas in the digestive tract, especially in the stomach and intestines, it causes pain.
Common signs and symptoms include bloating, a sense of fullness or tightness in the belly, burping, belching, passing gas (flatulence), and cramping or discomfort in the abdomen. The pain can range in intensity and is typically described as acute, stabbing, or cramp-like.
Pathophysiology
With the aid of gut bacteria and different chemical processes, the digestive system breaks down food in the stomach and intestines.
Gas is a byproduct of digestion that develops naturally and builds up in the digestive system.
The majority of the time, this gas is passed through belching or gassing, easing any discomfort.
However, gas can result in bloating and discomfort when it builds up excessively or is not eliminated.
Diagnosis
Gas pain frequently resolves on its own and can be self-diagnosed.
Medical evaluation may be required if gas pain develops into a chronic condition, becomes severe, or is linked to other unsettling symptoms (such as weight loss or changes in bowel habits).
Based on the patient’s reported symptoms and medical history, a healthcare professional will often diagnose gas discomfort.
Treatment
Simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments can frequently help reduce symptoms of moderate cases of gas pain. These could include chewing food properly and eating more slowly to cut back on air intake.
Avoiding meals and drinks that cause gas.
Taking quick walks after meals to promote gastric motility and digestion.
Simethicone and other over-the-counter medications can help break up gas bubbles in the digestive system.
Prognosis
In most cases, gas pain is not a serious condition and usually goes away on its own or with a few easy lifestyle adjustments.
Further medical assessment and care may be necessary when gas pain develops into a chronic condition or is linked to other gastrointestinal problems.
Complications
Most of the time, gas discomfort is a transient, harmless ailment without serious repercussions.
However, persistent or severe gas discomfort may be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue that has to be treated by a doctor.
Rarely, chronic or severe abdominal discomfort may be a symptom of a more dangerous problem that needs rapid medical care, including appendicitis or bowel obstruction.
Gas pain in Ayurveda
An Ayurvedic term for gas pain is “Apana Vata.” With an emphasis on harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit, Ayurveda is a traditional holistic health approach from India. According to Ayurvedic principles, Apana Vata is one of the five subtypes of Vata, which is in charge of the body’s downward movement and waste removal.
Gas builds up in the lower belly and intestines, causing pain and discomfort known as “gas pain” or “Apana Vata imbalance.”
Nidana
Unusual Habits: Unusual eating, sleeping, and everyday routines might throw the Apana Vata system out of balance.
Unhealthy Diet: The Vata dosha, including Apana Vata, can be aggravated by eating cold, dry, or processed foods as well as a lack of nutritive nutrients.
Suppression of Natural desires: A Vata imbalance can result from ignoring or forcibly repressing natural desires to evacuate stool, urine, or flatus.
Excessive Physical or Mental Stress: Vata in the body can become out of balance when there is an excessive amount of both physical and mental stress.
Emotional Stress: The Vata dosha, including Apana Vata, can become aggravated by excessive stress, fear, worry, or emotional trauma.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Vata can build up in the body as a result of a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of exercise.
Poorvaroopa
There are particular premonitory signs that signal an approaching issue before the full-fledged development of Apana Vata imbalance. They might consist of:
Infrequent or difficult bowel movements are symptoms of constipation.
Women who experience irregular menstruation may experience painful periods, changes in their menstrual cycles, or both.
Gas and Bloating: Lower abdominal discomfort and bloating in the abdomen.
Problems urinating, variations in frequency, or discomfort when urinating are all examples of urinary issues.
Issues with sexual desire, performance, or reproductive health can occur in both men and women who have sexual dysfunction.
Fatigue: a state of generalised exhaustion.
Lower back discomfort or pain: this condition affects the lower back.
Samprapti
Predisposing Factors: These are the elements that increase a person’s vulnerability to an apana vata imbalance. A Vata-predominant constitution, an erratic lifestyle, an unsuitable diet, excessive physical or mental activity, stress, and environmental influences are only a few examples.
Precipitating Factors: These are the agents that set off the Apana Vata imbalance. Examples include overindulging in dry, cold, or light foods, suppressing natural needs (such the urge to urinate, faeces, or pass gas), engaging in excessive physical activity, experiencing mental problems, etc.
Vata dosha becomes more exacerbated and begins to build in the colon and pelvic area as a result of the triggering causes.
Spread and Localization: An unbalanced Vata affects different parts of the body and localises itself, resulting in a particular set of symptoms.
Disease Manifestation: As the imbalanced Apana Vata impacts particular organs or systems, the disorder’s recognisable symptoms start to show.
Lakshana
Depending on the individual, the degree of the imbalance, and the particular area or system impacted, the symptoms of apana vata imbalance might change. The following are some typical signs of apana vata imbalance:
Irregular or constipated bowel motions.
Bloating in the abdomen and flatulence.
Irregular menstruation or uncomfortable menstruation.
A problem urinating.
A lower back ache.
Fertility and reproduction problems.
Weariness and weakness.
Sleeplessness, agitation, and anxiety.
Stiffness and cracking of joints.
Dry hair and skin.
Prognosis
Curable
Chikitsa
Sodhana
The term “sodhana chikitsa” describes the purifying or cleansing procedures used to get rid of extra doshas and bring the body back into balance. Panchakarma is the most common form of sodhana therapy used to alleviate Apana Vata-related disorders. Five therapeutic procedures known as panchakarma work to cleanse the body of toxins and extra doshas. Depending on the person’s constitution, the degree of the imbalance, and the practitioner’s assessment, different particular techniques could be employed.
The following are some typical Panchakarma treatments for Apana Vata imbalances:
A. Virechana, also known as “Purgation Therapy,” is giving herbal purgatives to patients to encourage the body’s natural evacuation of toxins and excess Pitta dosha through the bowels.
b. Basti (Enema therapy): Medicated enemas are used to particularly balance Apana Vata and eradicate the Vata dosha. This is regarded as one of the key treatments for vata diseases.
c. Uttara Basti (Urethral/Vaginal Enema Therapy): To treat Apana Vata-related illnesses of the reproductive and urinary systems, this method includes injecting medicinal oils or decoctions into the urethra or vagina.
Samana
Samana chikitsa uses internal medications and therapies to balance the doshas rather than the time-consuming Panchakarma purifying processes. When the imbalance is not severe or when the patient is not a good candidate for Panchakarma owing to a variety of reasons, this method is used.
For Apana Vata imbalances, some typical Samana chikitsa techniques are as follows:
Herbal therapies are one option for treating Apana Vata imbalances, according to Ayurvedic practitioners. The herbs Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Triphala are frequently used to treat imbalances caused by the Vata dosha.
b. Dietary advice: Warm, nourishing foods should be consumed instead of cold, dry, or raw foods to assist balance vata dosha. Additionally important are consistent hydration and food.
c. Changes in lifestyle: Yoga and meditation are examples of grounding, soothing techniques that can help balance Vata dosha. Avoiding excessive stress and upholding a regular daily schedule are key.
Commonly used medicine
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) are the three fruits that make up the well-known Ayurvedic preparation known as Triphala. It frequently aids with digestion, elution, and general gut health.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic plant that eases anxiety and stress, which is helpful for balancing Apana Vata, which is associated to emotional and mental elements.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Shatavari, which is frequently used in Ayurveda to assist the female reproductive system and is thought to be helpful in balancing Apana Vata connected to menstruation and fertility, is a plant that belongs to the asparagus family.
Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): If the effects of an Apana Vata imbalance emerge as joint pain or stiffness, guggulu, a resin recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, may be helpful.
In order to resolve Apana Vata imbalances related to the digestive tract, castor oil (Ricinus communis) is occasionally used in Ayurveda to treat constipation and promote good bowel motions.
Dashmula: Made out of ten different roots, dashmula is utilised to balance all types of vata, including apana vata. For a variety of Vata-related problems, it may be helpful.
Ayurvedic Treatment
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Diet
Warm meals: Warm, prepared meals should be a part of your diet because they help balance Vata and are simpler to digest. Vegetables that have been prepared and served warm are healthy.
Choose naturally wet and juicy foods to balance out Vata’s tendency towards dryness. These include cooked grains like rice and muesli as well as juicy fruits like oranges, grapes and melons.
Ghee: Clarified butter, often known as ghee, is said to be nutritious and aids in lubricating the gastrointestinal tract, which is beneficial for Apana Vata. Use it sparingly.
Healthy Fats: Include foods high in healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil in your diet because they provide you rooted energy.
Almonds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all good options for Vata types of people.
Root foods are grounding and balanced for Apana Vata. Examples of such roots include sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips.
Spices: Add flavour to your food and aid digestion by using warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper.
Reduce or avoid eating cold, raw foods because they can make Vata more sensitive. When choosing fruits to consume, opt for ripe, in-season varieties that are served at room temperature.
Foods with an excessive amount of bitter, astringent, or pungent flavours should be avoided because they can aggravate vata.
Regular Meal Times: To create a pattern and help your digestive system, adhere to regular meal times.
Yoga
Balasana
Balasana, also known as the child’s pose, is a soft resting position that encourages the flow of energy in the lower abdomen while also helping to calm the mind and body.
With your big toes in contact and your knees hip-width apart, begin by kneeling on the ground.
On an exhalation, fold forward with your chest touching your thighs as you sit back on your heels.
Put your hands forward and, if necessary, rest your forehead on the mat or a cushion.
Focus on relaxing the pelvic region while taking deep breaths.
Baddha konasana
Bound angle pose, or Baddha Konasana, stimulates the pelvic area and extends the inner thighs, which balances Apana Vata.
Straighten your back while sitting on the ground, bringing the soles of your feet together, and letting your knees hang out to the sides.
Holding your feet firmly in place with your hands, gently raise and lower them like a butterfly’s wings.
Exhale as you slowly lower your knees to the floor and inhale as you stretch your spine.
Apanasana
Knees-to-Chest Pose, or Apanasana, is particularly effective for reducing Apana Vata and promoting healthy digestion.
With your legs outstretched, lie on your back.
Taking a deep breath, pull one knee to your chest and hold it there with both hands.
Bring your knee closer to your chest as you exhale, and lift your head such that it touches your knee.
To massage the lower abdomen, rock gently from side to side while holding the position for a few breaths.
After that, do the opposite knee.
The Food and Drug Administration, United States has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP before the intake.
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Writer:
Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of Ayurvedaforall.Com, is a graduate of prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut), Kerala, India. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.
Dr. Nair offers consultation at two busy clinics in and around Haripad, Alleppey, Kerala, the southern state famous worldwide for authentic ayurvedic treatment and physicians. While offering consultation on all aspects of ayurvedic treatments Dr. Nair has a special interest in Panchkarma, Yoga, and Massage.
Through Ayurvedaforall, Dr. Nair offers online consultation to patients worldwide and has served hundreds of patients over the last 20 years. In addition to his Ayurvedic practice, he is the chief editor of ayurveda-amai.org, the online portal of Ayurveda Medical Association of India, and the Secretary of the Kerala State Committee of Ayurveda Medical Association of India.
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