Ancient Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux

Ancient Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux

Ayurveda is an ancient healing method from India. The origins of Ayurveda go back thousands of years. Ayurveda basically means knowledge of life in Sanskrit. Ayurveda believes in holistic treatment. Ayurveda does not believe in one size fits all. Therefore, each individual is examined before any remedy is prescribed.

The same approach is taken for the treatment of acid reflux. The most important basis of any Ayurvedic treatment is the identification of the doshas. Doshas means “mistakes”. In Ayurveda there are three doshas: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas control the overall well-being of the body. All three doshas must be balanced and should work together to enable the proper functioning of the body. When any one of the three doshas is out of sync with the rest of the two doshas, ​​it results in suffering in the body.

According to Ayurveda, acid reflux is caused by a malfunction of the subcategory of Pitta dosha called Pachaka. The Pachaka Pitta is located in the duodenum and intestines. Modern science also points to the stomach as the cause of acid reflux. Acid reflux is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly. The lower esophageal sphincter is a one-way valve that closes tightly after food enters the stomach. This prevents the acid content from slipping back into the esophagus. When it stops functioning properly, the acidic stomach contents come into contact with the lining of the esophagus and cause irritation. The irritation is called acid reflux.

Normally, the Pachaka Pitta becomes unbalanced due to food intake, which is not really helped by the stomach. Therefore, Ayurveda emphasizes avoiding foods that tend to relax the lower esophageal sphincter. These include foods that are oily, spicy, sour, and fermented. Foods fortified with artificial preservatives, Ayurveda also considers colors and chemicals to be bad for the stomach. It also discourages consumption of alcohol and tobacco as both are known to aggravate Pachaka dosha.

Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux involves consuming herbs and foods that calm the pitta dosha. These include foods like whole grains, rice, organic barley, etc. Ayurveda also encourages the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables and other vegetables like okra, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. People suffering from acid reflux should not eat fast food and left over or stale food.

Ayurvedic treatment for acid reflux also includes yoga. Yoga is a form of exercise that helps calm the various doshas.

Ayurveda therefore offers the possibility of being treated for heartburn without suffering from undesirable side effects.

Inspired by Rich Fuller