Role of Picchavasthi in the Management of Grahani w.s.r Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

‘Grahani’ is chronic disease of Annavaha srotas related to Agni. Ayurveda considers it as a Tridoshaja vyadhi, which occurs due to the depletion of jataragni by samana Vayu, pachaka pitta and kledaka kapha. It is characterised by indigestion, altered stool consistency and disturbed bowel habits. The symptoms of Grahani resemble those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a very common digestive disorder which is affecting nearly 10 to 20% of the population around the world. Young women are affected more often than men. Scientific research has linked it to stress and anxiety but as yet the exact cause of the disease is unknown. Treatment in contemporary system gives symptomatic relief and sometimes result in side effects also. The present study is an observational study using Piccha vasthi which was prepared as per the reference given in Susruta Samhita Chikista Stana with slight modification. Ingredients include Shalmali kanta chooran, Krishna tila pisti, Gritha, Madhu, Dugdha used for piccha vasthi in a quantity of 160 ml given continuously for 14 days. It gave good symptomatic relief to the patient and noticed no recurrence even after a year.