An Ayurvedic approach of Vataja Grahani vis-à-vis Irritable Bowel Syndrome - A Case Study

Abstract

Grahani is considered as Agni Adhishtana, which help in the process of metabolism and digestion of food. The ancient text of Ayurveda described that ingestion, digestion, absorption and assimilation of Aahara is regulated by Grahani. Any disturbances in the status of Agni leads to Mandagni which further leads to improper digestion of ingested food leading to Grahani Roga which nowadays affects large population globally, especially in developing countries due to improper food habits along with stressful lifestyle. In Modern parlance, it can be correlated to IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort in association with alternate episodes of diarrhoea and constipation. Physiological, luminal, behavioural and psychosocial factors are responsible for IBS. They are caused by two entirely different mechanisms such as Bowels habits disturbed by diarrhoea or constipation occurring alone or alternating. A case of 57 years old female diagnosed with Vataja Grahani Roga after detailed history taking, thorough clinical examinations and was diagnosed with IBS using Rome IV criteria and Mannings Criteria to assess the severity of the disease. Patient was then treated with Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies such as Kashayaseka, Sarvanga Abhyanga, Takra Basti and Shamanaushadhis. Assessment was done using IBS Symptoms Severity Scoring Scale. After completion of Ayurveda treatments, there was a marked improvement in the condition of the patient in terms of symptoms and IBS Severity scoring scale was reduced to score 9 from 34 within a span of 11days. Hence this case is an evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatment in case of Grahani Roga.