The majority of us have encountered at least one episode of diarrhea or commonly addressed as ‘loose motions’ in our life. We have often taken immediate action against it and attained relief.

Diarrhea is one of the common diseases affecting people and so it is essential for us to attain basic knowledge regarding this condition. We must know the basic causes and remedies to tackle it. To begin with, let us learn the science behind this disease.

What is diarrhea?

Just like we commonly call it – ‘loose motions’, diarrhea is the passing of loose and fluid consistency of feces that may or may not be recurrent over a period of time. This fluid consistency might sometimes also be associated with pus or bloody discharge.

We might take this disease very lightly, but it is crucial to treat the underlying cause. Diarrhea could also occur as a complication of another disease that needs grave attention.

What is the vulnerability of diarrhea?

Diarrhea is one such disease that affects people of almost all age groups.

But to be more specific:

Children who eat all kinds of food are susceptible to diarrhea
The geriatric age groups
Those who are under medications
Those who have a delicate stomach

Causes of Diarrhea

The common causes of diarrhea are as follows:

Bacterial infection
Viral infection
Ingesting contaminated food or water
Emotional distress
Reaction to certain drugs or medications
The reaction towards certain kinds of food that the body cannot digest or absorb

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of diarrhea are:

Bloated tummy
Feeling nauseous
Stomach cramps
May be associated with pus or blood
Loss of weight
Loss of appetite
Feeling uneasy
High temperature

Diarrhea and dehydration

One of the most common complications of diarrhea is dehydration. As we expel watery bowels from the body, there is a loss of water from our body as well as there is a disturbance in water-electrolyte balance. The proportion of water and electrolytes in our body is crucial to maintain. A slight change can disturb homeostasis. The body devoid of water and electrolytes makes the person extremely dizzy, and may even lose consciousness. The water and electrolytes sustain our bodies to an extent. Therefore, in case of diarrhea, it is essential to sustain the balance. The body has to be kept hydrated.

Ayurveda Treatment

Ayurveda is a traditional science of medicine. Ayurvedic science is apart from other sciences of medicine. The beliefs it practices and the treatment protocol it follows vary from other sciences. This is the essence of Ayurveda. This distinctive quality makes it unique and promising. Ayurveda considers our body to be made of three doshas, namely :

Vata
Pitta
Kapha

These three doshas constitute our body and build it. All three doshas are important, but vata is considered superior to the other two because if the vata dosha gets singularly harmed, it vitiates the other two doshas, but that is not the case with pitta and kapha.

As these doshas build our bodies, they also build the disease in our bodies. The cause of any disease affects these doshas and then these doshas then further manifest the disease if left untreated. Diarrhea in Ayurveda is correlated to ‘Atisara’. The literal meaning of the word is:

Ati – large quantity
sara – fluid consistency

Types of Atisara

Atisara is of five types :

Vata – due to vitiation of vata dosha
Pitta – due to vitiation of pitta dosha
Kapha – due to vitiation of kapha dosha
Sannipata – due to vitiation of all of the above three doshas
Bhayaja – due to fear
Shokaja – due to emotional imbalance

The major causes and symptoms of atisara are similar to as mentioned above. The symptoms of each type of dosha may vary according to the dosha involved.

Certain causes are also specific to doshas for example :

Vata – eating dry food
Pitta – eating food that causes a burning sensation
Kapha – eating heavy food of sweet taste in prominence.

Ayurvedic treatment protocol of atisara

Ayurveda firmly believes in the practice of letting go of the vitiated Doshas. The essence of ayurvedic treatment protocol is either alleviating the vitiated doshas or completely expelling it from the body.

Therefore, in the case of atisara, after analyzing the condition of the dosha and the strength of the patient the physician prescribes the treatment. The treatment specific to each dosha is as follows :

In Vata predominant atisara, firstly the type of feces expelled is assessed. If the undigested matter is expelled then the flow is not stopped. Instead, drugs like haritaki (Terminalia chebula) can be used to propel it out of the body.
If the severity of this is moderate or low then fasting is also adopted
If the digested matter is expelled, drugs that cause stambhana (stop the flow) are used. Meat soup can be used for this purpose.
In pitta dosha and kapha dosha, fasting and also drugs that stimulate digestion are used. In the case of pitta, if the patient is strong then virechana (purgation) can be done.
In bhayaja and shokaja atisara, the treatment protocol of vata dosha can be adopted.

One of the key features of the Atisara treatment is piccha basti. It is a kind of enema that can be administered in pitta and kapha types of atisara.

Our Approach

The ayurvedic protocol is very precise and brings out the best result. Each patient is given a different treatment according to their body constitution, the predominance of doshas in their body, and the strength to tolerate any degree of treatment. Each Dosha is given importance.

The essence of ayurvedic treatment is the accuracy with which the causative doshas are identified and rectified. The diseases before manifesting complications are treated.

In case complications arise, then the disease is treated immediately. But if the complication is severe then the complication is treated first and then the disease. Ayurveda and its science of treatment are extremely fruitful and satisfactory. People leave with a healthy body and healthy mind.

Apollo AyurVaid has been always applauded for its precision and exemplary results. First, we assess the patient entirely, then we chart out the possible treatment protocol, discuss it with the patient and then carry on with the treatment.

We have always diagnosed the patient with much accuracy and patience. Our only motto is a healthy body and a happy heart for the patient. We have and continue to strive ahead to accomplish our goals.

Our hard work and strenuous activities have been widely acknowledged, and we have been honored with the NABH accreditation, awarded as the Best Ayurveda Center in 2017 from the government of India, and attained the Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92% graded by our patients. We aspire to only better ourselves, for the people that come to us with utmost trust.

Key Outcome

Ayurveda can bring good results in the management of atisara. Appropriate treatment can be planned based on the nidanas (causes) & lakshanas (symptoms). After treatment the disease gets cured & the Agni (digestive fire) gets improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is diarrhea chronic or acute?

Diarrhea can be both acute and chronic. Recently manifested diarrhea is acute and if it prolongs for more than four weeks then it is chronic. Usually, diarrhea is self-limiting but if it does not then it is better to treat it immediately.

Can diarrhea be life-threatening?

Diarrhea alone can seldom be life-threatening. But when associated with other complications, especially unattended dehydration then it can pose a risk to life.

Can bloody discharge be treated or is it the last stage of diarrhea?

Sometimes, diarrhea can be associated with bloody discharge. It could occur due to plenty of reasons. It would be advised to immediately consult your doctor and treat it. Treating it at the right time can be very helpful, it can reduce the chances of manifesting any more complications and worsen the situation.

Can Ayurveda treat diarrhea?

Ayurveda can surely treat diarrhea. The ayurvedic treatment is precise and brings out great results. It tries to expel the morbid matter from the body so that it does not recur. It also has other protocols specific to each patient, their body type, and the strength they hold for tolerating the treatment.

How do I know if diarrhea is getting worse?

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If it subsides within a few days, then it is normal. But if it does not, then you should consult your physician and get it immediately checked.

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