Left Side Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

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Left Side Stomach Pain

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Introduction

Left side stomach pain can be a concerning symptom with various potential causes. According to Ayurveda, stomach discomfort may indicate imbalances in specific doshas (body energies) and can stem from digestive disorders, organ inflammation, or structural issues. Understanding the causes of left side stomach pain is essential for proper management, as it may be linked to conditions affecting the spleen, intestines, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Ayurveda approaches to left side stomach pain treatment focus on addressing the root cause through dietary modifications, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and specialized therapies. Identifying the left side stomach pain symptoms early can help determine whether the pain is due to mild indigestion or a more serious condition. In this blog, let’s explore Ayurvedic treatment for stomach pain, its causes, and symptoms to manage it from the root cause and prevent recurrence.

What Causes Pain on The Left Side of The Abdomen?

According to Ayurveda, left side stomach pain arises due to an imbalance in the Tridoshas, especially Vata and Pitta.

What is the reason for stomach pain in the left side?

Following are a few reasons for stomach pain on the left side –

Constipation, accumulation of gas, and indigestion may cause discomfort on the left side.
Inflammation or enlargement of the spleen
Conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic disorders.
Left kidney stones or an infection may generate some left iliac fossa (LIF) pain.
Diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome affecting the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon causes pain in the left side of the abdomen.
Inflammation of the stomach wall may produce a burning sensation and pain.
Dysmenorrhea or irregular periods may be accompanied by left side stomach pain.
Rarely, certain cardiac conditions may present as left-sided discomfort.
Left side stomach pain during pregnancy can be due to stretching of the ligament, gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or gas, and in some cases, ectopic pregnancy or preterm labor.
Muscle injuries or organ damage on the left side might also be the source of stomach pain.

What are The Symptoms of Left Side Stomach Pain?

Pain in the left side of the abdomen will be presented with the following symptoms –

Sudden, short-lived piercing pain followed by bloating, constipation, anxiety, and irregular bowel movement
Burning sensation of pain, followed by acid reflux, yellow stools, intense thirst, and inflammation
Dull and constant pain, heaviness after eating, nausea, and mucus in the stool.

Some additional symptoms that may accompany pain in the left abdomen include:

Nausea and vomiting
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Fever
Loss of appetite
Abdominal swelling or distension
Fatigue
Pain aggravated by food
Pain radiating to the back or groin
Difficulty passing gas or stool

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing left-side stomach pain in Ayurveda includes:

Darshana-observation of physical characteristics,
Sparshana- palpation and touch examination
Prashna-questioning the patient concerning the symptoms.
The Ashtavidha Pariksha includes tongue, voice, skin, eyes, and urine examination. This comprehensive approach helps identify and address the reason or cause for your left side stomach pain, rather than merely addressing the symptoms.
CT scans, Ultrasound, Upper GI contrast studies, and Laparoscopy are other imaging techniques that help diagnose more specific conditions such as diverticulitis, epiploic appendicitis, left-sided appendicitis, omental infarction, and malrotation that can be differentiated from the symptom and the underlying cause.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Left Side Stomach Pain

Stomach pain treatment in Ayurveda aims to re-establish the equilibrium of the disturbed doshas. Abhyanga (oil therapy), Swedana (Sudation), Virechana (Purgation), Vasti (Enema), Vamana (Emesis), and Langhana (Fasting or light diet) are prescribed based on the severity of the condition, dosha involved, and capability of the patient to tolerate such procedures. Here are certain dietary recommendations:

Consuming warm and easily digestible foods.
Use spices like hing (asafoetida), cumin, black pepper, and ginger in food
Avoid spicy, sour, and fermented foods

Home Remedies for Left Side Stomach Pain

The following home remedies help alleviate left side abdominal pain

Warm oil: Instillation of oil over the belly button with a pinch of asafoetida can provide relief.
Warm ginger tea: Boiling slices of ginger in water with a pinch of asafoetida helps to relieve gas and bloating.
Cumin water: Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain it, and drink for better digestion.
Fennel and coriander tea: Equal parts of these seeds boiled in water help reduce inflammation.
Ajwain (carom seed) pack: Dry roast ajwain seeds, wrap them in a cloth, and apply this warm compress to the painful area.
Mint juice: Fresh juice prepared from mint leaves helps reduce stomach line inflammation.
Fenugreek seed water: Soak 1 tbsp overnight and drink that water in the morning to decrease the inflammation.
Jeera, dhania, and saunf water: Boil equal parts of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds in water to aid digestion and uplift metabolism by reducing stomach pain.

When to Seek the Doctors

The following situations require the immediate attention of a physician –

Severe and continuous pain that does not improve with treatment
Abdominal pain with high fever
Bloody stool or vomiting
Inability to pass stool or gas
Severe vomiting
Rapid heartbeat or severe shortness of breath
Abdominal pain following injury
Very severe pain radiating to the chest, neck, or shoulder
Acute onset and severe pain that incapacitates you
Pain during pregnancy

Conclusion

Pain on the left side of the abdomen can arise due to factors generating an imbalance within the body, especially in Vata and Pitta according to Ayurveda. Ayurveda’s comprehensive approach addresses the symptoms and the root cause including Panchakarma, dietary modifications, and lifestyle modifications. Most patients would respond well to home remedies, but extremely persistent or severe symptoms should warrant a visit to a doctor. Understanding your constitution and undergoing Ayurveda Panchakarma procedures customized for you will keep you free of the present discomfort, and gradually build your resistance to more such disorders through balanced doshas and good digestive fire.

FAQs

What causes pain on the left side of the stomach?

Left side stomach pain may be caused by digestive disorders, inflammation of organs, or structural abnormalities. Some common causes are irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, constipation, gastritis, and spleen or pancreas-related problems. According to Ayurveda, this kind of pain commonly occurs due to aggravated Vata or Pitta types that disturb the functions of normal digestion.

Can gas cause left side pain?

Yes. Gas accumulation is a definite cause of left-side abdominal pain. Trapped gas in the colon, particularly at the splenic flexure on the left, can cause severe discomfort and stabbing pain. In Ayurveda, gas accumulation is due to Vata imbalance which can be balanced by consuming water infused with spices such as asafoetida, ajwain, and ginger.

How to get rid of pain on the side of the stomach?

Ayurveda prescribes warm ginger tea, light stomach massage with warm oils, and easily digestible food seasoned with certain spices such as ajwain and fennel to relieve left side stomach pain. Following a dosha-appropriate diet, food-combining principles, regular meal times, and fasting can also reduce the pain.

How to cure gastric problems immediately in Ayurveda?

For immediate relief from gastric troubles, Ayurveda suggests consuming ginger, black salt, and asafoetida in warm water, or chewing ajwain seeds with a pinch of salt. Other Ayurveda remedies include drinking warm water throughout the day, taking herbal digestive medicines before meals, avoiding cold foods and drinks, and Pavana Muktasana.

What is the best treatment for stomach pain?

Ayurvedic treatment for stomach pain is designed according to an individual's unique dosha involvement in disease manifestation. Vamana, Virechana, Abhyanga, and Swedana are administered based on the dosha involvement. Langhana (fasting), Nabhi Nala Poorana (filling medicated oil over the belly button), and local Abhyanaga are the best treatment modalities to reduce pain.

REFERENCES

Deshpande, P et al. (2024). AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF URDHWAGA AMLAPITTA: A CASE STUDY. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

T, S K et al. (2025). Role of Diet in Amlapitta. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

Patil, G, Chaudhari, S Y (2024). Ayurveda management of irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports

Gamne, R et al. (2024). Role of Madhutailik basti and Shaman Section chikitsa in the Management of Acute on Chronic Pancreatitis: A Case Report. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH

Vijayan, V et al. (2024). Management of Primary Dysmenorrhoea with Gandharvahastadi Kashayam. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research

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