European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF VATAJA GRAHANI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Sathish G. I.* and Madhusudan B. G.

ABSTRACT

Background: Agni is the factor responsible for every metabolic activity in the body and whole body is dependent on Agni. Hampered agni causes numerous disorders and one such condition where Agni as well as the ashaya of Agni is hampered is Grahani roga. Among types of Grahani, Vataja Grahani is commonly observed in the population. Its symptoms include Muhur badda, muhur drava, muhur muhur mala pravrutti, udarashoola, amlodgara, avipaka, visthambha. This condition correlates with Irritable Bowel Syndrome which has symptomatology of cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term. In Ayurveda classics it can be correlated to Vataja Grahani as the etiological factors and symptoms of both are nearly. Signs & symptoms includes Muhur badda, muhur drava, muhur muhur mala pravrutti, udarashoola, amlodgara, avipaka, visthambha. Materials and methods: Various sources extending from classical Ayurveda samhitas, text books of contemporary medicine and e-sources were accessed to review the concepts of IBS and Vataja Grahani. Discussion: In Ayurveda, description of Vataja Grahani matches the symptomatology of IBS such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Prime etiological factors of IBS are stress factors, sedentary life style. IBS has no definitive treatment but could be controlled by non-pharmacologic management eliminating of some exacerbating factors like certain drugs, stressor conditions and changes in dietary habits. Grahani also mentioned as one of the Astamahagadha in Ayurveda classics.

Keywords: Vataja Grahani, Irritable Bowel syndrome, Agni, muhur badda, muhur drava.