Abdominal Pain – Symptoms, Causes & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abdominal Pain is the pain that occurs between the chest and the pelvic region. It is also called stomach ache. Stomach aches leads to discomfort as it makes a person unable to perform the routine work. It should be rectified immediately.

SYMPTOMS OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal pain can be mild, dull, or crampy and sharp. It brings depression and weakness in the body.

At times stomach ache is accompanied with other symptoms like dehydration, painful urination or no urination, bloody stool or black stools and change in the bowel movement.

If there is nothing serious, then stomach ache disappears on its own.

CAUSES OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

• Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections can cause abdominal pain as they may affect the stomach and intestines.
• Very common reasons to get stomach ache are eating spicy and fried foods, eating too fast or overeating, consuming too much alcohol and smoking.
• Inflammation of organs like intestines, kidneys, appendix, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, liver and pancreas may also lead to abdominal pain.
• Any kind of abnormal growth or obstruction in the stomach may also lead to abdominal pain. Pre-menstrual syndrome and menstruation cramps also cause stomach ache.
• Indigestion as in Constipation, diarrhea, stomach flu or gastroenteritis, acid reflux, vomiting, food poisoning, food allergies, gas, and stress are other common causes of pain in the abdomen.
• Certain chronic diseases could be the underlying cause of abdominal pain. Diseases like GERD, IBS, Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, appendicitis, hernia and lactose intolerance. Kidney infections, urinary tract infections or kidney stones, gall bladder stones, ulcers, cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease also are some of the reasons for getting pain in the abdomen.

According to Ayurveda, the root cause of stomach disorders is excessive. Pitta energy in the body leads to overproduction of Ama (Toxins) in the body.

DIAGNOSIS OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

The doctor does a physical exam and records the answers of the patients to various health questions. Stool test, urine test, blood work, endoscopy, X-rays, ultrasound or CT scan may be done if needed.

TREATMENT OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

Planet Ayurveda offers effective treatment of Abdominal Pain in the form of “Digestive Support Pack”. The pack contains three products namely, Agnitundi Vati, Digestion Support and Grape Saffron Jam (Draksha Avaleha).

1. Agnitundi Vati

Agnitundi Vati helps in strengthening the digestive system and reducing the abdominal pain. It is prepared using Triphla, Jeerak, Ginger, Chitrak, Long Pepper and Maricha.

The recommended dosage of Agnitundi vati is 2 tablets three times a day with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.

2. Draksha Avaleha

Draksha Avaleha is an excellent product to treat indigestion. It is prepared using herbs like Draksha, Pippali, Yashtimadhu, and Shunthi.

The recommended dosage of Draksha Avaleha is one teaspoon two times a day with warm milk.

3. Digestion Support

As the name suggests, the product is useful in treating digestive system / stomach disorders. It helps in increasing appetite, and decreasing the pain in the abdomen by balancing the pH of the stomach. Digestion Support is prepared by using effective herbs like Dhania, Sounf, Bahera and Jeerak.

The recommended dosage of Digestive Support Capsules is two capsules twice daily with plain water preferably after 30 mins of the meals.

Ayurveda is considered to be the best approach when dealing with abdominal pain. The treatment purifies the system from within and gives a lasting cure to the disorder. There are no known side effects of Ayurvedic remedies. These herbal remedies from Planet Ayurveda are prepared with best quality herbs and the preparation process strictly follows the principles of Ayurveda.

Some home remedies suggested by Ayurvedic doctors are listed below:

1. Ginger tea and Chamomile tea: Both Ginger tea and Chamomile tea helps in easing stomach pain. Ginger contains chemicals like gingerols that help to relax the muscles of the intestinal tract while Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory herb that smoothens the muscular contractions of the digestive tract.
   One may also blend lemon extract with ginger extract to cure abdominal pain. Warm water with half a spoon of ginger powder and half a spoon of turmeric also helps as a pain reliever.strong>
2. Warm Lemon water and Rice water: Warm lemon water is very helpful in smoothening the process of digestion and flushing out toxins from the body. Rice water acts as a demulcent that relieves inflammation.
3. Roasted celery solution: One of the best remedies to get rid of abdominal pain is consuming solution made with roasted celery and warm water. It detoxifies the body and relieves pain naturally.
4. Cloves solution:  Around 10 cloves may be boiled in water and strained to consume the solution. This is the most effective home remedy suggested by Ayurveda.
5. Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds helps to reduce inflammation and pain as they stimulate the secretion of the digestive juices. Chewing fennel seeds after eating help in digestion and reduces the gas and bloating.
6. Nutmeg Oil with sugar and Molasses: Consuming Nutmeg oil mixed with sugar and consuming molasses after every meal helps to solve a lot of gastric problems.
7. Pomegranate Seeds with black salt and peppercorns also helps in relieving stomach pain. Pomegranate chutney help a lot in case of too much of heat and acid in the body.
8. Baking Soda: Baking soda may be consumed to maintain the pH level as it decreases the excess hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. It provides quick relief from stomach aches.

Simple home remedies are effective in relieving pain until the root cause of the problem is discovered.

Ayurveda recommends certain lifestyle changes to avoid stomach problems. One should eat dinner before 8 pm. Dinner should be always lighter than lunch. If possible, try to drink lassi (yogurt drink). It helps in reducing bloating that may cause stomach pains. Cold and frozen food mixed with warm cooked foods is not recommended at all.

Abdominal pain means that there is a problem inside the body that needs treatment as soon as possible. It should not be ignored. A simple diet is the best option. One should opt for alkalis in the diet to regulate the gastric fire. Ghee should always be included in the meals as it stimulates agni and improves the digestion.