The Ayurvedic Outlook on Healthy Elimination
Most people suffer from constipation, diarrhea, or other bowel imbalance issues; but are too embarrassed to talk about it. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a lot to say about each aspect of the digestion process and how to regulate bowel movement. It suggests that regular elimination each morning improves your health. But what happens if we skip this step in the morning and wait until later or skip a day or two?
Ayurveda recognizes that the digestive tract is one of the first body parts wherein imbalances start. Bowel movement each morning impacts both your physical and psychological well-being, making a difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Why is Daily Elimination Important?
According to Ayurveda, human bodies have a natural clock that tries to follow the cycle of nature. For example, soma (lunar energy) is significant during the nighttime; hence your body focuses on nurturing and cooling. Whereas agni (digestive fire/solar energy) is predominant in the morning, thus your body starts getting active to absorb and transform. Your agni should be robust and balanced to have strong immunity and healthy emotional wellbeing. Your body loses its resistance to diseases when agni weakens.
If the waste material is still carried around in your colon in the morning, there are chances that the toxic material (ama) from your colon is absorbed into your system. If it happens frequently, your immunity can be majorly affected. Plus, carrying this extra weight can add pressure on your lower abdomen, the seat of Apana Vayu. It is a sub-dosha of Vata dosha responsible for sexual functions, menstrual cycles, and elimination. If the elimination doesn’t happen, it can impact your emotional health and make you feel anxious and overwhelmed during the day.
It is recommended to have at least one bowel movement every day. It has several benefits like –
Lower risk of developing colorectal cancer
Lower risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Eliminates toxins from your body
More efficient absorption of minerals
Better digestion
Clearer skin
More energy
You might be constipated if you don’t have a bowel movement every day. Constipation can happen due to various diet or lifestyle factors like not drinking enough water, not eating fiber, stress, or lack of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal system.
The solution to the imbalance is identifying whether the notable imbalance is in Kapha, Pitta, Vata, or a combination of these doshas.
Tips to Regulate Bowel Movement
Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Here are effective Ayurvedic tips for ensuring regular bowel movement –
The moment you wake up, drink a tall glass of warm water. This ensures the natural detox of your body.
It is vital to stay hydrated the whole day. So drink at least half of your body weight in ounces.
Keep drinking warm water or even herbal tea throughout the day, if you’re constipated.
Limit the intake of iced, sugary, or caffeinated beverages.
Add in fresh vegetables and fruits, increase the fiber in your diet
You can drink lassi or buttermilk, which supports the absorption and assimilation of good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.
Try adding herbs to your diet for daily detox.
Start eating healthy as it is the first step to balance your digestive system. Add routines to your meal times. It would be best to eat your biggest meal at noon when your agni is the strongest and the lightest dinner so that your digestion gets a break at night. It’s best never to skip your meals.
Try eating in peace every day to see a significant difference in your health. It would be best to steer clear of including technology like watching TV or talking on the phone while eating.
Even your emotional health affects your body in mysterious ways. Apana Vayu is also linked to Prana Vayu, the sub-dosha governing your thoughts and emotions. Your emotional health can also affect your bowel movements. For example, you may feel constipated due to excessive worrying & anxiousness or get diarrhea due to anger and intensity. Hence, it’s essential to keep your mind at peace by trying meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), yoga to reduce stress, or even taking a walk after dinner.
Bowel movements can affect your whole physiology, so make it a point to get in tune with your body’s internal clock. Ayurveda treatments are not one-size-fits-all as it depends on each person’s mind-body constitution. If you’re looking for customized solutions for your health, feel free to reach out to Dr. Ranjana Chawla for a free 15-mins consultation.