Ayurvedic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a bowel disorder that affects the ability of the gastrointestinal tract to function well. The main cause of ulcerative colitis is inflammation in the linings of the large intestine, rectum, and other parts of the digestive tract. Over time, this inflammation results in tiny sores called ulcers on the lining of the colon. Usually, these sores start in the rectum and spread to the other areas.

The colon makes a part of the digestive system where fluid is extracted from the undigested food, and the remaining part is preserved. But during ulcerative colitis, this inflammation may not allow the fluid to be absorbed well enough. As cells on the surface get destroyed, the sores may develop. As time passes, these ulcers may secret pus, blood, and mucus.

Ulcerative Colitis can affect people of all ages or groups though signs are more familiar between 15 and 35. Besides, it is hard to diagnose ulcerative colitis in men, more than 50.

On top of it, it is important to get ulcerative colitis or else it affects the quality of life of the person. Ayurvedic treatment often helps delay the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and offer complete remission.

Types

Doctors classify ulcerative colitis on the basis of location, such as:

Ulcerative proctitis. It primarily develops in the area around the anus. The only sign of ulcerative proctitis is rectal bleeding.
Left-sided colitis. The inflammation begins in the rectum and spread to the sigmoid and descending colon. The usual symptoms include tenesmus, frequent urge to empty bowel, pain on the left side, etc.
Pancolitis. In this type of ulcerative colitis, it is the inner rectum that becomes inflamed. You can witness abdominal cramps, pain, abdominal cramps, weight loss, etc.
Proctosigmoiditis. It is a form of colitis in which inflammation occurs in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Abdominal cramps, inability to evacuate the bowel even though you want to, diarrhea, etc., are some common signs.

Signs

The signs of ulcerative colitis may appear to be different in everyone based on the type of ulcerative colitis and health condition.

Also, the signs may flare up in between and show up periods of remission.

abdominal pain
diarrhea
bloody stools
rectal pain
fever
weight loss
malnutrition

Some other signs may include:

mouth sores
inflammation in the eyes
joint pain and swelling
reduced appetite
skin problems
nausea

Causes

It is known that ulcerative colitis occurs due to changes in the immune system, including the overactive immune system. The faults allow the immune system to attack the intestines and damage its working. However, why this happens is still not known.

Several causes of ulcerative colitis include:

Genes. Having certain genes may elevate your risk of ulcerative colitis.
Other immune disorders. Being going through certain immune system disorders increases your risk of UC.
Age. Usually, the onset is before you turn 30, but other people may have it later on in life.
Environmental factors. Certain bacteria, viruses, and antigens may put your immune system at risk.
Family history. If you have a close relative or a parent or sibling with ulcerative colitis, your risk elevates.

Ayurvedic treatment for ulcerative colitis

According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis is referred to as ‘Pittaja Grahani’. Healthy digestion is an integral part of healthy living and well being. Whatever you eat should be digested by your body, but when the digestive system fails to function correctly, toxins may build up in the body, thereby contributing to the blockage in the minute channels of the body.

Also, it is essential that life energies or doshas remain in their appropriate balance. As per Ayurveda, diseases are characterised by the aggravation of respective doshas. Ulcerative colitis is a disease of vitiated Piita that disturbs the functioning of the intestines.

Pitta energy is responsible for vital processes, including digestion, metabolism, and assimilation. So, during ayurvedic treatment, the focus is on calming or balancing this vitiation in the body by way of the detoxification process. Plus, it is important to understand the relevance of a healthy diet program during ayurvedic treatment. One should avoid sour, spicy, acidic, alkaline-rich foods as they may heat up your body even more.

Along with this, one should also abstain from consuming alcohol and smoking, avoid a hot climate, and manage stress to prevent Pitta aggravation.

At AyuKarma, we have procedures and therapies to help patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. We are committed to using only ayurvedic treatment in the recovery process.