Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and obviously in those times no lab tests or blood tests technology was present. They had their own precise ways of diagnosing diseases. In Ayurveda, digestive issues are diagnose through a holistic approach that examines the individual’s prakriti (constitution), vikruti (current imbalance), and various signs of imbalance in the digestive system, which is referred to as agni (digestive fire). Ayurvedic diagnosis combines observation, inquiry, and examination of physical and subtle cues in the body.
Ayurvedic Diagnosis of Digestive Issues
- Assessment of Agni (Digestive Fire)
Sama Agni (Balanced digestion): Ideal digestion with no issues, where food is digested properly, and the person experiences regular hunger, energy, and balanced elimination.
Vishama Agni (Irregular digestion, Vata imbalance): Digestion is unpredictable, with issues like gas, bloating, constipation, and alternating diarrhea.
Tikshna Agni (Sharp digestion, Pitta imbalance): Digestion is overly strong, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn, hyperacidity, and diarrhea.
Manda Agni (Slow digestion, Kapha imbalance): Digestion is sluggish, leading to heaviness, indigestion, feeling of fullness, and lethargy after meals.
- Pulse Diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha)
Ayurvedic practitioners often use pulse reading to understand the balance or imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and to assess digestive health. The pulse provides insights into the functioning of organs, agni, and the presence of toxins (ama).
Different rhythms and qualities of the pulse may indicate specific digestive imbalances or disturbances in agni.
- Tongue Examination (Jihva Pariksha):
The appearance of the tongue is a key diagnostic tool in Ayurveda.
A white coating on the tongue, especially in the morning, can indicate the presence of ama (toxins), suggesting weak digestion.
Different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs (e.g., the back part is related to the colon), and signs like discoloration or bumps can point to specific issues.
A dry, rough tongue could indicate Vata imbalance, while a red or inflamed tongue may suggest excess Pitta, and a thick coating could point to Kapha imbalance.
- Stool Examination (Mala Pariksha)
In Ayurveda, stool examination helps diagnose digestive issues. Healthy digestion results in regular, well-formed, and non-odorous stool. Imbalances may be interpreted as :
Vata imbalance: Constipation, hard, small, or pellet-like stools.
Pitta imbalance: Loose, frequent, or burning stools, often yellow or greenish.
Kapha imbalance: Heavy, sticky, and oily stools, with slow elimination.
The color, consistency, and frequency of bowel movements are examined to assess digestive health and agni.
- Interrogation and Symptoms Inquiry:
The practitioner will ask detailed questions about eating habits, appetite, digestion, elimination, and general health.
Frequency and quality of hunger: Does hunger feel weak, strong, or irregular?
Symptoms post-eating: Does the person experience bloating, belching, acid reflux, or discomfort after meals?
Elimination patterns: Frequency of bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, or irregularities are key indicators.
Energy levels and mental clarity after meals: Low energy or brain fog post-meal can suggest weak digestion or ama buildup.
- Observation of Ama (Toxins):
The presence of ama (undigested food particles or toxins) is a primary sign of digestive imbalance in Ayurveda. Coated tongue, foul breath, sluggishness, a feeling of heaviness, and cloudy urine. Ama obstructs the proper functioning of Agni, leading to various digestive disturbances and general health issues.
- Abdominal Examination
Practitioners may palpate the abdomen to detect bloating, tenderness, or areas of discomfort. This can help identify issues like gas, indigestion, or organ imbalance.
- Assessment of Dosha Imbalance
The symptoms and qualities of digestive issues are cross-checked with the predominant dosha imbalance:
Vata: Gas, bloating, constipation, dry and irregular stools, and a variable appetite.
Pitta: Acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, intense hunger, and burning sensations in the stomach.
Kapha: Sluggish digestion, heaviness after meals, slow metabolism, and frequent colds or congestion.
Common Ayurvedic Diagnose for Digestive Issues:
Agnimandya: Weak digestive fire resulting in indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Amlapitta: Excess Pitta causing hyperacidity, acid reflux, and heartburn.
Grahani: Malabsorption syndrome leading to irregular bowel movements, often associated with chronic diarrhea or IBS-like symptoms.
Vataja Atisara: Diarrhoea is caused by vata imbalance and is often associated with gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Udara Roga: General abdominal disorders, including bloating and distention, often due to weak digestion or accumulation of ama.
Stomach/ Digestion problems treatment
In Ayurveda, the treatment of stomach-related problems focuses on restoring balance to agni(digestive fire) and eliminating ama(toxins) that cause digestive discomfort. Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the person’s prakriti(constitution), vikruti(imbalance), and the nature of the digestive issue, which may arise from imbalances in the doshas—Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. A fundamental principle in Ayurvedic treatment is to enhance digestion through dietary and lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, and detoxification practices.
For instance, those with Vata imbalances, prone to gas, bloating, and constipation, are recommended warming and grounding foods such as cooked vegetables, grains, and spices like cumin, ginger, and asafoetida to stimulate digestion. Regular oil massages and a stable eating routine help pacify Vata.
In contrast, Pitta-related digestive issues, such as hyperacidity, heartburn, and inflammation, are treated with cooling, alkaline foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and fennel, while avoiding spicy, fried, and overly sour foods. Herbal remedies such as licorice, aloe vera, and amalaki (Indian gooseberry) are used to soothe the digestive tract and reduce excess heat.
For Kapha imbalances, characterized by sluggish digestion, heaviness, and nausea, light, warm, and stimulating foods like ginger, black pepper, and bitter greens are recommended, along with regular physical activity to boost metabolism. Ayurvedic herbs like trikatu (a blend of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger) are often used to ignite the digestive fire and remove excess mucus or congestion from the digestive system.
Panchakarma, a detoxification therapy, is sometimes employed to cleanse the body of toxins, particularly when an accumulation is the root cause of digestive distress. Lifestyle practices such as mindful eating, avoiding overeating, and maintaining regular meal times are emphasized across all treatments to support long-term digestive health. Through this holistic approach, Ayurveda aims to restore balance, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being.
Take Away
Eating at consistent times and according to prakriti helps regulate digestive function and prevent imbalances. Ayurveda also advises against combining certain foods like milk and fish, or fruit with dairy, as they can disturb digestion and lead to ama buildup.