Gastritis is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems that we can see in our daily practice. Different terms are used to indicate gastritis such as gastric, peptic problem, chest burn, acid peptic disorder, acid belching, etc.

When the inner lining of the stomach is eroded or damaged by acid that is formed in the stomach in excess or sometimes due to any other irritant food, then it leads to the inflamed lining, called gastritis.

Gastritis is composed of two words;

Castrum: Stomach, venter

itis: inflammation

In Ayurveda, it is co-related to Amlapitta.

Amla stands for sour, acidic

Pitta stands for digestive enzymes/secretions.

You are prone to this disease, if you have a pitta body constitution, according to Ayurveda.

Etiology/Causative factors:

Modern medicine mentions the following are the causes of Gastritis

• Due to infection by Helicobacter pylori
• Stress, some medications like NSAIDs
• Bile reflux
• Pernicious anemia
• Chronic vomiting
• Overconsumption of alcohol

According to Ayurveda, its Nidana (cause) is mainly due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha :

• Pitta dosha vitiating foods and habits.
• Spicy foods (Vidahi anna)
• Incompatible foods combination (Viruddha Sahara)
• Intake of sour and excessively salty foods (Atiamla & Atilavana foods)
• Stress, dissatisfaction, jealousy, anger, rage, hurry, etc. can also cause amlapitta

Symptoms:

• Acid belching (eructation)
• Regurgitation of food or sour substances
• Burning sensation in the chest
• Gaseous distension of abdomen
• Improper digestion, pricking sensation in the chest
• Headache, hiccups
• Tiredness/fatigue, tastelessness

Other associated symptoms if the chronic condition of gastritis is seen:

• Irregular bowel habit
• Pricking pain in the shoulder and back
• Severe burning sensation followed by thirst, fatigue (especially in legs)
• Neuritis
• Numbness, backache
• Mouth ulcer

Occasional:

• Constipation
• Severe backache
• Loss of deep sleep (irregular sleep)
• Loss of concentration
• Loss of memory (gradual)

Types of Gastritis:

1. Acute gastritis
2. Chronic gastritis

Complications of Gastritis:

• Gastric ulcer
• Mal-absorption
• Perforation
• Esophageal reflux
• Headache
• Backache
• Duodenitis, peptic stenosis

Ayurvedic Management of Gastritis:

Modern medicine treatment for gastritis usually involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid. These medications will help relieve symptoms and promote healing. For gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Ayurvedic management of Gastritis involves the reduction of aggravated body energies and the restoration of the digestive fire using cooling herbal preparations and the Pitta-pacifying diet. Ayurvedic procedures for managing stress are also proven to be effective in treating this condition.

Ayurveda recommends dietary plans, daily regimens, yoga that includes Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation, and a complete Panchakarma (detoxification) i.e. The Panchakarma program will help you in removing the toxins from your body and helps to improve your metabolism and rejuvenation treatments to recover.

Panchakarma :

• Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation)

It is purgation therapy performed to clear and clean the lower part of the gut especially the intestines. It helps to improve the gut physiology and expel the vitiated Pitta.

• Vasti (Medicated Enema therapy):

A series of medicated oil and decoction-based enemas is given to regulate bowel function and reset the digestive system.

• Abhyanga(Ayurvedic  Massage) – Ayurvedic therapeutic oil massage helps Softening and opening the channels of circulation and elimination so proper nourishment can reach the tissues and impurities can be more easily eliminated from them.
• Shirodhara – Pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead for managing the stress and bring relaxation to the mind and body.

Some Ayurvedic Herbs for Gastritis

• Avipattikar Churna
• Drakshadi Kashayam
• Guluchyadi Kashayam
• Indukantam Chatham
• Indukantam Ghritam

General Advice:

• Do not take pitta-provoking foods (like spicy, salty, too much sour), avoid heavy meals, coffee, etc.
• Avoid stress, anger, fear, and worries.
• Avoid overexposure to heat.
• Take meals at regular times.
• Don’t escape any meals (no fasting)
• Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd, asparagus etc. are beneficial.
• Coriander – a natural cooling potency herb that can be taken in meals.
• Milk, ghee, coconut water, gooseberry, pomegranate, grapes, apples, and bananas can be taken.

Pranayama & Yoga

Some pranayama and yoga postures are beneficial for gastritis but the patient must avoid stress & anger.

1. Anulom vilom pranayama
2. Naadi suddhi pranayama
3. ArdhaMatsyendrasana
4. Naukasana (Boat pose)
5. Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
6. Pawanmuktasana (Wind relieving pose)

Note: This article is designed for the general management of Gastritis according to Ayurvedic principles. Please do not use this information for your self-diagnosis and treatment without the proper guidelines of a professional. If you wish to follow the Ayurveda program, you are advised to book an Ayurvedic consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who is specialized to design a personal program comprising a diet, a combination of herbs, and a detox program according to your personal needs. Sunshine Ayurveda offers effective and holistic management of gastritis based upon the ancient principles of Ayurveda.