🚽 Constipation in Old Age

A Comprehensive Guide from Ayurveda Ashraya Hospital

“Reclaim Digestive Comfort with Ayurvedic and Modern Wisdom”

📖 Definition

Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or incomplete evacuation of the bowels. In the elderly, it is often chronic and can severely affect quality of life.

According to modern medicine:

Less than three bowel movements per week or difficulty in passing stools.

In Ayurveda, constipation is termed “Vibandha” and primarily linked with Apana Vata Dushti (disturbed lower abdominal Vata).

🧓 Why is Constipation Common in Old Age?

🔬 Modern Causes:

1. Slow colonic motility due to age-related nerve or muscle decline

2. Reduced physical activity

3. Low fiber and water intake

4. Medications: Antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, iron supplements

5. Chronic illnesses: Parkinson’s, hypothyroidism, diabetes

6. Poor dental health → improper chewing

7. Lack of routine or ignoring the urge

🌿 Ayurvedic Causes:

• Vata vriddhi (aggravated Vata due to aging)

• Mandagni (weak digestive fire)

• Ruksha (dry), Shita (cold) & Laghu (light) diet

• Suppression of natural urges (Vega dharana)

• Use of dry, preserved, cold foods

• Irregular meals and disturbed sleep

🧬 Etiopathogenesis

🔬 Modern:

• Neuromuscular degeneration in the colon leads to poor peristalsis

• Rectal hyposensitivity causes loss of urge

• Dehydration and low dietary fiber lead to hard stools

• Secondary causes like metabolic or endocrine diseases (e.g., hypothyroidism)

🌿 Ayurvedic:

• Aging is a Vata-pradhan phase of life

• Apana Vata dushti → obstruction in pakvashaya (colon)

• Leads to malabaddhata (retention of feces), gaseous distention, fatigue

• Accumulated Ama (toxins) slows down Agni (digestion)

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

Common Symptoms:

• Hard, dry, pellet-like stools

• Bowel movement less than 3 times/week

• Straining during defecation

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Bloating, flatulence

• Abdominal discomfort or pain

• Poor appetite, fatigue

• Irritability and disturbed sleep

🔍 Diagnosis

🔬 Modern:

• Detailed history and physical examination

• Digital rectal exam

• Blood tests (thyroid, glucose, CBC)

• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy if red flags present

• X-ray or transit studies in chronic cases

🌿 Ayurveda:

• Nadi Pariksha (Pulse diagnosis) to assess Dosha status

• Mala Pariksha – stool characteristics

• Assessment of Agni, Ama, and Apana Vata

📈 Prognosis

• Generally good with proper dietary and lifestyle modifications

• In chronic untreated cases, may lead to Hemorrhoids, Fissure, Fecal impaction, or Megacolon

💊 Treatment

🌿 Ayurvedic Management (Customized at Ayurveda Ashraya Hospital)

🔸 1. Deepana & Pachana

• Improves Agni (digestion) and reduces Ama

🔸 2. Mridu Shodhana (Mild Detoxification)

• Virechana with castor oil or mild laxatives

• Anuvasana Basti (oil-based enema)

🔸 3. Vatahara Treatments

• Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame oil

• Svedana (steam therapy) to reduce dryness and stiffness

• Anuvasana Basti for elderly – gold standard for Vata disorders

🔸 4. Dietary & Lifestyle Guidelines

• Warm, oily, soft, cooked food

• Avoid dry, cold, raw food

• Use ghee, soup, and buttermilk

• Take hot water sips throughout the day

• Regular bowel habits and light walk post meals

🔸 5. Herbal Medicines

💊 Modern Management

1. Bulk-forming laxatives

2. Osmotic laxatives

3. Stool softeners

4. Stimulant laxatives

5. Prokinetic agents:

6. Biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction

7. Surgery: Rarely required

🧘‍♂️ Lifestyle & Yoga Recommendations

• Walk daily for 30 minutes

• Basti Yoga – Pawanmuktasana, Vajrasana, Trikonasana

• Pranayama – Anuloma-Viloma, Bhramari

• Wake up early and attend nature’s call regularly

• Avoid stress and anxiety – both aggravate Vata

🌟 Why Choose Ayurveda Ashraya Hospital?

✅ Expert panel of BAMS, MS, PhD doctors

✅ Safe & personalized Ayurvedic therapies for elderly

✅ Panchakarma for detox & rejuvenation

✅ Non-habit forming, gentle herbal support

✅ Holistic healing with diet, yoga, counselling

📞 Book Your Elder Care Digestive Consultation

✨ Let’s restore your bowel health naturally

📍 Ayurveda Ashraya Hospital – A Unit of GIAF

Contact Number: 📞 08352 318471

Website: 🌐 www.giafsayurvedaashrya.com