Grahani is a gastrointestinal disorder mentioned in Ayurveda that refers to dysfunction of the digestive system, particularly the small intestine, where digestion and absorption are disturbed. In modern terms, it correlates closely with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and altered stool consistency.

In Ayurveda, Grahani is linked to the digestive fire (Agni) and the small intestine’s role in assimilating nutrients. When the Agni becomes weak or irregular due to doshic imbalances, it leads to improper digestion, absorption, and elimination, manifesting as symptoms akin to IBS. The primary dosha involved in Grahani is Vata, though Pitta and Kapha may also be affected, leading to different subtypes of the disorder.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 15/51: "Agni dushti pradhanam grahani dosha" (The main cause of Grahani is the dysfunction of digestive fire).

Excessive consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, incompatible combinations, or improper eating habits (eating too quickly, skipping meals, overeating) contribute to Agni imbalance.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, 28/7: "Ajeerna bhojanam dushtam pittavrittam grahani kuryat" (Eating indigestible food leads to aggravation of Pitta and causes Grahani).

• Irregular eating habits: Skipping meals or eating at odd times can disrupt digestion.
• Stress and Anxiety: Mental stress aggravates Vata dosha, leading to irregular bowel movements and abdominal discomfort.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity slows digestion and causes Kapha imbalance, leading to heaviness and bloating.

Due to weak or irregular Agni (digestive fire), improperly digested food accumulates in the digestive system, leading to Ama (toxic buildup). This results in irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating, and altered stool consistency.

Reference:

• Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, 8/30: "Agni vikruti pradhanam grahani vyadhi" (The disease Grahani is primarily due to digestive fire dysfunction).

In Ayurveda, diagnosis is based on Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), examining the tongue, stool, and overall digestive function to understand doshic imbalances, primarily focusing on the state of Agni.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana, 5/20: "Nadi sparsham pittam vatam cha vichintayet" (Pulse diagnosis helps in assessing the involvement of Pitta and Vata in digestive disorders like Grahani).

• Loss of appetite
• Occasional bloating
• Mild abdominal discomfort

• Constipation
• dry stools
• bloating, and severe gas
• Loose stools
• mucus in stools

• Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)
• Abdominal pain, often relieved by passing stools
• Flatulence and bloating
• Mucus in stools
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Vataja Grahani: Dry stools, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating.
• Pittaja Grahani: Frequent loose stools, burning sensation, and acidity.
• Kaphaja Grahani: Sluggish digestion, mucus in stools, and heaviness.

• Chronic malabsorption and weight loss
• Hemorrhoids or anal fissures due to constipation
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Emotional distress due to persistent symptoms
• Hair loss

Grahani can be managed effectively if treated early, but prolonged or untreated cases may lead to chronic digestive issues and weakness.

• Panchakarma (Detoxification):

  • Virechana (Purgation): Especially useful for Pitta-related Grahani.
  • Basti (Enema Therapy): Herbal enemas are beneficial in balancing Vata and nourishing the intestines.

  Reference:

  • Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 15/51: "Basti karma grahani roganashanam" (Basti is effective in treating Grahani).

• Herbal Remedies:

  • Bilva (Aegle marmelos): Strengthens digestion and regulates bowel movements.
  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): A mild laxative that pacifies Vata and regulates bowel movements.
  • Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica): Effective in treating diarrhea and balancing Pitta and Kapha.
  • Ras Pachak + KUTAJ + SUNTH + MUSTA + BILVA

  Reference:

  • Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 38/11: "Bilva kashaya grahani roga nashaka" (Bilva decoction is highly effective in Grahani).

• Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification Therapy):

  • Deepana and Pachana Herbs: To ignite digestive fire (e.g., ginger, cumin, black pepper).
  • Takra Therapy (Buttermilk): Considered the best remedy for Grahani; it balances all three doshas and improves digestion.

• Consume easily digestible, light, and warm foods like khichdi (rice and lentils), ginger tea, and buttermilk.
• Avoid foods that are heavy, fried, sour, and incompatible (e.g., dairy with fish, fruit with milk).
• Include spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and turmeric to enhance digestion.

• Avoid cold, heavy, and hard-to-digest foods.
• Stay away from raw, uncooked, or fermented foods that may aggravate Vata and Pitta.

From a modern perspective, IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and a significant impact on quality of life. Ayurveda's holistic approach to managing IBS through dietary adjustments, stress management, and herbal therapies addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition.

• Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis): To assess doshic imbalances, particularly Vata and Pitta.
• Stool Examination: To check for the presence of mucus, undigested food, and Ama.
• Endoscopy (Modern Investigation): Used in modern medicine to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders.
• Blood Tests: To check for anemia, inflammation, and other underlying conditions.