Article: NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS THROUGH AYURVEDA: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.140258

Pages: 142-148

Author: Priyalakshmi S *, Gurpreet Kaur Gill, Chhaju Ram Yadav, Bhanu Pratap Singh

Abstract: Non-pharmacological management refers to the management without the use of medications. Gastrointestinal disorders, especially Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs), are common disorders characterized by persistent and recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms due to abnormal functioning of the enteric nervous system where no structural or organic pathology is identified. FGIDs are associated with motility disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, gut microbiota, etc. To fully understand the pathophysiology of FGIDs, it is important to comprehend the biopsychosocial behaviour, which focuses on understanding and treatment of the illness and the subjective sense of the patient's suffering. Globally, the most common FGIDs (irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia) alone affect 16–26% of the population. The non-pharmacological management includes reassurance, lifestyle modifications including observance of dinacharya (daily regimen), gut hygiene, ritucharya (seasonal regimen), psychotherapy, dietary interventions like intake of pathyaahara, implementing sadvritta, the ideal code of conduct, performing yoga, etc. Since gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent and pharmacological modalities are limited in contemporary medicine. Thus, a non-pharmacological approach can be preferred in today’s era for sustainable results. Ayurveda follows a holistic approach and has never considered an individual's physical, physiological, and psychological aspects as separate entities. Hence, the management of different diseases has been given under three modalities: daivavyapashraya, yuktivyapashraya, and satvavajaya chikitsa. Thus, in the non-pharmacological management of FGIDs, Ayurveda played a magnificent role.

Keyword: FGIDs, Functional Dyspepsia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Non-pharmacological management, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Sadvritta.