Constipation means slow movement of faeces through the large intestine, and it is often associated with large quantities of dry, hard faeces in the descending colon that accumulate because of the long time allowed for absorption of fluid.
A frequent cause of constipation is irregular bowel habits that have developed through a life-time inhibition of the normal defecation reflexes. The new-born child is rarely constipated but part of his training in the early years of life requires that he learns to control defecation, and this control is affected by inhibiting the natural defecation reflexes. Common identifiable causes of constipation are as follows.
Poor Dietary and Behavioural Habits
The majority of the persons suffering from constipation have mild symptoms that cannot be attributed to any structural abnormalities, intestinal motility disorders or systemic disease. A careful dietary assessment reveals that most of these people do not consume adequate fiber and fluids. Ingestion of 10-12 g of fiber everyday is essential for every adult individual. At least one or two glasses of fluid should be taken with every meal. One should be encouraged to heed the call to stool that typically occurs after meals.
Structural Abnormalities
Colonic lesions obstruct faecal passage cause constipation.
Systemic Diseses
Various other diseases can cause constipation due to neurologic gut dysfunction, myopathies, endocrine disorders and electrolyte abnormalities.
Preksha — Yoga management
Shat kriyas – Agnisara kriya, Nauli and Basti
Yogic exercises – Of abdomen
Asanas – Surya Namaskar, Pawan muktasana, Trikonasana, Halasana, Tadasana, Kati chakrasana, Matsyasana and Ardh matsyendrasana
Pranayama – Bhastrika with kumbhaka
Bandh – Uddiyan bandh and Maha bandh
Kayotsarga – 20 minutes daily
Preksha – Deergha shwas preksha
Anupreksha – Contemplation of the correction of constipation
Diet –
• To avoid starch consumption
• To take light meals including fresh foods, vegetables and salads
• To drink plenty of water and fruit juice’s
• To reduce the intake of salt