In medical terms, indigestion o is also known as dyspepsia that is a stomach disorder and one of the most common ailments. It is caused mainly due to diet errors and in this case, the digestive juices are secreted incorrectly causing acute discomfort.
Indigestion upsets the digestive system of the body and its symptoms are loss of appetite, distaste in meals, gas formation, bubbling sound in stomach, pain and heaviness in abdomen and sour belching. The feeling of nausea & irritation, feeling of dizziness and tiredness, burning throat and oesophagus, distension of stomach, water in the mouth, foul breath, sleeplessness and anemia also appear in the body as common results of Indigestion.
The intake of heavy and oily meal in much quantity, consumption of stale, rotten and contaminated food substances, and eating in hurry without proper chewing of the food are the main causes of Indigestion. Other than this, excessive mental stress, frequent eating, eating without hunger, eating in agitated or tense state of mind and labour shirking habit also adds to Indigestion. In the state of panic and fear also food does not digest properly. Therefore, it should be avoided. Some times uncooked and raw food also becomes the cause of Indigestion. Worms, teething, old age, constipation, hilly journey, mental stress, physical work and sexual intercourse just after meal also lead to Indigestion.
First of all, all the conditions leading to indigestion should be best avoided by the people. However, if at all the conditions cannot be avoided at all, then the treatment must be started with fasting or fruit diet. After this a light Sattvic Aahar like Dalia or whole wheat bread and green vegetables should be taken. The strict observance of some rules is necessary for getting rid of this disorder. Thorough chewing of food and cautious avoidance of over eating should be practised and mudpack over abdomen can also be applied for temporary relief. Lemon water enema once or twice a week is also helpful and if necessary, it should be taken daily for first two three days.
Yoga Kriya is also an effective method in the treatment of Indigestion. After doing Kunjala, empty stomach in the morning practising the following Udar Shakti Vikasaka Exercises (asanas) can regularly help in reducing the problem of indigestion to a large extent. Surya Namaskar, Uttanapadasana, Vakrasana, Viparitakarani (Sirsasana), Padmasana (Baddha), Tolangulasana,Salabhasana, Uddiyana Bandha,Chakrasana-2, Nauli, Tadasana., Katichakrasana, Pada-Hastasana, Pavanmuktasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Vajrasana, Mandukasana, Mayurasana, Ardhamatsyendrasana, Suryabhedana, Adho mukha svanasana, Ardha chandrasana, Ardha matsyendrasana and Bhadrasana are the best asanas to be practised to treat indigestion.
Even Pranayama are especially beneficial in this disease. The practice of Agnisara acts as universal remedy for the patients of indigestion. Such patients should change their daily routine and try to keep their minds peaceful and happy. They should not drink water immediately after meals but take it one hour after meal.
According to ayurvedic therapy, the medication is done to bring back the normalcy of the functioning of the systems by various methods. The Ayurvedic treatments, if practised regularly, prove very effective in treating the illnesses. Indigestion is also one of those irregularities of the bowel movements, which can be treated by Ayurveda, only if the treatment is continued on a regular basis.
One can boil 5 gm. of dried ginger in 1 litre of water the patient can take that several times in a day or add 2 gm. powder of dried ginger, mixed with 3 gm. Jaggery. A pinch of asafoetida (Heeng) in 1 table spoon of warm water, taken 2-3 times a day or 3 gm. Carum (Ajwain) seeds, 1 gm. of salt, with warm water, taken two times a day is also very useful for such problem. Treatment of Indigestion by Aromatherapy has also evolved as an effectual method of treatment. The horrible acid feeling in the stomach, often experienced after a rich, oily and heavy meal can be effectively treated by the usage of the Peppermint oil. The peppermint oil is a great remedy for digestive problems, can prove very beneficial. Twelve drops of peppermint oil can be added to about 100 ml of carrier oil and gently massaged into the stomach and solar plexus. Also, a little of the blend can be dabbed under the nose so that one can inhale it. This treatment can be followed by a cup of mint tea.
Treatment of Indigestion by Magnetic Therapy is a long tradition that still holds value. Magnets have a stimulating effect on various body systems such as digestive, urinary, respiratory, blood circulatory and genital. Regular uses with magnets have proved that the function of these systems is greatly improved in a balanced way. Many common disorders like Indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal colic are cured heavily against the powerful action of magnets. Magnetised water work directly on the digestive and urinary systems as it promptly puts an end to their mal-functioning.
Acupressure Therapy also treats indigestion. Indigestion, stomach pain or left-side upper abdominal pain, gastritis, ulcers might be alleviated by the use of acupressure. Here, the useful pressure point would be the left thumb web and if used properly, it can surely lessen the problem of indigestion. Indigestion might be alleviated by the pressure point at your left thumb web. Mushti Mudra Treatment, if done regularly, can control one`s digestive system. The Mushti Mudra too can be done in addition to the Suchi Mudra as it also promotes digestion and helps to cure constipation. One should do this Mudra three times a day for fifteen minutes. By bending the fingers inward and placing the thumb over the ring fingers, one should practice this mudra with each hand. It is important to make them like fists to get effective results.
Indigestion can lead to serious problems, if left untreated. Proper diagnosis and treatment can cure indigestion within few days.
