Gastric Problem Ayurveda: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Gastric problems — commonly referred to as gastritis, acidity, bloating, or indigestion — are among the most frequent digestive complaints today. Whether caused by erratic eating habits, chronic stress, or bacterial imbalance, they affect the Agni (digestive fire) — the core of Ayurvedic health.

In Ayurveda, almost every gastrointestinal disorder stems from the imbalance of Pitta (heat and acid), often accompanied by Vata (gas and dryness). This imbalance leads to Agnimandya — the weakening of digestive fire — causing incomplete digestion, fermentation, gas formation, and acidity buildup.

What Is Gastritis or Gastric Problem?

From a modern medical perspective, gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining, often triggered by excess acid, infection (like H. pylori), or prolonged use of painkillers.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, it corresponds to Amla Pitta — a Pitta-related disorder where the acid content in the stomach becomes excessive, leading to burning sensations, discomfort, or nausea.

Common Gastric Problems Treated at Dr. Acharya’s Ayurveda

At our center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic gastric issues through authentic Ayurvedic therapies, including:

• Acidity (Amla Pitta)
  
  
• Bloating and Gas (Adhmana, Aatopa)
  
  
• Indigestion (Ajirna)
  
  
• Loss of Appetite (Arochaka)
  
  
• Constipation (Vibandha)
  
  
• Stomach ache (Udara Shoola)
  
  
• Diarrhoea (Atisara)
  
  
• Gastritis (Amla Pitta / Urdhva Gati Pitta)
  
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Grahani Roga)
  
  
• H. pylori infection (Krimi-related Amlapitta)
  
  
• Intestinal Obstruction (Purishavaha Srotas Dushti)
  
  
• Vomiting (Chhardi)
  
  

Each of these has distinct doshic patterns, yet the underlying cause often relates to faulty digestion and poor elimination.

Causes and Risk Factors for Gastric Problems

1. Dietary Factors

• Excessive intake of spicy, oily, fried, or sour foods
  
  
• Skipping meals or irregular meal timings
  
  
• Excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, or carbonated drinks
  
  
• Late-night eating or overeating
  
  
• Incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Ahara), e.g., milk with salty food
  
  

2. Lifestyle Factors

• Sedentary habits or lack of post-meal movement
  
  
• Suppression of natural urges (belching, bowel, or hunger)
  
  
• Excessive stress or sleep deprivation
  
  
• Eating in haste or emotional states
  
  

3. Psychological Factors

• Chronic anxiety, anger, or worry increase Pitta and Vata imbalance
  
  
• Stress-induced gastritis is common in professionals with irregular routines
  
  

4. Medical Conditions

• H. pylori infection
  
  
• Autoimmune gastritis
  
  
• Reflux (GERD)
  
  
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  
  
• Gallbladder or liver disorders
  
  

5. Medications

• NSAIDs and steroids
  
  
• Antibiotics
  
  
• Iron or calcium supplements (overuse)
  
  

6. Other Contributing Factors

• Age-related decrease in mucus protection
  
  
• Low immunity
  
  
• Long-standing Pitta aggravation from chronic stress or wrong food habits
  
  

Ayurvedic Understanding of Gastric Disorders

According to Ayurveda, digestion is governed by Agni (digestive fire), seated in the stomach. When Agni becomes impaired due to improper diet, lifestyle, or mental strain, Ama (toxic residue) begins to accumulate in the digestive tract.

Over time, this leads to:

• Amla Pitta (acid reflux / hyperacidity)
  
  
• Grahani (IBS-like symptoms)
  
  
• Ajirna (indigestion)
  
  
• Atisara (diarrhea)
  
  
• Vibandha (constipation)
  
  

Thus, the root cause lies not in the stomach acid alone, but in the imbalance of the three Doshas and improper digestion at every level — Ahara (food), Agni (fire), and Ama (toxins).

Symptoms of Gastric Problems

While symptoms vary from person to person, common signs include:

• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest
  
  
• Bloating, belching, or gas
  
  
• Nausea and occasional vomiting
  
  
• Sour taste in the mouth or throat irritation
  
  
• Indigestion or heaviness after meals
  
  
• Abdominal pain or cramps
  
  
• Constipation or loose stools
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Fatigue and irritability
  
  

Severe or chronic gastritis can lead to complications like:

• Stomach ulcers
  
  
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
  
  
• Anaemia due to poor absorption
  
  
• Long-term risk of stomach cancer (in untreated cases)

Ayurvedic Diagnosis & Treatment for Gastric Problems

In Ayurveda, diagnosis is holistic — it’s not limited to the symptoms but involves understanding the root cause, dosha imbalance, digestive strength, and mental state of each patient.

1. Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis)

The pulse reveals the dominant Dosha imbalance (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and helps determine whether the issue stems from Ama (toxins) or Agni (digestive weakness).

2. Agni Pariksha (Digestive Fire Assessment)

A practitioner observes the strength of appetite, bowel movements, and digestion quality — weak, irregular, or excessive Agni types determine the treatment approach.

3. Lakshana Pariksha (Symptom Observation)

Each gastric issue has distinct Ayurvedic patterns:

• Amla Pitta (Hyperacidity): Burning, sour belching, nausea
  
  
• Ajirna (Indigestion): Heaviness, loss of appetite, fatigue
  
  
• Vibandha (Constipation): Dry stool, bloating, irritability
  
  
• Atisara (Diarrhoea): Loose motions, dehydration, weakness
  
  
• Grahani (IBS): Alternating constipation and diarrhea, anxiety, gas
  
  

Ayurvedic Treatments for Gastric Problems

Ayurveda offers a two-fold approach:

1. Shamana (Pacification Therapy) — for symptomatic relief through diet, herbs, and medicines.
   
   
2. Shodhana (Detoxification Therapy / Panchakarma) — for long-term cure through purification.
   
   

1. Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage)

A full-body warm oil massage using medicated oils such as Dhanwantharam Thailam or Pinda Thailam helps:

• Improve blood circulation
  
  
• Reduce Vata imbalance (main cause of gas & bloating)
  
  
• Enhance digestive fire indirectly by calming the nervous system
  
  

2. Swedana (Steam Therapy)

Following Abhyanga, Swedan (sudation) is given to remove toxins via sweating.
Nadi Swedan (localized steam) helps relieve abdominal stiffness and indigestion by improving peristaltic movement.

3. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation)

This is one of the key Panchakarma procedures for Pitta-related gastric problems such as acidity, gastritis, and ulcer tendencies.
It removes toxins from the intestines and liver through controlled purgation using herbal formulations like Trivrit Lehyam or Avipattikar Churna under supervision.

Benefits:

• Detoxifies the digestive tract
  
  
• Balances Pitta and removes excess acid
  
  
• Improves digestion and absorption
  
  
• Provides long-lasting relief from gastritis & acid reflux
  
  

4. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)

Used selectively for Kapha-related gastric disorders — helps remove excess mucus, nausea, and heaviness caused by sluggish digestion.

5. Basti (Medicated Enema)

Known as the “King of Panchakarma”, Basti therapy balances Vata — the key factor behind bloating, constipation, and IBS.
Different types include:

• Anuvasana Basti: Oil-based enema for lubrication
  
  
• Niruha Basti: Decoction-based enema for detoxification
  
  
• Uttara Basti: For gynecological or urinary disorders if linked with digestive imbalance
  
  

6. Shirodhara

A stream of warm medicated oil poured over the forehead calms the nervous system and reduces stress-related gastritis, IBS, and psychosomatic acidity.

7. Patra Potli & Churna Potli Swedan

Bundles of herbal leaves or powders are heated and massaged on the abdomen to:

• Relieve abdominal discomfort
  
  
• Stimulate digestion
  
  
• Improve circulation in digestive organs
  
  

8. Kati Vasti / Prishtha Vasti

Local oil retention therapy applied on the lower back or spine helps balance Vata and strengthens the nerves that control gut motility.

9. Lepam (Herbal Paste Application)

Used in chronic acidity or ulcers to reduce localized inflammation using cooling herbs like Sandalwood and Yashtimadhu.

10. Kashaya Dhara / Navara Kizhi

Herbal decoction poured or massaged over the body helps detoxify tissues, balance doshas, and promote internal healing.

Ayurvedic Medicines & Herbs for Gastric Health

Commonly prescribed classical Ayurvedic medicines include:

• Avipattikar Churna – Neutralizes acid and relieves heartburn
  
  
• Amlapittantak Churna – Regulates Pitta and heals gastritis
  
  
• Triphala Churna – Improves digestion, detoxifies intestines
  
  
• Sutshekhar Ras – Effective for burning sensation and nausea
  
  
• Kamdugdha Ras – Reduces hyperacidity and ulcers
  
  
• Hingwashtak Churna – Excellent for gas and bloating
  
  
• Jeerakadyarishta / Dashamoolarishta – Strengthens gut and immunity
  
  

(Note: Always taken under Ayurvedic physician guidance.)

Ayurvedic Diet for Gastric Problems

A Pitta-pacifying and gut-soothing diet plays a central role in long-term management.

Recommended Foods

• Warm, freshly cooked meals
  
  
• Soft rice, moong dal khichdi, boiled vegetables
  
  
• Buttermilk with roasted cumin (Jeera)
  
  
• Ghee in small quantity — nourishes and cools Pitta
  
  
• Cumin, coriander, fennel, cardamom, and turmeric
  
  
• Aloe vera juice or tender coconut water
  
  

Avoid Foods

• Fried, spicy, sour, and stale food
  
  
• Onions, garlic (in excess), vinegar, tomatoes, citrus fruits
  
  
• Tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol
  
  
• Processed or instant foods
  
  
• Eating heavy dinner or skipping breakfast
  
  

Home Remedies for Gastric Relief

1. Jeera Water (Cumin Water) – Boil cumin seeds in water and sip after meals to relieve bloating.
   
   
2. Aloe Vera Juice – 20 ml before breakfast helps soothe gastric mucosa.
   
   
3. Licorice (Yashtimadhu) – Soothes acid reflux and ulcers.
   
   
4. Ginger & Fennel Tea – Improves digestion and prevents gas.
   
   
5. Ajwain with Black Salt – Simple remedy for immediate gas relief.
   
   
6. Drink Warm Water – Especially early morning to clear Ama.
   
   
7. Practice Deep Breathing or Yoga (Pawanmuktasana, Vajrasana) – Enhances digestion and calms Vata.
   
   

Lifestyle & Preventive Measures

• Eat only when hungry — avoid emotional eating
  
  
• Practice mindful eating and chew food thoroughly
  
  
• Avoid sleeping immediately after meals
  
  
• Maintain fixed meal timings
  
  
• Manage stress through meditation, Pranayama, or Shirodhara
  
  
• Regular mild exercise like walking after dinner
  
  
• Avoid suppression of natural urges
  
  

When to See an Ayurvedic Doctor

You should consult an Ayurvedic specialist if you experience:

• Recurrent acidity or burning
  
  
• Chronic constipation or IBS symptoms
  
  
• Stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion
  
  
• Blood in stool or black stools
  
  
• Weight loss, fatigue, or poor appetite
  
  

At Dr. Acharya’s Ayurveda, we combine ancient Panchakarma therapies, personalized diet, and herbal treatment to restore gut balance naturally and permanently — without side effects.

Tailored Ayurvedic Therapy Combinations for Gastric Disorders

At Dr. Acharya’s Ayurveda, every treatment is customized based on the patient’s dosha constitution (Prakriti), the nature of the disorder (Vikruti), and digestive strength (Agni).
Below are combinations of Ayurvedic therapies tailored for specific gastric conditions you treat:

1. Acidity & Gastritis (Amlapitta)

Root cause: Pitta imbalance due to spicy food, stress, irregular meals
Therapy combination:

• Abhyanga + Swedan — to calm stress-induced acidity
  
  
• Virechana — to cleanse accumulated Pitta from the liver and intestines
  
  
• Shirodhara — for nervous system relaxation
  
  
• Kashaya Dhara with cooling herbs (Amalaki, Yashtimadhu, Musta)
  Supporting herbs: Avipattikar Churna, Kamdugdha Ras, Amalaki
  Diet: Warm rice gruel, buttermilk, coconut water
  
  

Expected improvement: Noticeable relief in 7–14 days; full digestive balance in 4–6 weeks.

2. Bloating & Indigestion (Adhmana / Ajirna)

Root cause: Weak digestive fire (Mandagni) and Vata aggravation
Therapy combination:

• Abhyanga with Hing Taila
  
  
• Nadi Swedan on the abdomen
  
  
• Basti (Matra or Niruha) with Dashamoola decoction
  
  
• Shiro Abhyanga to calm anxiety-related digestive blockages
  Supporting herbs: Hingwashtak Churna, Trikatu Churna, Jeerakadyarishta
  Diet: Moong dal khichdi, warm ghee, ajwain water
  
  

Expected improvement: Relief from bloating and heaviness within 5–10 days.

3. Constipation (Vibandha)

Root cause: Suppressed Vata, lack of lubrication in colon
Therapy combination:

• Abhyanga + Swedan for body softening
  
  
• Anuvasana Basti (oil-based enema) with Eranda Taila or Dashamoola Taila
  
  
• Niruha Basti (herbal decoction enema) on alternate days
  Supporting herbs: Triphala Churna, Eranda Oil, Isabgol with warm milk
  Diet: Steamed vegetables, papaya, ghee, lukewarm water
  
  

Expected improvement: Regular bowel movements within 3–5 days; full normalization in 2–3 weeks.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Grahani Roga)

Root cause: Long-term imbalance of Agni and nervous system
Therapy combination:

• Shirodhara — to reduce stress triggers
  
  
• Abhyanga + Swedan — to stabilize Vata
  
  
• Basti — for colon nourishment and detoxification
  
  
• Patra Potli Swedan — for abdominal discomfort relief
  Supporting herbs: Kutajarishta, Musta, Bilva, Nagarmotha
  Diet: Rice gruel, thin moong soup, pomegranate, fennel tea
  
  

Expected improvement: Stabilization of bowel rhythm in 3–4 weeks; long-term relief in 2–3 months with continued follow-up.

5. Diarrhoea & Food Poisoning (Atisara)

Root cause: Agni collapse due to Pitta or infection
Therapy combination:

• Peya (thin gruel) with cumin and coriander
  
  
• Lepam with cooling herbs on abdomen
  
  
• Basti post-acute phase for recovery
  Supporting herbs: Kutajavaleha, Musta, Pippali
  Diet: Boiled rice water, banana, buttermilk with roasted cumin
  
  

Expected improvement: Acute symptoms subside in 3–4 days; complete gut strength in 2 weeks.

6. Gastric Headache, Nausea, Vomiting (Urdhvaga Amlapitta)

Root cause: Upward-moving Pitta and Vata
Therapy combination:

• Virechana to purge excess Pitta
  
  
• Shirodhara and Nasyam for calming the head region
  
  
• Abhyanga for full-body relaxation
  Supporting herbs: Sutshekhar Ras, Yashtimadhu, Shankh Bhasma
  Diet: Fresh fruits, coconut water, small meals at intervals
  
  

Ayurvedic Diet Chart for Gastric Problems (Sample Indian Diet Plan)

Note: Avoid sleeping immediately after meals — sit in Vajrasana for 10 minutes to aid digestion.

Preventive & Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Digestive System

• Eat at fixed times every day
  
  
• Avoid skipping meals or overeating
  
  
• Practice gentle yoga poses: Vajrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Paschimottanasana
  
  
• Avoid excessive screen time during meals
  
  
• Manage emotions — anger and anxiety aggravate Pitta and Vata
  
  
• Drink water 30 minutes before meals, not during meals
  
  
• Include fasting or light diet (Laghu Ahara) once a week to reset Agni

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is gastric problem a serious condition?
   In its early stages, no — but chronic acidity or bloating can lead to ulcers or IBS. Ayurveda treats the root cause, not just symptoms.
2. Can gastric problems be permanently cured through Ayurveda?
   Yes, by restoring Agni (digestive fire) and balancing Doshas with Panchakarma, herbs, and lifestyle changes.
3. Which therapy is best for acidity and indigestion?
   Virechana and Basti are highly effective, supported by Abhyanga and Shirodhara for stress management.
4. Can I do Panchakarma at home?
   Some mild detox methods like warm water, herbal teas, and light fasting can be done at home — but intensive Panchakarma like Virechana or Basti must be done under expert supervision.
5. What should I eat during gastric pain or bloating?
   Stick to easily digestible foods — rice gruel, moong soup, and avoid raw vegetables, fried items, or sour foods.
6. Is milk good for acidity?
   Warm milk in small amounts can soothe mild acidity, but avoid cold milk, especially if you have Kapha dominance or bloating.
7. Can stress cause gastric issues?
   Yes. Stress directly disturbs Vata and Pitta — leading to gastritis, IBS, or ulcers. Shirodhara and Abhyanga are beneficial for such cases.
8. How long does it take to see improvement with Ayurveda?
   Most patients feel relief in 7–10 days; complete healing usually requires 4–8 weeks depending on chronicity.
9. Can Ayurveda help after years of acidity or IBS?
   Yes, Ayurveda excels in chronic conditions. Panchakarma detox combined with dietary correction provides long-lasting results.
10. Is Ayurvedic treatment safe with modern medicines?
    Yes. However, it should be done under supervision. Always inform your Ayurvedic physician about current medication.

Conclusion: A Holistic Path to Digestive Freedom

Modern lifestyle, irregular meals, and stress are major triggers of gastric disorders — but the good news is, Ayurveda offers complete recovery by healing the gut from the root.

At Dr. Acharya’s Ayurveda, our approach is not about temporary relief but deep internal balance.
Through authentic Panchakarma therapies, custom diet plans, and natural herbs, we help your digestion return to its natural rhythm — calm, strong, and effortless.

Your journey toward a healthy gut begins here.
Book your consultation today to experience personalized Ayurvedic care.