Flatulence, also know as intestinal gas, is the byproduct of digestion. In Ayurveda, India's traditional medical system, your digestive power is known as "agni" and is responsible for ridding the body of toxins, known as "ama." Flatulence is often the result of weak agni, but natural remedies used in Ayurveda can help get it back on track. Consult your healthcare practitioner before using alternative medicine.
Before a Meal
In Ayurvedic medicine, specific practices are used before meals to promote digestion. Try consuming a small piece of fresh ginger and a few drops of lemon before a meal to awaken your agni. Doing so gets your saliva flowing and sends signals to your digestive system. According to Ayurvedic physician Dr. Vasant Lad, planning a balanced meal specific to your body type, known as "dosha," is imperative to proper digestion. Consult an Ayurvedic professional to determine your dosha.
With Your Meal
Specific spices are used for cooking in Ayurveda to promote digestion. Try cooking with cardamon, black pepper, licorice, cayenne pepper or long pepper to increase your agni. In Ayurveda, it is believed the food is predigested while cooking in these spices and that the aroma the spices provide also aids digestion as you are eating. Also avoid drinking too much water as you eat meals, as this slows digestion and can promote gas. Instead try sipping on warm tea as you eat.
After a Meal
After eating a meal, it is tradition in Ayurveda to take a spoonful of fennel seeds and chew on them for a few moments. Spit out the pulp after swallowing the juice. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend taking a walk after a meal to promote digestion. An hour after a meal, simple twisting yoga poses may also be performed to prevent flatulence. While in a seated position, gently twist to the right and hold the posture for one minute. Rest and then twist to the left for one minute.
Additional Tips and Considerations
If you've tried any or all of the above Ayurvedic practices for digestion but are still have problems, try one of two digestive Ayurvedic remedies. Drink one fourth of a cup of fresh onion juice with a dash of honey and black pepper for flatulence relief. Also try eating one minced garlic clove with a pinch of salt and baking soda for indigestion. If the gas still persists, mix a pinch of baking soda with the juice from one half of a lemon in a glass of water and drink.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Intestinal Gas
- Yoga Journal: Digest This
- "Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad, 1984
- "Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy"; Mukunda Stiles, 2007
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