Effectively Heal Colitis

Colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, particularly in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can lead to severe abdominal pain and diarrhea if not treated properly.

1. Ulcerative colitis: This is a lifelong disease that causes inflammation and bleeding ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine, which generally begins in rectum and spreads to the colon. This is caused due to bacterial attack and weakened immune system.
2. Pseudomembranous colitis: This condition is caused due to the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria. This bacterial growth is triggered during excessive intake of antibiotics that tend to kill good bacteria and lead to overgrowth of C. diff.
3. Ischemic colitis: This condition is caused due to blockage of blood into the colon. This blockage is caused due to blood clots, and other conditions like diabetes, colon cancer, vasculitis, dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, trauma or injury.
4. Microscopic colitis: This condition is identified by seeing inflammation in the tissues of the colon, which are identified under microscope. People smoking daily, history of autoimmune disorder, chronic watery diarrhea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, are at risk of developing this condition.
5. Allergic colitis in infants: This condition is seen in infants with symptoms like reflux, excessive spitting up, fussiness and flecks of blood in baby’s stools. This is with response to allergic or hypersensitive reactions to components in breast milk.

According to ayurveda, colitis is caused due to Pitta pradhana Vata doshas, i.e. an imbalance caused between Pitta and Vata dosha in which vata is increased by pungent and bitter tastes. When Pitta dosha is in excess, it causes inflammation in the small bowel and in the colon. Further, when blood is vitiated, and as Pitta resides in blood, entering the large intestine causes swelling and inflammation. This causes symptoms like blood in stool or blackish stools with burning sensation.
Thus, in order to treat colitis, the first priority is given to balance the vitiated doshas and detoxify blood. The doshas are balanced by intake of herbal formulations included in rasayana therapy. Further, in colitis, panchakarma also plays an important role in detoxifying and cleansing the body. The procedures included in panchakarma are- vamana, virechana, pittahara vasti and piccha basti. Along with this other therapies like Nabhi vasti, and shirodhara are also employed to boost the healing of cells in the intestine. This line of treatment helps in complete reversal of colitis and also avoid any symptoms in near future.

As the root cause of it lies in dosha imbalances and inflammation, they are rectified, and Colitis is managed with a treatment plan that includes detoxification by Ayurveda external therapies to remove Ama from the body, intake of herbal medications to balance the doshas, maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen, and external application of herbal lepa or oils to reduce inflammation and promote healing. This approach helps in managing the condition from its root cause and prevents recurrence.

The treatment for Colitis is as mentioned below:

1. Detoxification: This is achieved by ingestion of herbal formulations that clear up Ama from the body.
2. Internal medications: These are provided to set back all the doshas in line with bodily functions. The medications may include Kutajarishta, Bilva Taila, and other formulations based on individual needs.
3. External applications: These include massage of herbal oils and formulations on the abdominal area to soothe inflammation and aid healing.

Along with the line of treatment for Colitis, a side treatment is suggested by health professionals regarding the diet and exercise routine. This helps in fixing the unmanaged metabolism and also helps in balancing doshas within the body.

1. Initial stage:

During the early stages of ulcerative colitis, the most common symptoms are acidity, discomfort, and indigestion. At this point, ayurvedic therapy focuses on calming Pitta and Vata, which are frequently exacerbated. To promote digestion and regulate stomach acidity, herbal remedies are given. To treat the ulcer, certain home remedies are also advised.

2. Associated with bleeding:

Along with the other symptoms, bleeding is seen in the middle stage. Taking into account the additional issues, the therapy at this point focuses on healing the ulcer and reducing bleeding. To reduce bleeding, dietary restrictions and particular lifestyle advice are advised.

3. Bleeding associated with weight loss:

At this point, digestion is substantially hampered, resulting in rapid weight loss due to reduced food intake. Additionally, blood loss produces weakness. The neurological system is the focus of Ayurvedic therapy at this time. To relieve discomfort, special ulcer healing herbal formulations are administered together with highly precise dietary advice. Long-term treatment improves overall quality of life while lowering problems.

Colitis is believed to result from an inappropriate immune response in the intestine. The exact cause is unknown, but factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune system response may contribute to its development.

Colitis is typically categorized based on the extent of the disease in the colon:

1. Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation is confined to the rectum.
2. Left-Sided Colitis: Inflammation extends from the rectum to the left colon.
3. Pancolitis: Inflammation affects the entire colon.
4. Fulminant Colitis: A rare but severe form that can be life-threatening.