A bird view on Ayurvedic management of Hyperacidity

Abstract

Acidity and heartburn are increasingly becoming common lifestyle disorder. Busy lives, hectic schedules, mental stress, rat-race anxiety and not enough time to eat are some of reasons causing acidity and hyperacidity problems. Hyperacidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance between the acid secreting mechanism of the stomach and proximal intestine and the protective mechanisms that ensure their safety. It is one of the most common symptoms affecting 70% of population. Etiology includes lifestyle or dietary habits, a medical condition, or the use of some medications, stress etc. It is characterized by acid regurgitation, heartburn, nausea, acidic taste in mouth, sour or bitter belching indicating Vikruti of Pachaka Pitta, Samanavayu, Apana Vayu, Kledaka Kapha, Agni and Ahara. In Ayurveda Hyperacidity can be explained under broad umbrella of Urdwaga Amlapitta, Vidagdhajeerna, Saamapitta Laxana, Pittaja Grahani Laxana. With time hyperacidity gets complicated, thus arresting the progress of disease is one of the important steps which are achieved through Pathyapathya and Nidana parivarjana. Satvavajaya chikitsa empowers the patient to deal with stress which is one among the common triggers. Vamana and Virechana, facilitates the expulsion of vitiated Dosha from the body, there by cures the disease from root. Hence Probable Chikitsa of Hyperacidity in Ayurveda includes Nidana Parivarjana, Shodana, Shamana, Rasayana, Yoga and Pranayama.