Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Special Reference to Grahani Through Ayurveda: A Case Study

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition marked by irregular bowel movements and abdominal discomfort, with no identifiable structural abnormalities. The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, though it is believed that factors such as abnormal gut motility and sensory functions, central nervous system disturbances, psychological issues, stress, and luminal influences may contribute. Approximately 10-15% of the population experiences IBS at some point, yet only about 10% seek medical attention for their symptoms. In Ayurveda, IBS can be linked to Grahani Roga due to the similarities in their clinical manifestations. In this case, an effort was made to treat a 48-year-old male patient presenting with symptoms of muhurbaddha muhurdravama (alternating constipation and diarrhoea), apakwa malapravritti (mucous in the stool), udar gaurava (abdominal heaviness), and amlakatuudgara (sour and bitter belching). The patient was treated with various shamana aushadhi (pacifying oral medications). After 42 days of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement. The episodes of muhurbaddha muhurdravama (alternating constipation and diarrhoea) and mucus in the stool decreased from grade 3 to grade 0, reflecting a 100% improvement. The condition of udargaurava (abdominal distension) improved from grade 3 to grade 1, indicating an 80% reduction in severity. The symptom of loss of appetite dropped from grade 2 to grade 0, showing a complete recovery. These results highlight the substantial progress the patient made during the treatment.