Treatment of pancreatitis according to Ayurveda
In the upper part of the abdomen behind the stomach the pancreas is located. Here the enzymes necessary for the digestion of food are produced. Inflammation of this organ is called pancreatitis. According to Ayurvedic ideas, digestive disorders are associated with an imbalance of the doshas (first of all pitta) and a weakening of the «fire of digestion» (agni).
Why pancreatitis develops
Healers Ayurveda are sure that the root of all problems is in a person’s psychology. The illness is caused by inner negativity, malice, anger. Most often the cause of the development of the illness is troubles in the family. The bitterest hurt is a lack of understanding between loved ones. Negativity harboured for years accumulates in a person’s aura and destroys health.
From the point of view of physiology, inflammation of the pancreas is a malfunction in the work of the organ, in which the digestive enzymes remain in the gland itself and begin to digest it. Normally the enzymes are injected into the intestine and stomach, where the breaking down of food takes place. If the caustic chemical substances are not removed from the gland, the appearance of scar tissue is possible, and in the longer term a disturbance of digestion, diabetes and even oncology.
The pancreas regulates the production of insulin. A malfunction in the work of the organ is the first step towards diabetes.
How to treat chronic pancreatitis
According to Ayurveda, pancreatitis is a method of teaching a person a harmonious attitude towards themselves and society. The chronic form of the illness is a delicate reminder of delusions and misdeeds, sharp pain is a signal for immediate action. Ayurvedic healers begin the treatment with a search for the problem, the identification of psychological malfunctions, the restoration of spiritual health.
The Ayurvedic therapy is complemented by restrictions in nutrition to ease the work of the pancreas, yoga classes to restore the balance of inner forces, massages and herbal treatment. A course of wellness can last up to half a year.
Acute pancreatitis is an emergency. With severe pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting and a worsening, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance and go to hospital — this is not treated at home with compresses and fasting. The Ayurvedic approach is possible only with chronic pancreatitis outside an exacerbation and only in coordination with the attending doctor.
What to treat the disease with
In Ayurvedic medicine several plant remedies are used:
- Mahasudarshan is traditionally applied for digestive disorders; Ayurveda makes no claims of normalising glucose — the sugar level is controlled by a doctor;
- Dashamula is traditionally used as a supporting composition; the «increase of enzymes» is a traditional idea, not a proven medical effect;
- herbal compositions are traditionally applied to support digestion; the restoration of pancreatic tissue with herbs is impossible — this is not done by Ayurveda.
Very often the preparation Triphala is used for treatment. This is a mixture of three dried plants, the strongest natural antioxidants and sources of vitamin C in a special form (it does not decompose even under heat treatment). According to Ayurveda, triphala brings all five primary elements of the body and the three doshas into balance. The mixture is produced in the form of a powder (churna). It needs to be diluted with water or clarified butter and taken 1–2 g twice a day. The course of treatment is at least a year.
With acute pancreatitis no home remedies and powders are used — this is an emergency condition requiring hospitalisation.
Additional therapy
In addition to ready-made mixtures, medicinal plants are used (bergenia, oak bark, alder cones). Great importance is given to nutrition with the use of various spices. Seasonings need to be selected individually, based on the state of health and the constitution of the person. Turmeric is considered a universal spice. It does not have a pronounced taste and smell, so it can be added generously to vegetable, grain, meat dishes and dough products.
Ayurvedic diet for pancreatitis
The first step towards healing and getting rid of pain is a complete refusal of alcohol and other harmful habits. Besides alcohol, the following are prohibited:
- all spicy and sour products, raw onion and garlic;
- any fast food and sweet fizzy drinks;
- refined sugar and dishes with it;
- too cold or too hot dishes.
The food should be light, fresh, with a minimal amount of fat. It is recommended to include soups in the menu and maintain the water balance. It is advisable to minimise the consumption of fatty meat, to replace it with the lean parts of chicken, rabbit, turkey.
Conclusion
Inflammation of the pancreas is not a verdict. It is a signal to reconsider life’s rules, habits, relationships between people. With a chronic course outside an exacerbation, Ayurveda supports with nutrition, a regimen and herbs under a doctor’s supervision. Work on oneself needs to be begun with a search for the causes of harboured negativity and the restoration of inner balance. Consultations with Ayurvedic doctors, healthy nutrition, meditations and yoga classes will help.
Ayurvedic centres for support with pancreatitis
Frequent questions about Ayurveda for pancreatitis
Ayurveda can be a support with chronic pancreatitis outside an exacerbation (nutrition, regimen, herbs under a doctor), but it does not replace treatment. Acute pancreatitis is only emergency medicine.
Sparing warm nutrition, refusal of the fatty, fried and alcohol, a regimen, supporting herbs under a doctor’s control.
No. Herbs do not restore the tissue of the organ; it is only about supporting digestion and lifestyle.
Light, warm, simple food in small portions; the heavy, fatty, spicy and alcohol are excluded. The specific diet is agreed with a doctor.
Only with a doctor’s permission and outside an exacerbation; with an acute condition it is contraindicated.
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Ayurveda for pancreatitis is support with a chronic course outside an exacerbation and only in coordination with a doctor, not a replacement for treatment. Acute pancreatitis requires urgent medical care.