What is the Best and Ayurvedic Medicine for GERD and Acidity Relief?

January 23, 2025
Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
0 Comment(s)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or Amlapitta in Ayurveda, is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to treating GERD by addressing the root cause, balancing doshas, and restoring digestive health.

Types of GERD in Modern Science

GERD is classified into the following types in modern medicine:
1. Non-Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD): Symptoms without visible esophageal damage on endoscopy.
2. Erosive Esophagitis: Visible inflammation or ulcers in the esophagus due to prolonged acid exposure.
3. Barrett’s Esophagus: Precancerous changes in the esophageal lining caused by chronic GERD.
4. Extra-Esophageal GERD: Atypical symptoms like chronic cough, laryngitis, or asthma triggered by acid reflux.

Ayurvedic Perspective on GERD (Amlapitta)

In Ayurveda, GERD is mainly caused by an imbalance of Pitta dosha, which governs digestion and metabolism. Excessive Pitta aggravates acid production, leading to burning sensations, indigestion, and sour regurgitation.

Causes of GERD in Ayurveda

• Dietary factors: Excessive spicy, oily, or acidic foods; irregular eating habits.
• Lifestyle factors: Stress, lack of sleep, sedentary habits.
• Agni (digestive fire) imbalance: Weak or irregular digestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxins).

Difference Between Ayurvedic and Modern GERD Management

Aspect Ayurveda Modern Medicine
Focus Treats root cause (dosha imbalance and Ama). Symptomatic relief.
Approach Holistic: Detox, diet, herbs, and lifestyle. Antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or surgery.
Side Effects Minimal with proper guidance. Long-term use of PPIs may lead to deficiencies, kidney damage, or rebound acid.
Goal Restore Agni, balance Pitta, and heal mucosa. Control acid production and manage symptoms.

Ayurvedic Protocol for GERD

1. Detoxification (Shodhana)
• Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Eliminates excess Pitta from the body.
• Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification Therapy): Balances Pitta and soothes the digestive tract.

2. Herbal Remedies
Common herbs and formulations include:
• Herbs:
• Yastimadhu (Licorice): Soothes and protects the esophageal lining.
• Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Reduces acidity and acts as a natural antioxidant.
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Neutralizes acid and heals mucosa.
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Balances Pitta and promotes digestion.
• Formulations:
• Avipattikar Churna: Relieves hyperacidity.
• Kamadhudha Ras: Balances Pitta and reduces burning sensations.
• Sutshekhar Ras: Helps regulate acid secretion.

3. Dietary Recommendations (Pathya-Apathya)
• Pathya (Recommended Foods):
• Cooling foods: Coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh fruits like pomegranate.
• Alkaline foods: Cucumber, ash gourd, and leafy vegetables.
• Whole grains like barley and rice.
• Apathya (Avoid Foods):
• Spicy, fried, and sour foods.
• Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.
• Processed and heavy foods.

4. Lifestyle Modifications
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating; maintain a gap of 2-3 hours.
• Manage stress with meditation and Pranayama (e.g., Sheetali and Sheetkari).
• Sleep with the head elevated to prevent reflux.

5. Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation)
• Strengthens the digestive system and prevents relapses.

Healing Through the Root Cause in Ayurveda

Ayurveda emphasizes addressing the root cause of GERD by:
1. Balancing Pitta Dosha: Reducing heat and acidity in the body.
2. Strengthening Agni: Improving digestion to prevent acid overproduction.
3. Eliminating Ama (Toxins): Detoxifying the body to restore gut health.
4. Soothing Mucosa: Healing the damaged esophageal lining with herbs and natural remedies.
5. Restoring Harmony: Using a personalized approach involving diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being.

By correcting these imbalances, Ayurveda not only provides symptomatic relief but also ensures long-term digestive health and minimizes the chances of recurrence.

HYPERTENSION – YOGA ASANAS

December 16, 2022
Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
0 Comment(s)

In yoga there is a specific breathing pattern, which helps to control blood pressure and reduce stress in the body. It also enhance function of heart. Yoga leaves positive impact on body and mind . Yoga is an effective way to lower blood pressure.

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION ?

Ideally the blood pressure should be 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is when it is consistently too high. The higher is the reading the more a person is at risk of developing other health problems like heart attack, stroke etc.

It is dubbed as silent killer because the symptoms don’t normally show until later in stage. At that time significant damage is already done to the heart.

In present times Hypertension is common because of the busy life style and poor eating habits.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION ?

Cause of hypertension are unknown but may develop in a person due some underlying conditions thyroid problem ,kidney problem or congenital defects in blood vessels.

A person may develop hypertension due to certain medications like birth control pills, pain relievers , decongestants etc.

WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS FOR HYPERTENSION ?

There are many factors that increase the risk of Hypertension. Some of the factors are :

Family history : Having family history of hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease may increase the risk of hypertension in a person.
Age : With growing age there is a steady increase in blood pressure due to stiffness in arteries and plaque buildup. So the people with age above 65 are at high risk of hypertension.
Weight : Being obese increase the risk of hypertension in the person.
Sex : Male are at higher risk of developing hypertension than female
Alcohol or Tobacco use : Regular intake of alcohol or tobacco in large quantity can affect one’s blood pressure and increase it.
Existing health conditions : Conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes , high cholesterol can put a person at high risk of development of hypertension.
Ethnicity : Hypertension is more common in people of African ethnicity.
Excessive salt intake
No Exercise : Lack of activities like yoga ,exercise may increase blood pressure.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTENSION ?

Some of the common symptoms seen in hypertension patients are :

Shortness of breath
Morning Headache
Nose bleeding
Blurred vision
Vertigo
General weakness
Fatigue
Nausea
Swelling in feet
confusion and anxiety
Irregular heart beat
Muscle tremors

COMPLICATION :

If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems like :

Heart attack
Peripheral vascular disease
Stroke
Eye damage
Vascular dementia

AYURVEDIC APPROACH :

In ayurveda Hypertension can be correlated to Rakt gata vata. Due to nidan sevan the vata dosha get aggravated. The aggravated vata dosha then lodged into rakt dhatu which hampers the circulation of blood in body .

YOGA ASANAS :

1.VIPARITA KARANI ( LEGS UP THE WALL POSE ) :It is a simple pose that helps to relax . It helps to improve blood circulation of the body and allows lymphatic drainage.

STEPS :

Sit on the ground with one side of body touching the wall with legs extended forward
Lie down while slowly bringing your legs against the wall with soles facing upwards.
Your butt should be slightly away from wall and your legs making 90 degree angle with body.
Use ankles to walk up the wall so hips are off the ground
Stay in the position for couple of minutes than gradually return to initial position.

PRECAUTIONS :

Glaucoma
Back or neck pain
Neck injury
Post surgery period

ADHO-MUKHA SVANASANA (DOWNWARD-FACING DOG POSE ):It is most effective asana for high blood pressure. It releases trapped stress, promotes overall blood circulation and brings down the high blood pressure

STEPS :

Stand with your legs hip width apart and taking deep breath bend down with palms touching the ground
Arms should be at shoulder-width apart
Now make an inverted V shape with head placed between the upper arms.
While doing it ensure soles and heels touches the floor
Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths and then slowly return to original posture.

PRECAUTIONS :

Ankle injury
Wrist or back injury
Stomach problems
Chronic Joint pain

3.SETU BANDHASANA ( BRIDGE POSE ) : It helps to facilitate blood circulation. It strengthens back muscles and relieves stress.

STEPS :

Lie down on your back and then slowly bend your knees keeping your feet apart.
Raise your hips up slowly inhaling while keeping shoulders on the round
Hold your ankles to give support .
Hold the position for few breaths and then gradually return to resting position.

PRECAUTIONS :

Pregnancy
Neck injury
Hernia
Peptic or Duodenal ulcers

4.UTTANASANA ( STANDING FORWARD BEND POSE ) : It helps to enhance blood circulation. It stretches the abdominal muscles and hamstring .

STEPS :

Stand straight with hands by your side
Slowly start lifting hands above your heads
Bend forward until palms touches the floor without bending your knees
Hold the position for couple of minutes and then slowly return the original position.

PRECAUTIONS :

Sciatica
Pregnancy
Knee or Ankle pain
Knee or Ankle injury
Abdominal hernia

ACIDITY – YOGA ASANAS

December 16, 2022
Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
0 Comment(s)

OVERVIEW

Acidity is also known as acid reflux. It is one of the most common problems that people experience once in their lifetimes, however due to unhealthy lifestyle, now-a-days it has become very common. It is a condition which is characterized by feeling of burning sensation in lower part of chest. It occurs because of excessive production of acid in stomach causing stomach discomfort. Indigestion, difficulty in swallowing and sour taste in mouth are some of its other symptoms. Poor eating habits, unhealthy lifestyle and excessive stress are some of the common causes of acidity.

If a person has acidity once in a week, then there may not be any of the health issue but if it occurs for more than twice a week, then it can be due to some other underlying health issue.

With some of the simple changes in diet and lifestyle and some effective home remedies, acidity can be cured. Otherwise over-the-counter medications are given for the neutralization of acid.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ACIDITY?

The stomach contains gastric glands in its wall. These glands produce a strong acid called hydrochloric acid. It helps in digestion of food and destroys bacteria which are present in stomach. But due to some of the reasons, the gastric glands produce excessive production of acid in stomach causing heartburn. Following are the reasons which are responsible for production of increased acid:

Overeating
Skipping meals
Excessive intake of salt
Consumption of spicy food
Intake of drinks like tea, coffee, aerated drinks
Diet low in fiber
Fried food
Certain medicines like antibiotics, NSAIDS, antipsychotics, etc
Gastric tumors
Peptic ulcers
Excessive stress
Smoking
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Lack of sleep
Intake of non-vegetarian food
Lack of physical activity
Alcohol consumption

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACIDITY?

The symptoms of acidity vary from person to person. Pain and burning sensation in chest are the most common symptoms of acidity. However, there are associated symptoms of it also:

Burning sensation in stomach
Pain in abdomen
Difficulty in swallowing food
Frequent burping
Hiccups
Burning sensation in throat
Prolonged sour taste in mouth
Regurgitation
Nausea
Indigestion
Constipation
Bad breath
Feeling of heaviness after meals
Restlessness
Unexplained weight loss

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS WHICH ARISE WITH ACIDITY?

Acidity, if not treated at time, can lead to some of the serious health complications. Following are the complications which arise with acidity:

Ulcers in stomach and duodenum
Gastroesphageal reflux disease
Esophageal strictures because of the backflow of acid in esophagus leading to damage of the wall of esophagus
Carcinoma of esophagus
Inflammation of duodenum called duodenitis

YOGA FOR ACIDITY

Yoga is an ancient physical exercise practice which is one of the most efficient and natural cure of acidity. It helps in strengthening of the digestive system and thus helps in the treatment of acid reflux. Here are some of the yoga poses which are beneficial in acidity:

VAJRASANA

Vajra means diamond or thunderbolt and asana means body posture. So vajrasana is thunderbolt pose. It is also known as adamantine pose.

How to do it:

Sit with the legs stretched straight in front.
Fold both the legs and sit in a kneeling position. Hips are placed on the heels and toes are pointed behind. Big toes should touch each other.
Head, neck and spine should be kept in straight line. Place the palms on thighs and face upwards.
Now exhale and inhale. Beginners can hold the pose for 30 sec whereas experts can hold for a few minutes. After that, straighten your legs.

Contraindications:

Slipped disc
Trouble in foot, ankle and knees

USTRASANA

Ustra means camel and asana means body posture. It is a very beneficial pose of back problems but if done regularly, it can help in management of acidity also. It increases digestion of body.

How to do it:

Kneel on the yoga mat and place the hands on hips.
Knees should be aligned with the shoulder and soles of feet should face ceiling.
Arch the back and place the palms on soles.
Neck should not be strained and kept in neutral position.
Maintain the posture for a couple of breaths and then slowly come to the initial position.

Contraindications:

Hypertension
Low blood pressure
Back injury
Injury of the neck

KAPALBHATI PRANAYAM

Kapalbhati pranayam is a breath conscious yoga practice. It helps in strengthening immune system of body and keeps our body and mind healthy. Bu regularizing our breath, the stress hormone of the body decreases and excessive acid production is reduced.

How to do it:

Sit in a straight posture with spine erect and place the hands on knees with palms open.
Then take a deep breath in and exhale. During exhalation, pull the navel inwards as much as a person feels comfortable.
As the navel and abdomen relaxes, the air flows in deeply.
One should take 20 rounds of breath to complete one round of kapalbhati.

PAVANAMUKTASANA

Pavan means air, mukta means release and asana means body posture. So pawanmuktasana is a wind-relieving asana. Both mind and stomach are connected. If stomach is healthy and a person ha healthy mind and vice-versa. Pawanmuktasana helps in relieving constipation and gas.

How to do it:

Lie on the back with joined feet and arms beside the body.
Bring the right knee towards the chest and press the thigh with the clasped hands.
Then bring the left knee towards the chest. Press both the knees against the stomach with the clasped hands.
Lift the head and chest off the floor. Hold this position for a few minutes. Then relax.

Contraindications:

Heart problem
Hernia
Slip disc
Problem in testicles
Menstruation
Neck problem
Back problem

How To Treat Acid Reflux Disease Naturally?

July 18, 2021
Posted by Dr. Vaidya Karanvir Singh
0 Comment(s)

You may have experienced acid reflux at some point in life. It is a common condition that features a burning pain or heartburn, in the lower chest area. It happens when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe.

It occurs when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time, this allows stomach acid to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other signs and symptoms. The reflux on a regular basis can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

It may occur in all age groups irrespective of gender.

Causes of Acid Reflux Disease

Some of the causes of Acid Reflux disease are listed below-

Excessive eating or Overeating
Lying down immediately after eating
Eating particular food on a daily basis
Increased pressure on the abdomen in case of overweight or obese or pregnant
Intake of certain medications- Asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants.
Smoking or passive smoking.

Symptoms of acid reflux disease:

Some of the common symptoms associated with esophageal reflux disease are as follows-

Nausea or vomiting
Bad Breath
Respiratory problems
Pain in swallowing
Difficulty in swallowing
Decay

Natural Treatment of Acid reflux Disease:

Avoid overeating- Larger meals can worsen symptoms of Acid reflux.
One should maintain at least a 2hours gap between meals and sleep.
Weight management- The pressure in your abdomen may become so high that the lower esophageal sphincter gets pushed upward, away from the diaphragm’s support because of your belly fat. Weight loss helps a lot in relieving the symptoms of Gastro Esophageal reflux disease.
Follow a low carb diet- There can be Bacterial overgrowth because of undigested carbs and elevated pressure inside the abdomen may be noticed.
Limit Alcohol intake- It may increase the severity of acid reflux and heartburn. Moderate intake of alcohol may also cause reflux in healthy individuals.
Avoid intake of Caffeine- In some studies, it is seen that coffee can temporarily weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, which increases the risk of acid reflux.
Avoid raw onion- Eating raw onion may irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing worsened heartburn, belching, and acid reflux in some people.
Avoid too much citrus juices, limit carbonated beverages and eat less amount of chocolates.
Elevate the head of your Bed- It may be helpful in decreasing reflux episodes and symptoms as compared to those who slept without any elevation.
Sleep on the left side- Avoid sleeping on the right side because as you lay on your right side, stomach acid covers the lower esophageal sphincter. It increases the risk of acid leaking through it and causing acid reflux.

Acid reflux disease Treatment in Ayurveda

Treat the Esophageal reflux naturally with the means of some Herbal medications.

CAC SPECIAL MEDICATION FOR ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE-

“Get treated Right now; don’t wait until it becomes worse”

SR. NO.	PRODUCTS NAME	DOSAGE
1.	Agnimukha Churna	*1/2Teaspoon two time a day
2.	Puran Pachak	*2teaspoon two times a day
3.	Sheet Dhara	*1/2 or 1 teaspoon twice daily, empty stomach.
4.	Panchasakar Churna	*1teaspoonful at bed time with warm water.
5.	Liver Care Tablet	*1tablet twice daily
6.	Pitta Balance Tablets	*1tablet twice daily

*The dosage of the above medications may differ from person to person as per the severity of the patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS-

Agnimukha Churna

This herbal churna is prepared from ingredients like Vacha (Acorus calamus), Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), etc that balances vata & kapha doshas in the body. It gives effective results in indigestion, anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, flatulence, bloating, intestinal gas, intestinal gas, etc.

Recommended Dosage: Take a half teaspoon of this churna twice daily with normal water.

Puran Pachak

Puran Pachak is a herbo-mineral Syrup of 200 ml and is Purely Ayurvedic formulation. CAC Puran Pachak syrup helps in Digestion, Supports the Digestive system, and Maintains the doshas in our body. It also helps to remove out impurities or ama from the body. This syrup reduces the Acidity, Detoxify the blood and also Supports the body health. It shows Antacid, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Expectorant, and Antioxidant properties. This syrup is made up of pure ayurvedic herbs such as Mulethi, Saunf, Vasakha, Ajwayan, Prpati etc. that helps to maintain the Digestive system and in the body.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

Panchsakar Churna

This churna is very effective for acidity patients as it shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, & analgesic properties. It is a classical herbal churna prepared from ingredients like Shatapushpa,Balaharitaki, Shunthi, Swarnapatri, & Saindhav lavana. It helps in removing all toxins
from the body & provides good results in acidity. All signs & symptoms related to acidity are treated with the regular use of this churna.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoonful at bedtime with warm water.

Sheet Dhara Syrup

This herbal syrup is prepared from ingredients such as ajwain satav, mushak kapoor, peppermint, etc that naturally relieve the symptoms like bloating, blenching, nausea, vomiting, feeling of discomfort, etc. The regular use of this herbal syrup neutralizes the high acid content, reduces
abdominal pain, & cramps.

Recommended dosage: Take half teaspoonful of this syrup in half a cup of water. Drink this mixture twice daily on an empty stomach.

Liver Care Tablet

These tablets are 100% safe and purely ayurvedic formulation. It maintains the proper functioning of the liver and stimulates the growth of new liver cells. Liver Care Tablets contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc. These herbs balances excess Pitta Dosha and helps in problems like abdominal bloating,flatulence, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

Pitta Balance Tablet

Pitta doshas is responsible for digestion, metabolism, blood quality, thirst, appetite, eyesight, skin color and quality, body temperature, and mental abilities of intelligence and courage. Pitta doshas is composed of a fire element that digests almost everything that a person eats or drink. The eaten food is transformed into energy for the body to use in various functions of the body.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

Acidity

Acidity Is The Only Problem That Interferes Your Daily Activities

Ayurvedic Treatment for Acidity :Acidity is the only problem that interferes your daily activities. About 150 million people suffer from digestive diseases that ultimately give birth to the acidity. The excessive formation of acid in the body gives rise to many other diseases.

The wrong eating habits (eating excessive junk food, spicy food, processed food), sedentary lifestyle (not doing any activities like exercise, playing games, sports, etc), prolonged sitting jobs is the major reason for acidity. Acidity is the acid reflux that leads to heartburn in the lower chest when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. When a person fell acid reflux for more than twice a week he/she is finally diagnosed with Gastroesophageal reflux disease. People use to take antacids for a long period that causes side-effects on the body. So instead of that, you should start with ayurvedic and herbal treatment.