20/06/2025
ACID REFLUX – A Modern Digestive Issue with Timeless Ayurveda Solutions:
Acid reflux, commonly known as hyperacidity or heartburn, is a digestive disorder that causes a burning sensation in the chest, especially after meals or when lying down. It results from the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and inflammation.
In Ayurveda, this condition is closely related to Amlapitta, caused by vitiation of Pitta dosha along with digestive imbalances and dietary indiscretions.
Causative Factors (Nidana) - Ayurveda identifies multiple root causes that aggravate Pitta dosha and impair Agni (digestive fire):
• Excessive consumption of spicy, sour, oily, fried, and fermented foods
• Irregular eating habits or eating heavy meals late at night
• Stress, anger, and emotional disturbance
• Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
• Smoking and to***co use
• Suppression of natural urges
• Incompatible food combinations (viruddha ahara), such as milk with salty or sour items
• Eating without proper hunger or overeating
Common Symptoms (Lakshana) -
• Burning sensation in the chest or throat (heartburn)
• Sour or bitter regurgitation
• Nausea or vomiting after meals
• Loss of appetite or indigestion
• Bad breath and coated tongue
• Bloating and heaviness in the abdomen
• Irritability and mood swings due to digestive discomfort
• In chronic cases, ulceration or inflammation of the esophagus
Types of Acid Reflux in Ayurveda -
1. Pitta-dominant Amlapitta – Burning sensation, sour belching, heat intolerance
2. Vata-Pitta Type – Along with burning, there is dryness, bloating, and gassy discomfort
3. Kapha-Pitta Type – Associated with nausea, heaviness, thick mucus, and lethargy
Ayurveda Approach to Treatment -
Ayurveda treats acid reflux by balancing Pitta, strengthening digestion, and eliminating ama (toxins).
Internal Medicines (to be prescribed by a qualified practitioner) -
• Kamdudha Ras – classical formulation to pacify Pitta
• Avipattikar Churna – helps in detoxifying the stomach and regulating acid production
• Sootshekhar Ras – useful in reducing nausea, acidity, and indigestion
• Amlapitta Mishran – for relieving acid reflux symptoms
• Shatavari, Yashtimadhu (licorice), and Amalaki – cooling herbs that nourish the gut lining
• Guduchi and Musta – useful in Pitta balancing and improving Agni
Panchakarma Therapies for Acid Reflux
1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)
o In selected Kapha-Pitta dominant conditions to remove excess Kapha and toxins
2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy)
o The most effective for Pitta disorders
o Clears heat, toxins, and supports liver and stomach health
3. Takra Dhara
o Pouring medicated buttermilk on the forehead for stress-induced reflux
o Helps calm the nervous system and reduce heat
4. Shirodhara
o Helpful in balancing the mind-gut axis when stress is a trigger
5. Nasya (Nasal Medication)
o Used when reflux symptoms are associated with sinus or upper respiratory issues
Do’s -
• Eat warm, light, and freshly prepared food
• Include cooling foods like ghee, coconut water, soaked raisins, and buttermilk
• Drink warm water or jeera (cumin) water to support digestion
• Take small and frequent meals instead of large heavy ones
• Maintain a gap of at least 2-3 hours between dinner and sleep
• Practice Pranayama and meditation to reduce stress and emotional triggers
• Favor foods that are sweet, bitter, and astringent in taste
Don’ts -
• Avoid spicy, sour, fried, fermented, and packaged foods
• Refrain from alcohol, smoking, carbonated drinks, and excessive coffee or tea
• Do not lie down immediately after eating
• Avoid skipping meals or fasting for long hours
• Say no to incompatible food combinations (e.g., fruits with milk, curd at night)
• Avoid overeating or eating in a hurry
• Reduce stress, anger, and anxiety, which directly aggravate Pitta
Note - All treatments, herbs, and Panchakarma procedures mentioned should be undertaken only under the guidance and supervision of a qualified Ayurveda physician.
Let Ayurveda heal your gut, calm your mind, and bring back your inner balance.
