Retention

Retention Disease in Ayurveda

Retention in Ayurveda refers to the body’s inability to eliminate waste materials properly. It can include conditions like urine retention (मूत्र रुकावट), water retention (जल संचय), or stool retention (मलावरोध). In Ayurveda, retention is linked to an imbalance in the Vata Dosha, particularly the Apana Vata, which governs the downward movement of elimination. When Apana Vata becomes disturbed, it can lead to the improper expulsion of waste products from the body.

Symptoms of Retention (रुकावट के लक्षण):

1. Inability to urinate or pass stools easily (मूत्र या मल त्याग में कठिनाई) – Difficulty or delay in passing urine or stools.
2. Swelling in the body or limbs (शरीर या अंगों में सूजन) – Often caused by fluid retention (water retention).
3. Heaviness in the abdomen (पेट में भारीपन) – Feeling bloated or full due to stool or fluid retention.
4. Frequent urge to urinate but passing little urine (अक्सर मूत्र की इच्छा लेकिन कम मात्रा में मूत्र आना) – Incomplete urination or discomfort in the bladder.
5. Pain or discomfort in the bladder or lower abdomen (मूत्राशय या निचले पेट में दर्द) – Feeling of pressure or discomfort in the bladder area.
6. Dry skin and mucous membranes (सूखी त्वचा और श्लेष्म झिल्ली) – Dryness due to retention and lack of elimination.
7. Loss of appetite (भूख की कमी) – Feeling full or bloated, leading to reduced desire to eat.
8. Lethargy and fatigue (सुस्ती और थकान) – The accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body due to improper elimination.
9. Headache or heaviness in the head (सिर में भारीपन या दर्द) – Especially in cases of stool retention or constipation.

Harms of Retention:

1. Toxin accumulation (Ama) – In Ayurveda, improper elimination leads to the buildup of Ama (toxins) in the body, causing various health problems like lethargy, skin diseases, and poor immunity.
2. Increased risk of infections – Urine retention can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections.
3. Swelling and edema – Water retention causes fluid accumulation in tissues, leading to swelling, especially in the legs and ankles.
4. Kidney damage – Chronic urine retention can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney infections or failure.
5. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures – Retention of stool can lead to constipation, straining, and painful conditions like hemorrhoids.
6. Mental distress – Prolonged retention can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression.
7. Breathlessness or heart issues – Fluid retention, especially in extreme cases, can cause difficulty in breathing and may strain the heart.

Ayurvedic View on Retention:

According to Ayurveda, retention is mainly due to an imbalance in Vata Dosha. Vata governs movement in the body, including the expulsion of waste. When Vata becomes aggravated due to poor diet, irregular lifestyle, or stress, it disrupts the natural flow of Apana Vata (responsible for elimination), leading to retention.

Causes of Retention in Ayurveda:

1. Vata imbalance – Aggravated Vata disrupts the normal flow of waste from the body.
2. Dehydration – Lack of proper hydration can lead to stool hardening and urine retention.
3. Poor diet – Excess consumption of dry, cold, or processed foods that aggravate Vata.
4. Lack of physical activity – A sedentary lifestyle leads to sluggish bowel and bladder function.
5. Mental stress – Emotional factors like anxiety and fear can aggravate Vata and disturb normal elimination.
6. Suppression of natural urges – Ignoring the body’s signals to pass stool or urinate can lead to chronic retention.

Home Remedies for Retention (रुकावट के घरेलू उपचार):

For Urine Retention:

1. Coriander water (धनिया पानी) – Boil coriander seeds in water and drink this decoction to help promote urine flow.
2. Barley water (जौ का पानी) – Drinking barley water helps relieve urine retention and acts as a natural diuretic.
3. Warm water – Drinking warm water frequently helps to balance Vata and stimulates urination.
4. Fenugreek seeds – Soaking fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drinking this in the morning helps clear the urinary passage.

For Stool Retention (Constipation):

1. Triphala powder – Mix 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water and consume it before bedtime to relieve constipation.
2. Castor oil – Taking a teaspoon of castor oil mixed in warm milk at bedtime helps to lubricate the intestines.
3. Aloe vera juice – Consuming 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera juice with water in the morning can ease bowel movements.
4. Flaxseeds – Soaking flaxseeds overnight in water and consuming them in the morning aids digestion and stool passage.

For Water Retention (Edema):

1. Coconut water – A natural diuretic that helps flush out excess fluid from the body.
2. Lemon juice – Drinking lemon water with a pinch of salt can help in reducing water retention by balancing electrolytes.
3. Dandelion tea – Dandelion has diuretic properties that help in reducing fluid retention in the body.
4. Cucumber – Eating cucumbers can naturally help the body release excess water due to their diuretic properties.

Helpful Herbs for Retention:

1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) – Known for its diuretic properties, Punarnava helps reduce water retention and swelling.
2. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) – Useful for treating urinary retention and maintaining kidney health.
3. Triphala – A combination of three fruits (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki), Triphala helps regulate bowel movements and clear toxins.
4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – A rejuvenating herb that helps in strengthening the body and calming aggravated Vata.
5. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – Helps in promoting healthy elimination and balances Vata dosha.
6. Pippali (Long pepper) – Stimulates digestion and helps relieve constipation by promoting intestinal movement.
7. Kantakari – An excellent herb for improving urinary flow and clearing blockages in the urinary tract.
8. Cumin seeds (जीरा) – Helps in improving digestion and reducing bloating or gas associated with retention.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. Increase hydration – Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day to support proper elimination.
2. Fiber-rich diet – Include more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to promote healthy bowel movements.
3. Avoid Vata-aggravating foods – Minimize consumption of dry, cold, processed, or raw foods that aggravate Vata.
4. Eat at regular intervals – Follow a routine for meals, avoiding long gaps between eating.
5. Regular physical activity – Engage in gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming to support the movement of waste.
6. Abhyanga (Oil massage) – A daily self-massage with warm sesame oil helps balance Vata and supports proper elimination.
7. Avoid suppression of natural urges – Never ignore the body’s signal to urinate or pass stools, as it can lead to chronic retention issues.
8. Pranayama and meditation – Breathing exercises and meditation help to calm the mind and reduce stress, which in turn balances Vata Dosha.

Conclusion:

In Ayurveda, retention of urine, stool, or fluids is seen as an imbalance of the Vata Dosha. The treatment focuses on balancing Vata, improving digestion, and stimulating proper elimination through dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurvedic herbs, along with proper hydration and a fiber-rich diet, play a crucial role in treating and preventing retention diseases. Maintaining regular eating and exercise habits is key to preventing Vata imbalances and supporting the body’s natural elimination processes.