Acidity
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Acidity – Digestive Imbalance, Naturally Treatable
What is Acidity?
Acidity is a common digestive condition caused by excess production of stomach acid. It occurs when the acidic digestive juices irritate the stomach lining or flow back into the food pipe, causing discomfort. In Ayurveda, acidity is known as Amlapitta, a disorder mainly caused by the aggravation of Pitta dosha, which governs heat, digestion, and metabolism.
Acidity can affect people of all ages and is often linked to modern lifestyle habits such as irregular eating, stress, and unhealthy food choices.
Symptoms of Acidity
Acidity may start mildly but can worsen over time if ignored. Common symptoms include:
Burning sensation in the chest or throat (heartburn)
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating and heaviness
Indigestion and loss of appetite
Headache or dizziness in severe cases
Causes and Risk Factors
Acidity can be triggered by multiple factors, including:
Skipping meals or overeating
Spicy, oily, fried, or junk foods
Excess tea, coffee, or carbonated drinks
Stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep
Smoking or alcohol consumption
Weak digestive fire (Agni)
According to Ayurveda, when Pitta dosha becomes excessive, it increases heat and acidity in the stomach, leading to Amlapitta.
Diet and Lifestyle Support
Eat fresh, warm, and home-cooked food
Avoid spicy, fried, sour, and fermented foods
Include cooling foods like rice, milk, coconut water, and fruits
Use ghee in moderation
Eat at regular times and chew food properly
Practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation
Avoid late-night meals and excessive screen time
Panchakarma Therapy for Acidity
Panchakarma offers deep cleansing and healing by removing excess Pitta and restoring digestive balance. It treats acidity from the root, not just symptoms.
🔹 Major Panchakarma Treatments for Acidity:
1. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation):
This is the main treatment for Pitta disorders. Herbal purgatives help eliminate excess acid and toxins from the digestive system.
2. Abhyanga (Oil Massage):
Gentle oil massage with cooling medicated oils calms the nervous system and reduces stress-related acidity.
3. Shirodhara:
A steady stream of medicated liquid poured over the forehead helps reduce mental stress, a major cause of acidity.
4. Takra Dhara (Buttermilk Therapy):
Medicated buttermilk poured over the forehead cools the body and balances Pitta, especially helpful in chronic acidity.
5. Herbal Medicines:
Ayurvedic formulations strengthen digestion, heal the stomach lining, and prevent acid reflux.
Benefits of Panchakarma in Acidity
Reduces burning sensation and acid reflux
Improves digestion and appetite
Heals the stomach lining naturally
Prevents recurrence of acidity
Balances Pitta dosha
Improves overall gut health and energy