Evaluation of constipation and physiology of defecation

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To understand the physiology of defecation by Ayurvedic and modern
science perspective and to evaluate a patient of constipation to devise a good modality of
effective management of constipation.
Material and methods: Ayurvedic and modern scientific aspects of defecation and
constipation have been analyzed. Constipation in general denotes the inadequate evacuation
of the bowel. It may be associated with no bowel movement to even multiple bowel
movements. A normal individual may have evacuation of bowel in two or three days without
any physiological changes; whereas, another one may have physiological problems even in
multiple evacuation per day.
Discussion: Normal rectum doesn’t have the faecal matter inside it, as soon as faecal matter
enters in rectum, there is desire to defecate. In cases of incomplete evacuation of bowel,
traces of faeces to a fecolith may be present in the rectum. The sensation to stool thus plays
an important role in the act of defecation, so also the constipation. In Ayurveda classics,
constipation has been enumerated a symptom of many diseases.
Conclusion: Apana vayu plays an important role in the act of evacuation of bowel; hence, it
signifies the neurological aspects of defecation and constipation. Basti is termed as a model
management of pacification or regulation of this vayu and it is also a good modality to
control the constipation in natural way.
Keywords: Guda, Defecation, excretion of faeces, constipation, physiology of defecation.