From an Ayurvedic perspective, this appears to be a long-standing disturbance of Vata-Pitta dosha, primarily affecting the Annavaha Srotas (digestive system) and Manovaha Srotas (mind–nervous system). The combination of: Upper abdominal bloating Acidity and fullness Anxiety and easy startling Palpitations during stress or exertion Headaches Body stiffness Fatigue and low mood suggests Vishama Agni (irregular digestion) with Aam accumulation and aggravated Prana Vata, Samana Vata, and Pachaka Pitta. The worsening after COVID may indicate further weakening of digestion and nervous system balance. Ayurvedic Understanding When digestion becomes weak and irregular: Food is not properly processed. Gas and bloating develop. Upward movement of Vata causes acidity, fullness, chest discomfort, and palpitations. Disturbed Prana Vata contributes to anxiety, panic-like sensations, and hypersensitivity to stress. The fact that symptoms fluctuate and no specific food trigger is identified is also typical of Vata-dominant digestive disorders. Dietary Recommendations Favor Warm, freshly cooked meals. Rice, moong dal, well-cooked vegetables. Vegetable soups and thin khichadi. Small quantities of cow’s ghee. Stewed apple or pear. Cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, ajwain. Avoid Cold drinks and refrigerated foods. Excess tea, coffee, cola. Bakery items, packaged snacks. Excess sour, spicy, and fried foods. Eating late at night. Long gaps between meals. Useful Digestive Drink Boil: ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp coriander ½ tsp fennel in 2 cups water and reduce to 1 cup. Sip warm after meals. Lifestyle Measures Daily Abhyanga Apply warm sesame oil to the body before bath, especially: Feet Lower back Abdomen This helps calm aggravated Vata. Yoga & Breathing Practice: Anulom Vilom Bhramari Pranayama Gentle walking after meals Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating. Sleep Sleep on time Maintain fixed meal and sleep timings. Ayurvedic Medicines Commonly used options include: Avipattikar Churna For acidity and Pitta regulation. Hingvashtak Churna For bloating and gas. Mahashankh Vati Useful in chronic indigestion and fullness. Brahmi or Ashwagandha For anxiety, nervous system support, and stress resilience. Saraswatarishta May help when anxiety and digestive symptoms coexist.
Your symptoms suggest a combination of chronic dyspepsia/functional bloating, acid-peptic disorder, autonomic overactivity, and anxiety-related gut sensitivity. Since symptoms have persisted for years, Take • Avipattikar Churna 5 g with lukewarm water at bedtime for acidity and digestion. • Hingvashtak Churna 2 g mixed with the first few morsels of lunch and dinner for bloating and gas. • Ashwagandha Churna 3 g with warm milk or water at night for anxiety, fatigue, and Vata aggravation. • Sutshekhar Ras 1 tablet twice daily after food for acidity, fullness, and headache. Diet: • Eat small frequent meals. • Avoid overeating, excessive tea/coffee, carbonated drinks, and late-night meals. • Walk gently for 10–15 minutes after meals. • Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating.
