Laxative effect – How does Ayurveda support healthy digestion? - #16792

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with constipation. It’s not just an occasional issue—it happens almost every day. I feel bloated, sluggish, and uncomfortable most of the time. Sometimes, I go two or three days without a proper bowel movement, and when it finally happens, it’s painful and incomplete. It feels like my digestion is just… stuck. I’ve tried fiber supplements, drinking more water, and even using over-the-counter laxatives, but nothing seems to work consistently. The problem with laxatives is that they only give temporary relief, and when I stop using them, my constipation comes back even worse than before. I also read that relying on laxatives for too long can weaken digestion and make the body dependent on them, which is exactly what I want to avoid. Recently, I started looking into Ayurveda, and I learned that digestion is one of the most important aspects of overall health. I read that Ayurveda focuses on Agni (digestive fire) and that poor digestion can be a sign of an imbalance in the doshas. Could my constipation and sluggish digestion be caused by an imbalance in Vata? I’ve heard that Vata dominance can lead to dryness, bloating, and difficulty passing stool, which sounds exactly like what I’m experiencing. My question is—does Ayurveda offer any natural ways to create a laxative effect without harmful side effects? Are there any herbs, teas, or foods that help with constipation and sluggish digestion naturally? I’ve read about Triphala, but I don’t know if it’s strong enough to really fix the issue. Are there other Ayurvedic herbs or remedies that work better? Also, should I be making any dietary changes? I try to eat fiber-rich foods, but it doesn’t seem to help much. Are there specific foods that improve digestion and promote regular bowel movements? I also wonder if I should be avoiding certain foods that might be making my constipation worse. Lastly, does Ayurveda recommend any specific lifestyle changes to improve digestion? Would things like oil massages or yoga help regulate bowel movements? I’d love to know if anyone has used Ayurveda to fix their digestion long-term, without needing to rely on laxatives. Any recommendations would be really helpful!