lower abdomen

Question

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling this strange discomfort in my lower abdomen. It’s not exactly pain, but more like a dull ache that comes and goes. Some days, it feels like a heavy pressure in my lower abdomen, especially after eating, and other times, I feel bloated even if I haven’t eaten much. It’s hard to tell if it’s digestion-related or something else.

At first, I thought it might be gas or something I ate, but the feeling hasn’t really gone away. It gets worse in the evenings, and I also noticed that my bowel movements have been a little irregular. Sometimes, I feel constipated, and other times, I feel like I have to go to the bathroom more often. I’ve also been feeling more tired than usual, but I don’t know if that’s connected to the lower abdomen discomfort or just stress.

I haven’t gone to a doctor yet because it doesn’t feel like a serious issue, but I also don’t want to ignore it if it could be a sign of something deeper. Could this be related to an imbalance in my doshas? Is there a specific Ayurvedic explanation for discomfort in the lower abdomen like this? And more importantly, are there any herbal remedies or treatments that can help with whatever is going on?

Are there certain foods I should avoid if my lower abdomen discomfort is due to digestion issues? I’ve been eating a lot of wheat, dairy, and spicy food lately—could that be making it worse? If anyone has experienced something similar and found relief through Ayurveda, please share what worked for you.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Lower abdominal discomfort can have multiple causes, and in Ayurveda, it is often linked to Vata imbalance (irregular digestion, bloating, constipation) or Pitta imbalance (inflammation, acidity, or loose stools). Since you’re experiencing bloating, irregular bowel movements, and heaviness after eating, it could be Vata-related digestive sluggishness, which leads to gas accumulation and improper digestion. The feeling of pressure may also suggest weak Agni (digestive fire), making digestion slow and inefficient.

To balance Vata and improve digestion, try herbal remedies like Triphala (for gentle detox and regular bowel movements), Hingvastak churna (for bloating and gas), and Ajwain + warm water after meals to stimulate digestion. Drinking cumin, fennel, and ginger tea can help relieve bloating and ease discomfort. Avoid cold, dry, or overly processed foods, as they aggravate Vata. Instead, focus on warm, easily digestible meals like khichdi, soups, and cooked vegetables with ghee. If dairy and wheat worsen your symptoms, try cutting them out for a few days to see if it helps.

Since your symptoms worsen in the evenings, avoid heavy meals late at night and drink warm water with a pinch of turmeric before bed to reduce inflammation. Stress can also weaken digestion, so practices like Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame oil), gentle yoga, and deep breathing (Anulom Vilom pranayama) can help regulate Vata and improve overall gut health. If the discomfort continues or worsens, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions like IBS, gas accumulation, or mild inflammation.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

It sounds like your symptoms could be related to an imbalance in your *Pitta* and *Vata* doshas, which are commonly linked to digestive issues and abdominal discomfort in Ayurveda. The dull ache, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and tiredness can indicate that your digestive fire (*Agni*) is weak or disturbed. Spicy food, dairy, and wheat can aggravate *Pitta* and *Vata*, leading to bloating, gas, and irregular digestion. To address this, you could focus on foods that are light, easy to digest, and cooling, such as cooked vegetables, rice, and mild soups. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods for a while. Herbal remedies like *Triphala* can help balance digestion and promote regular bowel movements, while *Aloe vera* juice or *Ginger* tea can soothe and stimulate digestion. *Ajwain* (carom seeds) is also helpful for relieving bloating and gas. You can also try drinking warm water with a pinch of *Hing* (asafoetida) before meals to aid digestion. Additionally, practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation can help balance your *Vata* and improve overall well-being.

lower abdomen - #17464

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions