Chronic gastritis and hiatus hernia - #26399

hello Shankar, Chronic gastritis with hiatus hernia, especially when it leads to symptoms like chest burning, nocturnal regurgitation, and nasal stuffiness at night, is often understood in Ayurveda as a result of Pitta-Vata imbalance with Amlapitta and Adhoga Urdhwaga Vata patterns. The herniation can be due to long-standing Agni (digestive fire) disturbances, improper eating habits, and chronic pressure in the abdominal region weakening the diaphragm.

In Ayurveda, chronic gastritis is called “Amlapitta”, where excess acidic secretions due to aggravated Pitta affect the gastric mucosa. Over time, when Vata also becomes vitiated, it causes upward movement of digestive acids similar to reflux or GERD, which worsens during the night (when lying down). A hiatus hernia adds mechanical dysfunction by allowing the stomach’s upper part to slide into the chest cavity, worsening reflux.

Treatment Plan:

1. Ama Pachana (for 3–5 days):

Hingwashtaka Churna – ½ tsp with warm water after meals twice a day (Improves digestion, reduces bloating, and clears toxins from the GI tract)

2. Internal Medications (4–6 weeks):

Kamdudha Ras (Plain) – 1 tab twice a day after meals (Balances Pitta, reduces acidity, and soothes mucosa) Sutshekhar Ras (with gold if affordable) – 1 tab twice a day before meals (Strengthens stomach lining, relieves burning sensation) Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp with lukewarm water at bedtime (Acts as a mild laxative and pitta shamak) Anu Taila (Nasya) – 2 drops in each nostril in the morning after steam inhalation (Reduces nasal stuffiness, clears sinus and calms Vata)

3. Diet & Lifestyle Suggestions:

Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid late-night food. Avoid spicy, sour, fermented, and heavy-to-digest foods. Do not lie down immediately after meals – keep a 2–3 hour gap. Elevate the head end of your bed slightly to prevent nighttime reflux. Include warm water and soft-cooked meals (khichdi, rice-gruel) in the evening.

Optional (based on availability):

Shankha Vati or Agnitundi Vati can be used in case of excessive gas or indigestion. Panchakarma therapies like Mridu Virechana (mild purgation) and Basti (medicated enema) may be considered at an Ayurvedic hospital after assessment.

Investigations to be checked:

Upper GI endoscopy (if not recent) H. pylori test (if not already ruled out) Hb%, Vit B12, and Iron studies (due to chronic gastritis-related malabsorption)

Is there any weight loss, black stools, or vomiting with blood? Does your sleep get disturbed daily due to reflux, or do you also get early morning cough?

Please follow the above protocol under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician, especially before starting Ras aushadhis.

Regards, Dr. Karthika

Both your health issues are related kapha dose is high. 1.Avipattikar Churna- 1 tsp with warm water 30 mins before meals, twice a day.

2. Kamdugdha Ras (Plain) Dose: 1 tablet 2x daily after meals with honey or coconut water. Sutshekhar Ras - Dose: 1 tablet 2x daily after meals with ghee/honey mix.

Yashtimadhu Heals gastric mucosa- 1 tsp with warm water or milk before bedtime.

If you have any reports then please share details of those for further advice and treatment.

HELLO SHANKAR,

WHAT IS CHRONIC GASTRITIS? Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. “Chronic” means it’s been there for a long time. In this condition: -the protective lining of your stomach is damaged or weakened , allowing stomach acid to cause irritation. -you may feel burning, pain, bloating, nausea, or discomfort, especially after eating.

WHAT IS A HIATUS HERNIA? The diaphragm has a small opening. In a hiatus hernia, part of your stomach pushes upward through that opening into your chest.

This worsens the acid reflux because -the stomach acid leaks into your food pipe (oesophagus) -causing chest burna, especially when lying down.

WHY DO YOU THESE SYMPTOMS? From the Ayurvedic view -this condition is mainly due to agni mandya(weak digestion fire) and pitta aggravation. -when Pitta dosha (which governs digestion and metabolism) becomes imbalanced due to wrong diet and lifestyle , it leads to Amla pitta (acid reflux-like condition) -chronic acidity, stress, improper eating, and structural issues like hernia worsen the problem.

TREATMENT GOALS -balance Pitta dosha and control excess acid -strengthen agni(digestive fire) without aggravating pitta -heal and protect the mucosal lining of the stomach -correct vata imbalance to control upward acid movement (due to hernia) -prevent further complications like ulcers, Barrett’s oesophagus etc -support structural balance and reduce symptoms from hernia through lifestyle, yoga, and diet -promote mental calmness- stress worsens digestion

INVESTIGATIONS -upper GI endoscopy- to check lining of the stomach and food pipe -barium swallow X-ray- to check for infection -H.pylori test- to check for infection -complete blood count - to rule out anemia or inflammation -liver function test- to rule out related issues

INTERNAL MEDICINES

1) AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm water before meals =neutralizes acid, promotes digestion

2) KAMDUDHA RAS WITH MUKTA= 125 mg twice daily with milk after meals =cools excess pitta and heals ulcers

3) SOOTSEKHAR RAS= 1 tab twice daily after meals =prevents nausea, acidity, and burning

4) TAMALAKI CHURNA= 1 tsp with honey twice daily before meals =supports liver , anti ulcer property, improves apetite

5) AMALAKI RASAYANA= 1 tsp daily in morning =antioxidants, reduces pitta , improves immunity

6) TRIPHALA GUGGULU= 1 tab at night =suppots gentle detox and vata balance

USUALLY TAKE FOR 3-6 MONTHS, depends on chronicity

EXTERNAL THERAPIES

OIL MASSAGE= with ksheerbala taila =helps calm vata, improves gut-brain axis, reduces stress

MILD STEAMING= relaxes abdominal muscles, improve circulation

NASYA= instill 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril morning =usefull for stuffy nose at night

DIET PLAN

EAT -boiled rice, rice kanji, moong dal khichdi -steamed vegetables- lauki, pumpkin, ash gourd, ridge gourd -cooked apples or pears, mashed banana in moderation -coconut water, buttermilk-thin, not sour, mid morning -cow’s milk warm , boiled -jeera, coriander, fennel seeds in food or tea -ghee- excellent for stomach lining 1 tsp daily -warm water for drinking

AVOID -spicy, sour, oily, deep fried foods -pickles, vinegar, fermented foods- idli/dosa/yogurt/atnight -tomatoes, citrus fruits, raw onion/garlic -late night dinners irregular eating -overeating or skipping meals

YOGA AND PRANAYAM

RECOMMENDED ASANA(do slowly and only on empty stomach) -vajrasana after meals= improves digestion -supta baddha konasana= relieves pressure in diaphragm -setu bandhasana= strengthens diaphragmatic gently -marjariasana= helps with bloating and refluc -pawanmuktasana= improves vata related symptoms

AVOID -investions like sarvangasana or halasana -intense core exercises for forward bending right after eating

PRANAYAM -sheetali pranayam=cooling breath, calms pitta -Anulom Vilom= balances all three doshas -bhramari= reduce stress and acidity -nadi sodhana= excellent for digestion and sinus

Practice 10-15 mins daily, preferably early morning

HOME REMEDIES

1) ALOE VERA JUICE 15 ml + warm water= empty stomach , soothing to gut lining

2) Soaked raisins(5-10 overnight) + 1 tsp soaked coriander seeds-chew in morning

3) Fennel-coriander tea- after meals

4) Roasted cumin + rock sugar powder(1/2 tsp)-after food

5) Licorice powder- 1/2 tsp with honey twice daily

6) Coconut water- mid morning

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

DO’S -eat regular, warm meals at fixed times -avoid lying down immediately after meals wait at least 2-3 hours -use elevated pillow while sleeping to prevent reflux -wear loose fitting clothes (tight belts/clothes increase pressure on henria) -de stress= meditation, music, nature walks -stay hydrated small sips of warm water during day

AVOID -daytime sleeping, late nights -skipping meals or overeating -smoking and unneccesary medications

Ayurveda focuses on root cause healing, not just symptomatic relief

A Multi pronged approach in needed- diet, lifestyle, medication, and gentle yoga

regular follow up, gradual process, and discipline is key

Hernias dont go away entirely, but symptoms can be very well managed, and in some cases, further protrusion can be minimized with above changes

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

Yeah definitely with ayurvedic support you can see improvements in your symptoms along with lifestyle changes and diet modifications Can start on Avipattikara churna - 1/2 tsp with water twice daily before food

Kuch ni krna h bs surgeon ke pass jayiye or sbse phle hernia ka chota sa operation krvaye…kisi medication se hernia thik nhi hota…and pet thik hoga sbse ohle uske baad sb chize apne aap line pr aa jayengi…have a great day

Treatment

Principles of Treatment

Pittanubandhi Vata Gulma Samana Chikitsa

Vriddhihara chikista

Vatanulomana, Vatahara chikitsa

1.Vriddhibadhika Vati-2 tab Before food 2 times with Milk

2) Kankayana Vati-500mg Before food 2 times with Dadima Ghrita-1 tsf

3)-Sukumara Kashayam-20ml with water after food 2 times

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent hiatal hernias. However, one can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight and avoid smoking. To prevent hernias associated with increased abdominal pressure, ure, avoid activities that cause abdominal strain, especially heavy lifting. Avoid constipation.

Diet and Lifestyle:

Pathya

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Keep the bowels clean.

Eat slowly without any hurry.

Apathya

Avoid eating for at least two hours before going to bed and sit up for at least one hour after eating.

Take kamdudharas moti yukta 1-0-1 after food with water Yastimadhu churan 1tsp twice daily after food with honey. Steam inhalation twice daily Avoid spicy fried sugary foods processed foods Early dinner, and light dinner. After every meal walk for 20 minutes or sit upright.do not sleep immediately after having food. Follow up after 1 month

Chronic gastritis and hiatus hernia, according to Ayurveda, are often linked to imbalance in the Pitta dosha, with Agni impairment playing a central role. Addressing these conditions involves soothing Pitta, enhancing digestive fire, and balancing Vata, particularly as it relates to reflux and digestive discomfort.

Firstly, focus on diet: prioritize cooling, mild, and Pitta-pacifying foods. Sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes are beneficial. Include foods like cucumber, leafy greens, pumpkin, and bottle gourd. Avoid spicy, fried, and sour foods which aggravate Pitta. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, to prevent overloading your digestive system, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. A minimum of 3 hours gap between dinner and sleep is recommended.

Aloe vera juice can help soothe inflammation. Consuming 2-3 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera juice before meals can help balance Pitta and improve digestion. Similarly, amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is a good choice due to its cooling properties. Try consuming fresh amalaki juice or chyavanprash (a herbal jam) in the morning for its rejuvenating properties. Be careful with quantities and start with small doses to assess your body’s reaction.

In terms of lifestyle, regular physical activity aids digestion. Gentle yoga exercises, focussed on strengthening and relaxation of diaphragm and abdominal area, such as pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose) and supta baddha konasana (reclined bound angle pose), can be beneficial. Pranayama (breathing exercises), particularly sheetali and anulom vilom, are supportive for calming Vata and Pitta.

Natural remedies include herbs like licorice root, which can soothe the gastric lining – consider decoction made with water and a small piece of licorice root before meals. However, avoid prolonged use without consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner, as some individuals may respond differently.

Lastly, for symptoms like stuffy nose and chest burns during the night, avoid cold or refrigerated foods that increase congestion. Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil might offer relief in the evening. Ensure the upper body is slightly elevated during sleep to reduce acid reflux and subsequent chest discomfort. If symptoms persist despite these supports, seek guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic physician who can provide a tailor-made regimen…

Chronic gastritis and hiatus hernia, related to imbalances in Vata and Pitta doshas, can be addressed effectively with Ayurveda, emphasizing harmonizing your digestive system. Gastritis, often a result of aggravated Pitta, needs calming and cooling interventions. First, consider your diet. Avoid spicy, fried, and overly oily foods, which increase Pitta. Prefer smaller, more frequent meals to stabilize Agni (digestive fire) without overburdening it.

In terms of herbs, Amla (Emblica officinalis) helps pacify Pitta and heal the stomach lining. Mix amla powder with warm water and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is another good option—its rejuvenating properties soothe the digestive system. Consult a practitioner for suitable dosage.

Mindful eating, free from distractions, can significantly improve digestion. As for lifestyle, reducing stress through regular pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation is beneficial, as stress can exacerbate Vata-Pitta imbalances. Yoga, focusing on postures like Vajrasana, Trikonasana, and Parvatasana, enhances digestion and can relieve symptoms of a hiatus hernia.

Addressing your stuffy nose, Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils like Anu Tailam) can clear sinuses and improve breathing. This should be done in the morning after ablutions. For nighttime chest burns, have a cup of lukewarm water infused with Trikatu (ginger, black pepper, long pepper) post meals to aid digestion and prevent reflux.

It’s crucial to discuss these strategies with your healthcare provider before starting any new regimen to ensure they align with your current health needs and to monitor progress,. If symptoms worsen or new severe symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly as these conditions can sometimes require immediate intervention.