How to Help Constipation Naturally
A simple Ayurvedic approach to restoring healthy regular bowel movement and improving overall wellness.
Constipation isn't the problem - it's the symptom.
Rather than asking, "How do we make the bowels move?" Ayurveda asks, "Why has the body's natural downward digestive movement slowed down?"
How Ayurveda defines constipation
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the ideal bowel movement occurs first thing in the morning after waking. This allows the body to eliminate yesterday's waste before the day's activity begins. Healthy elimination is one of the body's most important daily cleansing processes.
Therefore, constipation is defined as anything other than having the bowel movement first thing in the morning. From there it is just a matter of severity, i.e. delay a few hours, delayed till the evening or delayed by day(s).
The Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda calls this downward movement Apana Vata. In biology it is called peristalsis—the rhythmic contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract. When this movement slows, waste remains in the large intestine too long. Since the large intestine naturally removes water from the stool, the longer it sits, the drier and harder it becomes. I often tell my patients to think of the large intestine as a dryer. The longer the stool stays there, the more difficult it becomes to eliminate.
Causes of Constipation:
- Disturbance of Apana Vata can happen for several reasons:
- An irregular daily routine, such as waking after sunrise.
- Poor gut health, including inadequate beneficial bacteria.
- Improper diet results in less fiber and lubrication in the intestines.
- Not establishing a regular time each morning for bowel elimination.
- Worry, stress and overactive mind move the energy upward instead of downward.
- Frequent enemas, laxatives or colonics.
What You Can Do Today
Healthy elimination begins with healthy daily habits.
Five Simple Tips:
- Aim to be in bed by 9:30 PM and rise before 6:00 AM whenever possible.
- Begin your morning with a stewed apple or pear and one prune to gently encourage healthy elimination.
- Enjoy fresh papaya or sweet pineapple after lunch or dinner to support healthy digestive movement.
- Include juicy fruits, summer squashes, and other well-cooked vegetables that naturally lubricate the digestive tract.
- Squeeze fresh lime over your food after cooking to support healthy digestion.
Want to Learn More?
Free Guide: Principles of Eating
Learn simple Ayurvedic guidelines that can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and help your body get the most from every meal.
- 1. 📄 Download the Principles of Eating Guide
- 2. Nature’s Clock – teaches you how aligning your nightly and daily routine with nature’s
Products That Support Healthy Bowel Movements
When dietary and lifestyle changes aren't enough, I often recommend Ayurvedic herbal formulas that support the body's natural digestive rhythm instead of simply forcing a bowel movement.
Laxapro Mild Formla or Regular Formula
LaxaPro is Triphala with some extra ingredients added such as Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Aloe Powder and Cassia Fistuala to aid the gentle detox of the colon. Take 1 before bed. (note do not use if you experience bleeding such as hemmoroids)
Triphala is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. The word Tri means 3 and Phala means fruit. The 3 fruits are Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. Triphala is designed to restore the intelligence of the Colon. Take 2 before bed. Use this if you can't use Laxapro.
Prakriti means your essential balanced Nature. This formula works on the level of the colon which was known the Shaka Vansya tradition of Ayurveda as the “brain of the brain”. It enhances that connection by supporting the friendly bacteria of the gut and enhancing the coordination between the physical and vibrational channels.
In the tablet form, Prakrit has a mild laxative effect but is not addicting because it works on the level of the Colon as opposed to other herbs such which act on the Nervous System. Take 2 in the morning before breakfast.
- Prakriti Transdermal Cream may help support:
- Healthy gut flora and probiotic intelligence
- The gut-brain connection and colon health
- Coordination of Prana and Apana Vata for healthy elimination
- Reduction of inflammatory toxins in the joints
- Overall Vata balance and digestive wellness
Apply to the low back before bed. Also use it in the morning with this protocol: Culturing Regular Bowel Movement (see in the Prakriti Transdermal Cream instructions)
For patients whose digestion is affected by chronic stress or an overactive mind. I often recommend this cream as part of an overall program to help settle the nervous system and support healthy digestive function. Apply to the spine swiping downwards 7 times morning and evening.
These formulas work together to support healthy elimination by restoring the body's natural digestive rhythm rather than relying on stimulant laxatives alone.
FAQs
1. Can Ayurveda help Constipation? – in most cases it is a definite yes. In 40 years of practice, I’ve treated thousands of cases of constipation. However, If there are complicated medical issues such as bowel disease, then medical interventions may be necessary.
2. How long does it take? That depends on the severity and chronicity. In other words, if your bowel movements are sluggish but occur daily then it is quicker to fix than someone whose having 2 or 3 bowel movements a week. Also, more chronic issues respond slower.
3. Do I need to change my entire diet? That depends on what your diet is like now. If you live off processed or restaurant food, then it may be a big change. If you already eat home-cooked fresh food, then the changes will be much less.
4. Are the products you recommend habit forming? No, they are not. Many products for constipation are habit forming because they work on the level of the brain and nervous system. Our products don’t do that. They nourish the bowel and support the healthy downward flow of energy.
Ready for Personalized Guidance?
➡️ Join the Free Introduction to Ayurveda Live Q&A
Not sure whether Ayurveda is right for you? No problem, I invite you to join my free Introduction to Ayurvedic Zoom session where I’m happy to answer general questions about Ayurveda.
or...
➡️ Schedule an Ayurvedic Consultation
Constipation is rarely an isolated problem. It often reflects deeper imbalances involving digestion, gut health, stress, daily routine, or other health concerns. If constipation has become a chronic issue, an Ayurvedic consultation can help identify and address the underlying causes rather than simply treating the symptom.
If you're ready for personalized guidance, schedule an Ayurvedic consultation. I'll develop an individualized program that may include diet, herbs, lifestyle recommendations, and recipes based on your unique needs.
Continuing Your Ayurvedic Journey
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Ayurvedic Diet Video from Dr. Beech
Dr. Beech's Clinical Insights
In 40 years of Ayurvedic practice I’ve learned that constipation is often not a simple problem. Vaidya Mishra taught me that the gut is one of the most intelligent organs in our body. In Ayurveda they call it the brain of the brain because so many neurotransmitters and other biochemicals are created in the gut. When I see a patient with constipation, I automatically begin to question what other related problems might exist. In other words, constipation is a red flag that can signal not only digestive problems, but seemingly unrelated physiological issues as well.
Constipation is often the body's way of asking us to pay attention to digestion, daily routine, and overall health. Addressing those underlying factors can lead to improvements that extend far beyond regular bowel movements.
To your good health,
Dr. Beech
