The Ayurvedic perspective of hyperacidity - Amlapitta

Heartburn - the predominant symptom, affects approximately 1 out of 5 people in Australia and the incidence of GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease – Non-ulcer Acid Dyspepsia - NAD) has been noted to be rising worldwide. Many of the factors known to be involved in GORD and NAD are not fully understood and thus, the orthodox treatment is often symptomatic and unsatisfactory.
In Ayurveda Hyperacidity is called Amlapitta and it is clearly described by Madhava nidana

Definition Ma Ni 51:1
In amlapitta the quantity of pachaka pitta is increased. its quality of normal bitter taste (alkaline) is changed to more sour taste (acidic) as a result of fermentation. Because of this increased sour quality of pitta it is called amla(sour)- pitta

Ayurveda describes 2 types of amlapitta
1. Urdhwaga amlapitta- affects upper GI tract
2. Adhoga amlapitta- affects lower GI tract

What causes Amlapitta?
• sedentary life style
• incompatible combinations of food such as milk and fruit, milk and fish, cold and hot drinks etc. (Virudha ahara)
• contaminated food (leftover food), stale food
• fermented food
• excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks
• improper sleeping habits
• sour, pungent hot and salty food
• deep fried food, spicy food
• day sleeping after having food intake
• suppression of natural urges (Vegavarodha)
• stress, anger (increase of Raja dosha)
• coffee, carbonated drinks, smoking

What are the symptoms of Amlapitta
• Indigestion
• dyspepsia
• sour eruptions
• pain in cardiac region
• loss of appetite, gurgling sound in the abdomen
• thirst
• burning sensation in throat and chest
• headache
• heaviness in the abdomen
• diarrhoea
• fatigue

How can Ayurveda help?
Due to the holistic nature of Āyurveda, preventative and restorative treatment can be affected by discovering the root cause of the disease and treating the whole person, encompassing the spirit, mind and body.
The treatment approach is depending on the type of Amlapitta (Adhoga or Urdhwaga type) .
1. The first step towards your health will be correcting your digestive function with appetizing herbs (herbs that increase the digestive power).
2. Ahara/ Food + Vihara/ lifestyle - you will need to follow a special diet and lifestyle prescribed for you
3. Shamana treatment - Pacifying treatment this is done when there is only a slight vitiation of doshas
3. Shodhana treatment - Panchakarma

Useful herbs are Amalaki, Shatavari, Guduchi, Yasthimadhuka and classical preparations such as Panchanimbadi churna or Avipattikar churna.

For more information or if you suffer from Amlapitta (Hperacidity) and you are interested in a holistic ayurvedic treatment plan call Karin Ph: 0406810547