Concept of Grahani in Ayurveda: A Review of Classical Perspectives and Clinical Correlations

Abstract

The term Grahani is derived from the root “Graha”, conveying the sense of seizing, retaining or holding. Ayurvedic literature explains that Grahani plays a central role in the entire process of food handling in the body. It is responsible for consumed food carrying out its digestion through the action of Agni. Under normal condition it holds the partially processed food and allows only the properly digested nutrients to pass on words through its luman. When Agni becomes disturbed, the digestive process is compromised, resulting in faulty digestion of food. Grahani Roga can be clinically compared with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that presents symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits, including variation in the consistency and frequency of stools. etiological factor includes genetic, environment, changes in motility, visceral sensitivity, epithelial permeability, gastrointestinal flora. Lifestyle disorder on the raise, irregular eating habits, processed food and stress is contributing to an increase burden of digestive aliments that closely resembles Grahani in their presentation. Therefore, analyzing the Grahani by integrating classical ayurvedic concept of disease development with modern clinical correlation offers fresh perspective for better comprehension, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of chronic gastrointestinal disorders.