Bloated abdomen

That swollen, gassy belly after meals? Ayurveda sees bloating as a sign of vāta imbalance, often called ānaha or ādhmāna. When agni (digestive fire) is weak or erratic, undigested food ferments, trapping air. This disturbed vāta inflates the belly and blocks the natural downward movement of wind.

Common Causes of Bloated abdomen

Eating incompatible or poorly digested foods.
Talking or rushing while eating disturbs vāta.
Cold, dry, or raw foods weaken agni.
Suppressed gas or bowel urges create pressure.
Stress and overthinking disturb gut-brain harmony.

Symptoms of Bloated abdomen

Abdominal fullness that worsens after eating.
Gurgling or shifting gas sensations.
Burping or flatulence with foul odor.
Mild cramping or discomfort in lower abdomen.
Irregular or incomplete bowel movements.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Bloated abdomen

Digestive herbs like hingu and ajwain dispel gas.
Warm, spiced meals with ghee kindle agni.
Abdominal massage with vāta-hara oils relieves pressure.
Simple fasting or light khichdi resets digestion.
Balancing vāta with daily routine and early dinners.