Peristalsis is a wavelike contraction of smooth muscle tissue that guides food down through the digestive tract. It continues all the way through the small intestine and colon. This video of an endoscopy procedure shows a healthy, strong peristaltic wave in the lower portion of the stomach as it guides food into the small intestine.
Peristalsis by Dosha
Ideally, peristaltic contractions move liquefied food known as chyme through your small intestine gently and consistently so that you can absorb nutrients and have comfortable, regular bowel movements. Different imbalances of peristalsis are connected to the three doshas. Knowing the doshic "type" of digestion your body is expressing will guide you on how to feel better!
Colicky & Erratic Peristalsis - Vata
When Vata influences your peristalsis, the wavelike motion of your intestinal muscles becomes inconsistent as the wind. It is erratic, unpredictable and changes quickly. When peristalsis becomes scattered due to windy vata dosha, it loses its characteristic wavelike motion and food gets stuck in the intestines. Then, all of a sudden, the wind picks up and sends you running to the bathroom. You may experience this as a few days of constipation followed by a few days of loose stools.
Sluggish Peristalsis - Kapha
Kapha type peristalsis is sluggish and weak due to poor muscle tone. Elimination is generally regular, but slow. Kapha people are often in the bathroom for a while, but are quite productive! This slow, weak peristalsis creates a sensation of heaviness in the gut after eating which may last for several hours.
Fast & Irritated Peristalsis - Pitta
Pitta type peristalsis is rhythmic, quick and forceful. Their food moves fast, so pitta people are always hungry! Pittas tend to be in and out of the bathroom quickly, as their eliminative peristalsis is like a racehorse. It is common for pitta type people to have 2 or 3 bowel movements a day and describe their digestion as "food goes right through me." Due to speedy peristalsis, pitta people may feel under-nourished even though they eat a large quantity of food throughout the day.
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