A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is also called “gastric ulcer”. It is placed in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), and esophageal ulcer. Ulcers occur when the lining of these organs is eroded by the acidic digestive acids which are secreted by stomach cells.

The most basic symptom of an ulcer is pain, often described as a burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach area. The location of the pain varies depending on the type of ulcer.

• Gastric ulcers will be felt a little more to the left of the upper abdomen and may be confused with heartburn
• You will feel a duodenal ulcer near the navel area, around the midline of the body, and it can be misinterpreted as starvation or indigestion
• Duodenal ulcers are more likely to be painful at night than stomach ulcers
• In gastric ulcer, the pain increases when eating, but in duodenal ulcer, the pain is temporarily relieved by food

The Ayurvedic term for peptic ulcer is Parinam shool – a disorder caused by the Agni bhootha.

According to Ayurveda, ulcers are classified into Vata and Pitta types.

Vata ulcers are caused by drying and thinning of the protective mucous membranes in the upper gastrointestinal tract – when the mucous membrane is thin, it is unable to protect the lining from digestive acids.

Pitta ulcers are caused by intense emotions such as anger, shame, rage, which stimulate Pitta dosha – highly active digestive juices from the stomach, liver, and pancreas make the stomach and intestines hyperacid. Stress causes bile reflux, hyperacidity, and reduced digestive energy (Agni).