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| Ayurvedic Panchakarma |
Like in the other Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, Virechana is given after properly judging the type of disease and tolerance of the patient. Normally this particular karma is performed in the diseases of Alimentary canal like chronic constipation, indigestion, anorexia, worm infection etc. Purgation is given with care in specific amounts according to aggravated doshas. The purgative medicines are of five types namely Laxatives, Simple purgatives, Drastic purgatives, Hydragogues purgatives and Cholagogue purgatives. These are mentioned in the increasing order of their purgative action, relying upon the severity of the disease. Some medicinal plants that are used for the purpose are Nishoth, Kutaki, Amaltas etc.
Virechana Karma (Purgation Therapy)
In this method of detoxification and purification, the doshas are removed in the form of faeces through the rectum. The purgative medicines given to the patient are heavy in action (and therefore help to bring down the doshas) and have a tendency to produce heat which aims in eradication of the doshas. Virechana karma or inducing purgation mainly aids in eradicating the imbalanced or aggravated Pitta dosha or the fire body humor. Virechana karma is basically a medicated purgation therapy which removes Pitta toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder and completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects. Watch the Video here.
Types of Virechana Karma
1. Anulomana – These are the carminatives.
2. Sansarjana – These are the laxatives.
3. Bhedana – These are the drastic purgatives.
4. Rechana – These are Purgatives.
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| Ayurvedic Panchakarma |
Herbs and Ayurvedic Drugs used in Virechana Karma
Generally the herbs used for Virechana karma are Amaltas, Kutki, Danti. Snaya, kutki, milk, trifla, Draksha, isabgol, marodphali, Gulkanda, Hareetaki etc.
Sukh virechana – Herbs used for easy purgation. For example Nishotha
Mridu – Herbs used for soft purgation. For example Amaltas
Teekshana – Herbs used for strong purgation. For example the milk of Snuhi.
Oil – The best oil used for purgation is Castor oil
Fruit – The best fruit used for purgation is Hareetaki
Properties of Herbs and Ayurvedic Drugs used in Virechana Karma
Ayurveda specifies few properties for Virechana karma medicines as –
Prithavi and Jala ( Earth and water elements) should be prominent.
Ushana – It must be hot and be able to melt the Kapha toxins.
Teekshana – It must be sharp to cut down the rigid Kapha toxins.
Sookshama – It must be subtle i.e. spread deep and minutely.
Vyavayi – It must work before digestion.
Vikashi – It must be able to remove the built in sticky toxins.
Benefits of Virechana Karmas
Virechana karma or the Purgation therapy is highly recommended in case of diseases of Pitta dosha aggravation or vitiation like Inflammations, Jaundice, Ascites, Skin diseases, Piles, Liver/spleen diseases, Heart diseases and Constipation.
At the Ayurvedic Centres, a number of diseases and disorders have been treated as well as cured by providing the Virechana karma or the Purgation Therapy like Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Headaches, Elephantiasis, Gynaecological disorders.
Contraindication Condition for Virechana Karma
Virechana karma needs to be avoided in small children, the elderly, those suffering from diarrhoea, depression, Tuberculosis and also if the gastric fire is very weak.
Procedure of Virechana Karma
First of all Virechana Karma starts with internal oleation. This is termed as Snehpana Karma (Oral intake of Medicated Ghee) wherein the digestive power or the agni is at first evaluated and then little amount of medicated ghee is given to be ingested. This process is generally started with approx. 30 ml and gradually the dosage is increased until the complete digestion of the ghee has taken place. This is followed by Abhyanga (full body massage) and swedana (steam bath). Then Virechaka herbs and medicine is given on empty stomach. The client is then observed till Kaphant observation i.e. the stools become watery.
Diet Indications After Virechana Karma ( Sansarjana Karma)
After the procedure of Virechana karma, the Samsarjana Karma or specific diet indications are followed for a period of 3 to 7 days. This consists of starting with Manda (rice water), the Peya (thick rice water), then Vilepi (thicker rice water) and finally Akrita Yusha and Krita Yusha (vegetable soup). This entire process may take from 3 to 7 days.
Reference from Ayurveda text – Ashtanga Sangraha (Sootrasthana)
It has been mentioned in Ayurveda text that when the aggravated or imbalanced doshas are removed from the lower part of the body, this is called Virechana Karma. It has also been narrated that in comparison with Vamana Karma or the Emesis Therapy, the Virechana Karma is more comfortable with less complications. It has been specified in Ayurveda text that generally all types of Pitta diseases may be relieved by Virechana karma. Also, when the Kapha dosha mixes up with the Pitta dosha, or else when the Kapha dosha takes the place of Pitta dosha in the body, at that time also Virechana Karma is recommended.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.