Virechana or purgation is a widely practiced purificatory procedure. It is one of the panchakarma procedures which is ideal for treating diseases associated with pitta dosha. It is a less tedious procedure with comparatively lesser complications. Hence it is practiced in routine clinical practice.
What is Virechana Karma in Ayurveda?
Virechana is the procedure in which the orally administered drug acts on internally situated doshas,specifically pitta dosha and expels them out of the body through anal route.
In virechana,the doshas from the amashaya (stomach and duodenum) is taken to the pakwashaya (large intestine) and then it is removed through the anus.
- Pacifies the pitta dosha
- Improves metabolism
- Relieves the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Gives strength to all sense organs
- Ideal for various skin diseases
- Delays the aging process
- Improves intellectual clarity
How do you know if Virechana is successful?
The assessment of Virechana is based on various parameters termed as Shuddhi (cleansing) criteria like :
- Vaigiki (number of bouts of stool passed)
- Manaki (quantitative measurement of stools),
- Laingiki (symptoms based assessment)
- Antyaki (assessment based on end point of purgation)
The Doshas eliminated are classified on the basis of number of bouts of evacuation as:
- Hina (low quantity) : 10
- Madhyama(medium quantity) : 20
- Uttama (high quantity) : 30
Features observed after Virechana therapy are :
- Feeling of lightness
- Subsidence of disease
- Normalizes the digestion, assimilation and appetite of the body.
- Improves complexion
- Clarity of thoughts and intellect with a feeling of wellbeing
- Downward movement of vata
- Improves digestive capacity
- Clarity of channels
- Improved sensory and motor functions
