Virechana (purgation)

Virechana is great for reducing Pitta. It uses purgation therapy, which is to eliminate  the waste of the body through the rectum. Virechana focuses in the intestines and stomach, removing all of the excess  Pitta.

The Treatment

Virachana therapy is defined as medicated purgation therapy, which cleanses Pitta and purifies the blood by clearing toxins from the body. The treatment concentrates on the toxins that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder. The gastro-intestinal tract is also cleansed by Virachana therapy. This treatment is usually administered for three days after Vamana treatment, however its duration may vary from case to case. In fact, Virechana can be administered directly after panchakarma, without undergoing the Vamana therapy that precedes Virechana.



Procedure:

While performing the Virechana karam, the vitiated doshas are eliminated through the rectum. The drugs used for the purgation therapy are vitiate the doshas and bring them into the abdomen. During the procedure, the patient is subjected to oleation first, then Fomentation, which is followed by Emisis and Samsarjana Karma (post operative.) The internal oleation is followed for three to seven days. Thereafter, a medicated steam bath is performed for three days. A light and warm diet is prescribed for the patient a day before starting Virechana karma. However, certain factors like body and mind constitution, age of the person, mental condition should be considered, while opting for Virechana karma.

Herbs Used For The Therapy

Virechan therapy aims at cleansing the sweat glands, small intestine, colon, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen. A number of herbs are used for the treatment, which serve as laxatives. Some of the herbs preferred by Ayurvedic practitioners include senna, prune, bran, flaxseed husk, dandelion root and psyllium seed. Cow's milk, salt, castor oil, raisins and mango juice are also used for the treatment. When the laxatives are consumed by the patient, he/she is recommended to follow a restricted diet. This proves beneficial for the patient.

Health Problems Treated By Virechana Therapy

Virechana can treat a number of health problems and uproot them so that they do not occur again. Skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal problems and constipation can be effectively cured by Virechana therapy. In addition to these, the therapy is administered to treat diabetes, asthma, goiter, lepracy, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. Virechana karma aims to eliminate doshas from kidneys, lungs and sweat glands, which is otherwise not possible by Vamana karma.