Significance of Purgation
Purgation, according to Ayurveda, is a cleansing process that focuses on eliminating waste and toxins from the body, particularly through bowel movements. It is known as Virechana, a key aspect of Panchakarma therapy, which aims to detoxify and restore health by expelling accumulated doshas. This method is beneficial for various conditions, including digestive issues and skin disorders. Purgation plays a significant role in enhancing well-being and can involve both medicinal preparations and dietary adjustments to effectively cleanse the gastrointestinal tract.
Synonyms: Cleansing, Purification, Removal, Expulsion, Detoxification, Release, Elimination, Purification process, Catharsis, Purifying
In Dutch: Zuivering; In Finnish: Puhdistus; In Spanish: Purgación
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Purgation'
Purgation in Hinduism encompasses various cleansing processes aimed at detoxifying the body, promoting bowel movement, and eliminating excess doshas through medicinal treatments, thus enhancing overall health and managing specific ailments.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The process aimed at clearing out excess dosas from the patient's body.[1] (2) The process of cleansing the digestive system, often recommended as beneficial for managing piles.[2] (3) The process that will occur when hot water is not consumed, indicating a therapeutic effect of the medicine.[3] (4) A therapeutic process to cleanse the digestive system, often resulting in improved health in udara-roga.[4] (5) The act of inducing bowel movements, which is noted as injurious when dealing with indigestion.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The act of cleansing the body which can assist in controlling pitta levels.[6] (2) The process of cleansing the body, often through induced vomiting or another mechanism, considered helpful in vomiting.[7] (3) A process recommended in managing gulma, believed to alleviate symptoms.[8] (4) An important method in treating the adverse effects of wine, which involves inducing vomiting and alleviating symptoms through cleansing the body.[9] (5) The act of cleansing the body, often through inducing bowel movements, to remove toxins.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A process of cleansing the body that a patient should undergo before starting to take shilajatu.[11]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The process of cleansing the body, emphasized throughout the various preparations of Tilwaka.[12] (2) A cleansing process aimed at eliminating waste and toxins from the body.[13] (3) A cleansing process that eliminates toxins and morbid elements from the body, especially during the treatment of parasitic infections.[14] (4) A therapeutic process involving the administration of agents that promote bowel movements and remove waste.[15] (5) The act of clearing or emptying the bowels, a primary outcome sought from several medicinal preparations discussed.[16]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A medical treatment method involving the elimination of waste, which may help in treating anal conditions before surgery is necessary.[17]
The concept of Purgation in local and regional sources
Purgation, as detailed in the Sushrutasamhita, is a therapeutic method aimed at delaying aging and enhancing overall health, emphasizing its significance in traditional practices for maintaining wellness and vitality.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a treatment method, described in the Sushrutasamhita, that is believed to slow down the aging process, along with promoting other positive health outcomes.[18]