A conceptual appraisal of virechana karma
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A conceptual appraisal of virechana karma
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Nimmy V S*
Assistant Professor, Department of DravyagunaVijnana,Vishnu Ayurveda College, Shornur, Kerala
Praveen Kumar K S
PhD Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, IPGT&RA, Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A conceptual appraisal of virechana karma
Year: 2018
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation process, is gaining global recognition for its ability to address disease pathology. One of the prominent procedures within Panchakarma is Virechana, which involves purgation. There are four distinct forms of Virechana—Anulomana, Sramsana, Bhedana, and Rechana—each with its therapeutic implications. Traditional texts provide descriptions of these procedures, yet their clinical applications are often underexplored. This paper aims to clarify the specific clinical utility of these four types of Virechana by revisiting the indications rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts.
Anulomana: The Mild Approach
Anulomana is characterized as a gentle purging technique utilizing specific herbal drugs, such as Haritaki, which act upon undigested waste (Apakwa Mala) and facilitate its digestion (Paka). By stimulating the digestive fire (Agni), it assists in breaking down blockages within the gastrointestinal tract. The mild carminative action of Anulomana drugs promotes a gradual evacuation process which is beneficial in conditions with affected Agni and obstructed bodily channels (Srotas). As a therapeutic option, Anulomana is particularly significant for patients experiencing symptoms like bloating and reduced bowel movements.
Bhedana: Forceful Evacuation
Bhedana, in contrast, is a more forceful method aimed at expelling hardened or clumped waste (Mala) from the body. It employs potent laxatives, such as Katuki, known for their strong purgative effects. Bhedana disperses and evacuates morbid elements through an action that resembles breaking or dividing—leading to rapid relief from gastrointestinal distress. This approach is especially pertinent in acute conditions where the vitiation of Pitta is pronounced, aiding in restoring normal physiological functions and alleviating symptoms associated with liver disorders and other Pitta-related diseases.
Conclusion
The selection of the appropriate Virechana procedure—whether it be Anulomana, Sramsana, Bhedana, or Rechana—depends on a thorough assessment of both the patient's condition and the specific properties of the herbal remedies employed. Each type of Virechana offers unique therapeutic actions and benefits, highlighting the need for practitioners to tailor their approach to meet individual patient needs. By understanding the gradation in methods and the distinctive actions of different drugs, Ayurvedic practitioners can achieve more effective and personalized treatments for a range of ailments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the four types of Virechana in Ayurveda?
The four types of Virechana are Anulomana, Sramsana, Bhedana, and Rechana. Each has a unique approach to purgation and is used based on the condition of the patient and the state of the doshas.
How does Anulomana differ from Sramsana in Virechana?
Anulomana uses drugs that cause digestion of malas without obstruction, while Sramsana helps in bringing down adhered malas without affecting their state, primarily focusing on their downward movement without undergoing Paka.
What is the purpose of Virechana in Panchakarma treatment?
Virechana aims to expel vitiated doshas and malas to restore balance in the body, thus playing a crucial role in detoxification and promoting overall health as part of the Panchakarma therapy.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A conceptual appraisal of virechana karma”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Mala:
Mala in Ayurveda refers to waste products excreted from the body. The Virechana Karma procedures aim to eliminate various forms of mala from the body, helping in the harmonization of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala.
2) Drug:
Drug refers to various Ayurvedic preparations used in Panchakarma procedures, including Virechana, to achieve therapeutic effects. Examples mentioned include Haritaki, Katuki, and Trivrit for their respective procedures like Anulomana, Bhedana, and Rechana.
3) Sramsana:
Sramsana is a type of Virechana which is a mild purgative method that helps in the downward movement of adhered mala. It is characterized by the use of specific drugs like Aragwadha, which softens the stool without causing Paka.
4) Anulomana:
Anulomana is a mild form of Virechana where certain drugs are used to facilitate the Paka (digestion and breakdown) of Apakwa Mala and evacuate it without obstruction. Haritaki is an example used in conditions like Agnimandya.
5) Disease:
Disease in the context of Panchakarma and Virechana refers to imbalances in bodily Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas. Various Virechana procedures like Bhedana and Sramsana are used to treat specific diseases.
6) Paka:
Paka refers to the digestion and transformation process. In the context of Virechana, substances may cause Paka of the Mala, aiding in its expulsion. Anulomana drugs induce Paka to facilitate this process.
7) Bhedana:
Bhedana is a strong type of Virechana focused on the forceful expulsion of Baddha (solidified) Mala. Katuki is cited as an example, which helps in breaking down and removing blockages and excessive bile.
8) Dosha (Dosa):
[see source text or glossary: Dosa]
9) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three main Doshas associated with metabolic and digestive processes. Virechana procedures, particularly those targeting Pitta, aim to remove it through purgation, with drugs like Katuki and Trivrit.
10) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to the therapeutic actions or procedures performed to maintain or restore health. Virechana Karma is one such procedure involving purgation to cleanse the body of toxins.
11) Agni:
Agni refers to the digestive fire crucial for digestion and metabolism. In Virechana procedures, Anulomana drugs stimulate Agni to help digest and expel Malas. Haritaki is noted for its Agni-stimulating properties.
12) Dravya:
Dravya refers to medicinal substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. Different Dravyas are selected for Virechana based on their properties to achieve desired therapeutic effects, such as Haritaki for Anulomana.
13) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is the purificatory process aiming to eliminate toxins and balance doshas. Virechana, as a Shodhana technique, involves different methods like Sramsana and Bhedana.
14) Guna:
Guna, or qualities, are attributes of substances influencing their action. Different Virechana procedures use drugs with specific Gunas (e.g., Haritaki has Laghu and Tiksna Guna) to achieve effects like Paka or purgation.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine focusing on balancing Doshas through treatments like Panchakarma. Virechana Karma is a crucial Panchakarma procedure targeting doshic balance.
16) Haritaki:
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is extensively used in Ayurveda for its health benefits. In Virechana Karma, it is used in Anulomana to stimulate Agni and evacuate bowels, aiding in conditions like Agnimandya and Amavata.
17) Katuki:
Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is identified as a strong purgative used in Bhedana Karma for the forceful expulsion of Baddha Mala. It works as a choleretic, stimulating bile flow and relieving liver congestion.
18) Prithvi (Prthvi):
Prithvi is one of the five Bhutas (elements) in Ayurveda, representing earth. Drugs predominated by Prithvi are heavier and contribute to downward movement without severe Paka, as seen in Sramsana and Rechana procedures.
19) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas are channels in the body for circulation of doshas, dhatus, and malas. Virechana aims to cleanse and unblock these channels, promoting overall health.
20) Malapu:
Malapu (Kakodumbara) is mentioned in the context of Sramsana procedure for treating Switra. Its juice, combined with jaggery, is used internally to clear doshas adhered to the koshta.
21) Kumar:
Praveen Kumar K. S. is one of the authors of the study, contributing insights into the conceptual appraisal of Virechana Karma, focusing on Panchakarma and its procedures.
22) Vata:
Vata is one of the primary doshas in Ayurveda responsible for movement and bodily functions. Virechana procedures address imbalances, assisting in diseases linked to Vata such as constipation.
23) Vayu:
[see source text or glossary: Vayu]
24) Bile:
[see source text or glossary: Bile]
25) Kakodumbara:
Kakodumbara is used in Sramsana for Switra treatment. Its juiced form combined with jaggery expels adhered doshas from the body effectively.
26) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
Apana-vayu, a subtype of Vata, governs excretory functions and is crucial in purgative procedures like Virechana. Drugs in Bhedana and more simulate and regulate Apana-vayu to clear mala.
27) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
[see source text or glossary: Apanavata]
28) Agnimukhi (Agni-mukhi):
[see source text or glossary: Agnimukhi]
29) Pittashaya (Pittasaya):
[see source text or glossary: Pittasaya]
30) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sarngadhara Samhita, which detail the different types and procedures of Virechana Karma including Anulomana and Sramsana.
31) Snigdha:
Snigdha refers to the unctuous nature of substances in Ayurveda. Procedures like Sramsana help eliminate Snigdha and Usna (moist and warm) doshas adhered in conditions like Paittikagulma.
32) Amadosha (Amadosa, Ama-dosha):
Amadosa refers to toxins formed by improper digestion. Haritaki used in Anulomana helps in the Paka of Amadosa and its subsequent removal.
33) Jaggery:
Jaggery is used in combination with other drugs for Sramsana. For instance, Malapu juice with jaggery is administered to treat Switra, aiding in the elimination of morbid doshas.
34) Samana (Shamana):
Samana Vata aids in the digestive process (Deepanapachana). Its action is crucial in Virechana procedures where drugs stimulate Agni leading to Paka and efficient Mala evacuation.
35) Kerala:
Kerala, India, is mentioned as the location of Vishnu Ayurveda College, where Dr. Nimmy V. S. serves as an Assistant Professor contributing to research on Virechana Karma in Ayurveda.
36) Vishnu (Visnu):
[see source text or glossary: Vishnu]
37) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tiksna refers to the sharp, penetrating quality of certain Ayurvedic substances. In Bhedana, Tiksna drugs like Katuki create a forceful expulsion of toxins.
38) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: Nature]
39) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, associated with structure and lubrication. Many Virechana procedures focus on removing Kapha doshas, especially Bhedana for solidified or adhered toxins.
40) Hingu (Himgu):
Hingu (Asafoetida) is used in Anulomana to stimulate Agni, aiding in the Paka and expulsion of Apakva Mala. It is beneficial in conditions like Agnimandya.
41) Dhatu:
[see source text or glossary: Dhatu]
42) Apana:
[see source text or glossary: Apana]
43) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, where the traditional practice includes procedures like Virechana detailed in classical texts and practiced in institutions like those in Kerala and Gujarat.
44) Guru:
Guru refers to the heavy quality in Ayurveda. Sramsana drugs often have Guru Guna to help in the downward movement of Mala without causing Paka of the Mala.
45) Arka:
Arka is a strong purgative used in Bhedana procedures, known for its powerful action in expelling morbid factors quickly. It has an anti-helminthic effect and is used cautiously.
46) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
47) Sara (Shara):
[see source text or glossary: Sara]
48) Salt (Salty):
[see source text or glossary: Salt]
49) Terminalia chebula:
[see source text or glossary: Terminalia chebula]
50) Burning sensation:
[see source text or glossary: Burning sensation]
51) Samanavayu (Samana-vayu):
[see source text or glossary: Samanavayu]
52) Kalpasthana (Kalpa-sthana):
Kalpasthana is a section in Charaka Samhita providing formulations for Virechana drugs like Trivrit. It includes seasonal formulations to modulate the strength of the purgative effect.
53) Sharngadhara (Sarngadhara, Sharnga-dhara):
Sarngadhara Samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text enumerating the four types of Virechana Karma: Anulomana, Sramsana, Bhedana, and Rechana, detailing their processes and effects.
54) Samshodhana (Samsodhana):
[see source text or glossary: Samshodhana]
55) Kaphapitta (Kapha-pitta):
Kapha-pitta is an imbalanced state of doshas needing specific treatments. Sramsana helps in managing conditions where sticky morbid Kapha-pitta are adhered in the Srotas.
56) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
Agnimandya relates to weakened digestive fire (Agni). Anulomana drugs, including Hingu and Haritaki, stimulate Agni, promoting better digestion and expulsion of Apakva Mala.
57) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: Pitta-dosa]
58) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
59) Samtarpana (Santarpana):
[see source text or glossary: Santarpana]
60) Vibhitaka:
[see source text or glossary: Vibhitaka]
61) Bhedaniya:
[see source text or glossary: Bhedaniya]
62) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
Vyanavayu is another subtype of Vata playing a role in the distribution functions in the body. Its regulation is important in the administration and effect of Anulomana drugs.
63) Karkandhu (Karkamdhu):
[see source text or glossary: Karkandhu]
64) Staimitya:
Staimitya refers to the loss of peristalsis or gut motility. In Amaatisara, Anulomana drugs like Hareetaki help relieve Staimitya by promoting Paka and smooth evacuation of Mala.
65) Samhanana:
[see source text or glossary: Samhanana]
66) Parushaka (Parusaka):
[see source text or glossary: Parushaka]
67) Splitting:
[see source text or glossary: Splitting]
68) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]
69) Vibandha:
[see source text or glossary: Vibandha]
70) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Ayurveda seeks to balance them through procedures like Virechana, adjusted according to the specific doshic imbalance present.
71) Pradhana:
[see source text or glossary: Pradhana]
72) Upadrava:
[see source text or glossary: Upadrava]
73) Udavarta:
[see source text or glossary: Udavarta]
74) Kashmarya (Kasmarya):
[see source text or glossary: Kasmarya]
75) Medicine:
[see source text or glossary: Medicine]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 123]
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