Pakshaghate virechanam- a comprehensive critical review

Summary of article contents:

Panchakarma is a potential treatment modality of Ayurveda which utilizes various Karma such as, Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration) and Rakta Mokshana (blood-letting) for achieving health benefits. Panchakarma not only possess ability to treat disease but also prevent diseases prevalence effectively. Pakshaghata is a brain injury which associated with motor & cognitive impairments. Pakshaghata is one among the 80 Vatajananatmaja Vikara. It is a condition in which one half of the body is affected leading to loss of function, pain, loss of speech and loss of sensation. Hemiplegia is the condition which is correlated with Pakshaghata in the current era. Though there are different causes for hemiplegia, the most common correlation is made with CVA. Margavarana and Dhatukshaya are two reasons for any Vatavyadhi which are understood as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes respectively. The line of treatment explained by different Ayurveda texts includes Snehana, Svedana and Virechana. This Article focuses on the Virechana as the treatment in Pakshaghata based on explanations available in Ayurveda texts.