Pradhan Karma is an important segment of Pancha Karma in Ayurveda. Pancha Karma has 3 important procedures — Purva Karma (Preparatory procedure), Pradhan Karma (5 important procedures) and Pashchat Karma (Follow up processes). Virechana Karma is the process of removal of body doshas through anal route. This is the first procedue in Pradhan Karma. Various health benefits of virechana karma is discussed in this article.
Types of Pradhan Karma
Pradhan karma comprises of 5 important procedures such as:
- Virechana Karma (Induced purgation)
- Vamana Karma (Induced vomiting)
- Nasya (Nasal medicine)
- Basti Karma (Medicated enema)
- Rakta-moksha (Artificial bloodletting)
This article discusses about the principles of virechana karma.
Virechana Karma
- Virechana means removal of body doshas through anal route, and thus, brings health back to the body.
- Virechana is a specified treatment for pitta dosha disorder.
- Virechana karma is the second most important procedure under panch karma treatment.
When there is excess pitta dosha in the body, it closes the channels of the body. This leads to accumulation of waste substances in the body. Through virechana karma, this accumulated pitta is made watery and then ejected out through the exit passage of the body. This treatment is the easiest procedure and is also not painful.
Virechana karma is used to treat the following disorders:
- Skin diseases
- Abdominal swellings
- Jaundice gout
- Splenetic disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Piles
- Fever
- Cough
- Asthma
- Edema
- Indigestion
After virechana karma, a patient is guided to take light meal and proper rest. Plenty of fluids should be taken to avoid dehydration. Virechana karma balances all the three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha and thus, restores mental and physical health of the body.
Virechana karma is not advised in the conditions such as heightened fever, dehydration, impaired immunity, gastritis, ulcerative colitis and haematemesis.
