Virechana Panchakarma Treatment

Substances Used for Virechana Treatments:

Two Main Categories:

Snigdha Virechana: In this Virechana treatment, castor oil by itself or mixed with Hiartaki powder is given to the individual. This benefits those with aggravated Pitta or Vata doshas.

Ruksha Virechana: Here, 20 - 30 grams of Trivrit Lehyam is used as the purgative medicine. It is an effective Ayurvedic remedy for constipation and is commonly available in a jam form.

The Ruksha treatment is commonly administered to individuals with pitta and kapha as their dominant doshas.

Other Subtypes:

Purvakarmayukta Virechana: The treatment consists of 2 parts – Snehana and Svedana. First (Snehana), the patient is given oil, ghee or bone marrow soup for 3 - 7 days and then made to undergo Heat-Induced Sweating therapy (Svedana).

Rutu-Anusari Virechana: Great for individuals with an aggravated or imbalanced Pitta dosha, which can cause skin lesions, runny nose, mouth ulcers, digestive issues, etc.

Sadhyo Virechana: Preferred for mild to moderate conditions and involves quickly eliminating faecal matter from the intestinal tract.

Nitya Virechana: Done regularly to maintain intestinal health with mild medicine. The Nitya treatment is beneficial for skin diseases and neurological conditions.

Punha-Punha Virechana: Done repeatedly at regular intervals to eliminate stubborn, aggravated doshas.

The Virechana Panchkarma process is paramount in eliminating harmful metabolic waste like toxic bile residue. Regular maintenance and administration of the Virechana procedure helps to treat various gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers, jaundice, gastritis, etc.

• Given below is a more comprehensive list of the ailments that can be alleviated with the help of the Virechana procedure:

• Beneficial for skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), blisters, skin discolouration, etc., which can result from an unhealthy gut.

• Helps to cleanse the blood, which can also help treat common skin conditions like acne and eczema.

• Eliminates toxin accumulation within GI tracts.

• Treats digestive issues and helps flush out excess mucus and toxins from intestines, improving bowel movements and treating/preventing constipation. It also helps with IBS and Piles.

• Reduces inflammation that helps with swelling or joint tenderness.

• Helps with anaemia and non-healing wounds.

• It can help manage symptoms arising from infertility issues and other gynaecological disorders.

• It is believed to immensely help to alleviate stress, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.

The Virechana Ayurveda treatment helps your body eliminate toxins through the rectum with Ayurvedic laxatives. The individual may also be prescribed induced vomiting. A day before the process starts, the patient is advised to sleep well and prescribed a light and warm diet.

Here are the three main processes involved in the Virechana procedure:

Purvakarma (Initial Stage)

This is a week-long process. The process starts with induced vomiting and sweating, and the patient must also follow a strict diet put forth by the practitioner. This initial process helps to analyse the digestive capabilities of the patient.

Pradhan karma (Virechana)

Before this stage begins, the patient is tested once again. If the previous night's food is still undigested, they must fast before starting the procedure.

The Virechana Panchkarma treatment begins early in the morning and the patient is made to drink lukewarm water to ease the process.

Patients are fed Triphala or herbs like Aragwadha, Trivrit, Jayapala and Avipathi Churna. The specific herbs used to induce purgation will vary based on the patient's health condition or disease.

For example, Trivit is given to patients who suffer from constipation, and milk is given to those with weaker stomachs.

Pashchatakarma/Samasarjanakarma (Final Treatment)

In the last stage, patients follow a strict diet for 3 - 7 days and practitioners monitor the patients' bowel movements throughout the whole procedure.

Yes, this procedure can be done at home. When done regularly, it can be an effective way to manage minor health issues, especially those related to digestion.

Virechana treatment at home can help foster a healthy digestive system, boost metabolism, and promote overall wellness. Moreover, it can also help reduce inflammation and improve skin health that results from Pitta aggravation.

However, home-based Virechana treatments should not replace a full Virechana therapy conducted by an Ayurvedic practitioner. This is especially true for those suffering from severe or chronic health conditions.

Always consult a certified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic treatments at home.

Once the treatment ends, the patient will be instructed to lie in a room inaccessible to wind. After which, they will be asked to avoid the following things for at least 24 hours after the treatment:

Exposure to sunlight or wind.

Overeating and foods that lead to indigestion.

Emotional stress like anger or grief.

Staying awake too late, sleep deprivation and napping during the day.

Travelling or long walks.

Suppressing natural urges.

If done correctly, the patient will feel light and energetic rather than weak and dehydrated.

If the treatment is not done correctly, the patient may experience the following side effects:

Spitting frequently.

Nausea.

Bloating.

Increased Kapha and Pitta levels.

Stiffness and itching in the hip and thigh region

Lack of vision clarity or discomfort in the chest.

Anyone aged between 18 - 88 years can opt for the Virechana Panchakarma treatment. However, individuals must avoid this procedure if these conditions currently exist within their body:

During menstruation or pregnancy.

HIV/AIDS patients.

Extreme obesity.

Lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

As discussed above, Ayurveda can be a powerful tool to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, etc., as it offers a holistic approach to treating and managing illnesses.

This is especially true for those covered under critical illness insurance as it helps them better manage their health condition. Moreover, most newer health insurance plans cover Ayurvedic treatments.

At Tata AIG, you can claim AYUSH Benefits under your health insurance policy. This means in-patient treatments taken under Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy for treating an insured illness will be covered by us.

Hence, if you want to upgrade or buy a new health insurance policy from us, we recommend that you first compare health insurance plans, as it will give you a clearer picture of the plan's coverage options and prices. This way, you get one at an affordable rate with good coverage.

The Virechana Ayurveda treatment effectively manages and treats minor health issues, especially ones related to digestion. The process spans a week and involves the ingestion of an Ayurvedic concoction – made by the practitioner that will help facilitate the purgation process.

The toxins are usually purged through the rectum and also through induced sweating and vomiting. If done correctly, the patient comes out of it feeling lighter and more energetic.