• Within the ancient scriptures of Ayurveda, the Virechana procedure stands as a pivotal therapeutic modality, deeply rooted in the principles of holistic health.
  Virechana plays a crucial role in the restoration of the equilibrium of the Pitta Dosha. This treatment modality involves the controlled administration of purgative drugs (drugs that loosen stool or bowel activity), thereby facilitating the systematic expulsion of accumulated toxins.
• Virechana is the term used to describe the forceful ejection of vitiated pitta or kapha-associated pitta through the anal route.

What is ‘Pitta’? ‘Pitta’ is one of the three doshas, or fundamental bio-energies, that govern various physiological and psychological functions in the human body. Under normal circumstances, Pitta Dosha plays a major role in the mechanism of the human body. But, any deviation from the normal levels can lead to the manifestation of an array of Pitta-related disorders. 

Role of Pitta Dosha at Equilibrium

Controls digestion and metabolism	Imparts glow and complexion
Regulation of body temperature, thirst, and hunger	Controls normal Sight Mechanism
Promotes intelligence and vitality	Promotes sound sleep

 

Signs of Pitta Imbalance

Excessive thirst, sweating, and hunger	Digestive issues like Hyperacidity
Impulsive personality and anger issues	Loose bowel movements
Formation of rashes, ulcers, and skin eruptions	Mood swings, OCD, PMS, etc
Disturbed sleep	Extreme fatigue and hair fall

 

 Benefits of Virechana

Improved perception of the Sense Organs	Longevity and virility
Pleasant mood and temper	Relief from Gastrointestinal issues
Improved intellect	Sound sleep
Improved digestion and metabolism	Relief from Skin disorders

 

Types of Virechana

Mainly 4 types;-

• Anulomana

Virechana where the purging drug brings about the complete digestion of the food before expulsion from the body.

 

• Sramsana

Here, the drugs act on the digested or semi-digested food that adheres to the Gastrointestinal Tract before expulsion from the body.

 

• Bhedana

Forceful evacuation of impacted, accumulated fecal matter after being broken down into easily passable stool.

 

• Rechana

Digested or semi-digested food is liquefied, irrespective of the stage of digestion, and later expelled through the rectum in a liquid form.

 

Persons eligible for Virechana

Non-healing wounds	Hemorrhoids	Gastrointestinal issues
Constipation	Thyroid issues	Skin disorders
Obesity	Genito-urinary issues	Inflammation
Excessive burning sensation	Herpes	Chronic RTIs
Asthma	Hives and Urticaria	Urinary Tract Infections

 

How is Virechana done?

• Virechana is an Ayurvedic detoxification procedure that involves a systematic process of detoxifying the body by administering purgative Ayurvedic medicines (Laxative Medicines). Following an internal Oleation (Snehana) and fomentation (Swedana), Ayurvedic formulations are carefully selected based on the patient’s constitution or Prakriti. These purgative medicines promote regulated bowel motions, thereby removing excess Pitta dosha and toxins. 
• Within 8 hours of taking the medication, the patient may experience 7 to 20 bouts of loose stool. Because the body loses its digestive function after Virechana, the patient will be placed on a strict food regimen. First, a liquid diet consisting of rice porridge will be implemented. The patient’s ability to digest food will be evaluated by our physician before solid food is gradually introduced. 

 

Can you determine if your Virechana procedure was successful? 

Of course, yes! Ancient Ayurveda scriptures have specifically mentioned the signs where your physician can determine whether your Virechana procedure was carried out perfectly. They are as follows

Feeling of lightness and mild tiredness	Regular bowel movements and urination
Reduction of symptoms of the respective disease	Calm mind, and soul
Clarity of the 5 sense organs	Natural urges like Hunger and Thirst at ideal times
Improved complexion and skin tone	Restoration of normal digestion
Reduction in inflammation of the body	Improved intellect

 

Guidelines to observe immediately after undergoing Virechana Therapy

• The patient must consume light, liquid food as per the Physician’s instructions.
• Make sure to maintain hydration by drinking at least 2 to 3L of water a day.
• Avoid gluttony, sleeping late or sleeping during the day, traveling, coitus, walking long distances, exposure to sun, dew, or strong winds, Suppressing natural urges like defecation and urination, excessive anger or grief, talking loudly, etc.
• Drink warm water only.
• The patient must take adequate rest following Virechana in a room. Care should be taken to not lie down directly beneath a Fan, Air Conditioner, or direct wind.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes. Treatment decisions should be made exclusively by a well-qualified Ayurvedic physician. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.