Ayurveda the ancient Indian science of holistic wellness has today become a global solution for N number of problems related to lifestyle and in general health. The classical ayurvedic philosophy holds time tested secrets to not just treat diseases but to altogether eliminate them send be able to live a healthy and a fit life.
The core understanding of Ayurvedic treatments depends upon the balance of the three doshas of the body that is the Vata Pitta and Kapha. Each of these doshas hold unique properties and their balance or imbalances affect the body differently.
Panchakarma – the star treatment for detox in Ayurveda happens to be the ultimate solution to bring balance and vitality. Today people from across the globe are seeking Panchakarma to balance doshas in Kerala. The reason that Kerala has become the hot spot for Ayurveda is because of its authenticity along with offering customized solutions for the modern day problems.
Amongst the five core procedures of Panchakarma, Vamana that is therapeutic emesis and Virechna that is therapeutic purgation’s happens to be two of the most important procedures in Panchakarma. These therapies work differently and target the body in unique manners. Let’s dive in to understand the importance of Vamana and Virechna in the Panchakarma treatments.
What is Panchakarma Treatment?
The word Panchakarma comes from a Sanskrit word which means five actions. Panchakarma is basically a detoxification and purification treatment that removes deep seated toxins from the body. Today the panchakarma treatment in kerala are referred to as the ultimate solution to detox the body sustainably. And in addition to detoxification, it also enhances digestion immunity and promotes overall vitality.
What are the Core 5 Therapies?
The core 5 procedures of Panchakarma are –
- Therapeutic vomiting that is Vamana
- Therapeutic purgation that is Virechna
- Medicated enema – Basti
- Nasal cleansing treatment Nasya
- Blood purification treatment Ratamokshana
Each of these procedures hold different importance and when they are performed in a certain manner they can affect the body uniquely.
What Does the Vamana Therapy Imply?
The Vamana therapy is a therapeutic vomiting that is induced under the controlled guidance of medical supervisors. This treatment aims to remove accumulated toxins that is a result of the aggravated kapha dosha.
Usually an aggravated kapha stores itself in the form of unwanted mucus, obesity, lethargy, skin issues, digestive problems etc. The Vamana treatment helps in removing these toxins by targeting the cleanse of the stomach and the upper digestive tract.
How is Vamana Therapy Performed?
Purva Karma Preparatory Phase
The Poorva Karma or the preparatory phase usually involves preparing the body to undergo major treatments. This step usually includes Abhyanga that is full body oil massage followed by Sweden that is a herbal steam therapy.
Both of these treatments allow the body to prepare itself for undergoing the main process. In addition to this, sometimes Snehana that is internal oleation is also induced to the patient in order to mobilize the toxins.
Pradhana Karma Main Phase
The main phase involves offering the patient customized herbal decoctions and liquids that induce vomiting. It is to be noted that this is not a random vomiting but it is a controlled vomiting which is performed under the expert guidance of vaidyas. Through this vomiting the deep seated Kapha toxins are removed from the stomach as well as the respiratory channels
Paschat Karma After Therapy Phase
The after therapy care involves offering the patient gentle diet. Because post the main phase the digestive system becomes very sensitive. So the digestion needs to be kindled gently and therefore the patient is offered light and easy meals to digest meals to restore his agni that is digestive fire.
What is Virechna Therapy?
The Virechana therapy is basically a therapeutic purgation treatment that helps in removal of toxins which are a result of the aggravated pita dosha in the body.
Any kind of aggravations related to the pitta dosha are manifested in the form of –
- Inflammation
- Acidity
- Skin issues
- Liver problems
- Irritability
- Hormonal imbalances
The Virechna helps in cleaning the liver, gallbladder as well as a small intestine where the Pitta toxins get accumulated.
How is the Virechana Therapy Performed?
Purva Karma
The preparatory phase is similar to Vamana. It also involves Abhyanga that is full body oil massage followed by Swedana – steam therapy and internal oleation. This step is basically to loosen up the toxins in the body and start moving them towards the digestive tract for easy elimination.
Pradhan Karma
The main phase includes offering the patients purgative medicines and laxatives that are herb based. The purpose of this phase is to stimulate bowel movements. It is to be noted that the bowel movements here are controlled and the dosage as well as type of laxative is offered to the patient upon the analysis of his dosha imbalances. This procedure is helpful in removing the accumulated pitta toxins especially through the medium of the intestines.
Paschat Karma
The post care phase involves providing a structured recovery and diet to the patient to restore his Agni and offer balance.
What is the Importance of Vamana and Virechna in Panchakarma
The core purpose of Panchakarma is to detox the body in a sustainable manner. Virechna and Vamana happen to be the perfect procedures to foster detox treatments. These therapies not only help in elimination of toxins and purification, they also help in restoring the dosha balances and fixing digestion as well as metabolism. The entire procedures not only support detox but also eliminate chronic diseases and support long term sustainable health.
This is the reason why the 21 Day Panchakarma Kerala Program, happens to be the perfect and the most recommended course for seeking Panchakarma in the most effective way.
Importance of Medical Supervision During These Therapies
Medical supervision is a really important step when performing these procedures. It is because these procedures can become quickly unsafe when it is performed in the absence of such instructors. Their presence not only maintains safety, but also ensures that the treatments offer therapeutic benefits rather than simply being a step of the entire part.
