Significance of Virechan
Virechan is a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda, specifically part of Panchakarma, designed to cleanse excess Pitta dosha from the digestive tract. It serves as a purgative treatment to eliminate doshas, particularly helpful in cases like amavata. While effective for detoxification and alleviating conditions such as Sandhigata vata and Sheetpitta, Virechan must be performed correctly to avoid complications like Parikartika. This method is recommended at intervals of about one month for optimal health benefits.
Synonyms: Purging, Detoxification, Cleansing, Elimination, Evacuation, Bowel evacuation, Purgation, Catharsis
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Virechan in scientific sources
Virechan is an Ayurvedic purgative treatment focused on eliminating excess dosha, aiding detoxification, and addressing conditions like amavata and Sheetpitta, though it may cause complications if not administered correctly.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) An Ayurvedic cleansing technique involving purgation to remove toxins from the body, contributing to the overall health protocols in treating sexual dysfunction.[1] (2) An Ayurvedic treatment involving purgation, indicated for Vatapradhan Shwasa, such as Emphysema.[2] (3) An Ayurvedic treatment method involving medicated purgation to eliminate toxins from the body.[3] (4) A detoxification procedure in Ayurveda, specifically designed to cleanse the body of vitiated doshas through the anal route.[4] (5) A purgative action commonly aimed at balancing Pitta and eliminating toxins from the body.[5]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) A purgative treatment in Ayurveda, employed as part of the Panchakarma procedures, intended to balance the doshas and alleviate the symptoms of asthma.[6] (2) A purgation therapy in Ayurveda used to eliminate toxins through bowel movements.[7] (3) A detoxification procedure in Ayurveda involving purgation, intended to eliminate toxins from the body and balance the doshas.[8] (4) A purgative therapy in Ayurveda used for cleansing and balancing the doshas, particularly beneficial in cases of Amavata.[9] (5) An Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure that involves purgation, aimed at detoxifying the body and balancing the doshas, particularly useful in conditions with vitiated Pitta and Kapha.[10]
From: Ayushdhara journal
(1) An Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure that involves purgation aiming to eliminate toxins and promote reproductive health.[11] (2) Therapeutic purgation in Ayurveda, aimed at expelling excess Doshas, which is one of the five Shodhana therapies.[12] (3) A purgative therapy in Ayurveda aimed at expelling waste and toxins from the body, important in treating conditions like Kamala.[13]
From: AYU (Journal of Research in Ayurveda)
(1) A therapeutic procedure in Panchakarma designed to cleanse Pitta dosha from the digestive tract.[14]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
(1) An Ayurvedic purgation therapy aimed at detoxifying the body and enhancing digestive functions.[15]