Shodana Chikitsa

In Ayurveda, herbs of unique medicinal values and other natural components are blended to create exclusive medicines that are very effective for the curing and healing ailments. With the progress of science and the advent of many advanced medicines (made of chemical compositions), Ayurveda is not practiced like the conventional era. However with the increase in pollution, physical and mental disorders like anxiety and stress, insomnia, indigestion, chronic headache and fatigue,allergies, cancer, pulmonary and cardiac diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes and so on, nowadays major populace are resorting to Ayurveda for complete cure of their body and soul through natural procedures.

Ayurveda involves curing as well as prevention of diseases coupled with varied methods of purification and rejuvenation, thus also enhancing the immunity of the person. Ayurveda justifies that any disease occurs owing to the imbalance of Three Doshas or faults- Vatha, Pitha and kapha. This disparity of the doshas can only be corrected with the help of Ayurvedic treatments known as Shamana Chikitsa and Shodhana Chikitsa.

In Shamana Chikitsa, the poisonous substances that accumulate in the body due to metabolism, Food habits, Climatic variations and other reasons are checked by taking medicines and maintaining proper diet.

Shodana Chikitsa or Waste elimination therapy is done when excessive toxins accumulate in the body and when the body is unable to excrete these toxic substances. Then with the help of Panchakarma method, these toxins are driven out from the body.

Shodhana Chikitsa is actually a body purification therapy which eradicates these toxins and furbishes up the Tridhoshas- Vatha, Pitha and kapha to a balanced condition with the aid of Panchakarma, Snehakarma and Swedanakarma methods of treatments.

The 15-day course of treatment includes massage of the body with oil, Snehapanam, Virechanam (medicated cathartic), Nasyam, Snehavasti, Pizhichil, Dhara, Njavarakizhi, Tharpanam, Karnapooranam, Sirovasthi, steam bath. Herbal medicines are prescribed for consumption.

The tern Shodhana means "to go away." It implies the elimination of the ama and mala and thus reinstating the former balance of doshas by pacifying the symptoms of the disease and also curing it from the root. Hence the detoxification process in Ayurveda is known as Shodana.

Panchakarma meaning five actions involves five purifying procedures that are an integral part of Shodana. They are-

• Vaman (Induced Emesis)
• Virechan (Induced Purgation)
• Basti (Medicated Enemas)
• Nasya (Nasal Insufflation) and
• Raktamokshan (Blood letting)

There are two preparative processes before the actual treatment starts. These methods also help to dispose toxins and are -

• Snehan (Oleation) that involves application of medicined oils either internally or externally.
• Swedan (Fomentation) comprises "Nadi Sweda" and "Bashpa Sweda" and preceed Panchyakarma.

Last Updated on 26 May 2011