Virechana

What is Virechana?

Virechana is the therapeutic induction of controlled purgation to expel aggravated Doshas - primarily Pitta, and secondarily Kapha - through the downward route of the gastrointestinal tract.

Unlike ordinary laxatives, Virechana has a deeper purpose: to eliminate not only waste products but also the root cause of disease lodged in tissues.

Indications

Virechana is indicated in a wide range of Pitta-dominant and systemic disorders, such as:

• Pitta disorders like jaundice, skin diseases, and blood disorders
• Hemorrhoids and piles
• Digestive and metabolic disorders
• Asthma and chronic fevers
• Genital and urinary disorders
• Chronic toxicity and accumulation of metabolic wastes

Contraindications

Virechana should not be performed in:

• Pregnancy
• Childhood and very advanced age
• Certain heart diseases and severe debility

Preparatory Phase

Similar to Vamana, the body is prepared with 5-7 days of Snehana and Swedana. Once the Doshas are sufficiently loosened and collected in the GI tract, Virechana can be administered.

The Procedure

• The day before Virechana: Internal oleation (oral ghee/oil) is stopped.
• On the morning of Virechana:
  A light breakfast (commonly Moong dal preparation) is given soon after sunrise.
• After partial digestion of this meal (about 2-2.5 hours later), the patient receives Abhyanga and Swedana.
• Then, the purgative medicine (chosen according to constitution, strength, age, and disease) is administered.
• The patient drinks only warm water and remains indoors, close to toilet facilities.

Elimination usually begins within 2-3 hours, producing about 5-20 bowel evacuations, depending on the dose and individual factors.

Signs of proper Virechana:

• Expulsion of fecal matter first, followed by Pitta and Kapha
• Feeling of lightness, enthusiasm, clarity, and freshness
• Mild fatigue without collapse or extreme weakness

Post-Therapy Care

• Food and sleep are avoided until the elimination phase is fully complete.
• Only warm water should be used for drinking and external purposes.
• A special post-procedure diet, Samsarjana Krama, is followed for 3-5 days to rekindle digestive fire (Agni).
• The diet progresses gradually from thin rice gruels to normal food, based on hunger and strength.