Virechana (विरेचन) – Ayurvedic Purgation Therapy

Virechana is one of the five Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda.
It is a controlled purgation (therapeutic cleansing of bowels) procedure to eliminate vitiated Pitta dosha and toxins (Ama) from the liver, gallbladder, and intestines.

It is not like ordinary laxative use—rather, it is a systematic purification process performed under Ayurvedic supervision.

🔹 Meaning

  • Virechana = Purgation / Cleansing through bowels
    👉 Virechana = Induced elimination of Pitta and toxins through stool

🔹 Procedure

1. Purvakarma (Preparation Stage)

  • Snehana (Oleation): Internal intake of ghee or medicated oils for 3–7 days

  • Swedana (Sudation): Steam therapy to loosen toxins and move Pitta towards the intestine

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)

  • Patient is given specific purgative medicines (like Trivrit Leha, Avipattikar Churna, castor oil, Aragwadha, Draksha preparations).

  • Within a few hours, patient passes multiple stools (without pain) until signs of proper cleansing appear (lightness in abdomen, clarity of senses, relief in Pitta symptoms).

3. Paschat Karma (Post-care)

  • Samsarjana Krama: Special post-detox diet starting with rice gruel, then gradually moving to light, easily digestible foods, then to normal diet.

  • Adequate rest and avoidance of sun, anger, and heavy exercise.

🔹 Indications (When Virechana is Useful)

Virechana is recommended in Pitta-related disorders, such as:

  • Liver disorders (hepatitis, fatty liver, jaundice)

  • Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis)

  • Hyperacidity, gastritis, ulcers

  • Chronic constipation with Pitta dominance

  • Gallbladder stones (early stage, preventive)

  • Headaches, migraine (Pitta type)

  • Bleeding disorders (Pitta rakta dushti)

  • Gout (Vatarakta – Pitta-Kapha involvement)

  • Anxiety, anger, irritability due to Pitta imbalance

🔹 Benefits of Virechana

  • Expels excess Pitta and Ama

  • Improves liver and gallbladder function

  • Purifies blood and improves complexion

  • Relieves skin diseases, itching, rashes, acne

  • Improves digestion and metabolism

  • Gives clarity of mind and emotional stability

  • Prevents recurrence of Pitta disorders

🔹 Contraindications (When NOT to do Virechana)

  • Children, elderly, very weak or emaciated persons

  • Pregnancy & menstruation

  • Severe dehydration, diarrhea, dysentery

  • Tuberculosis, bleeding disorders, rectal prolapse

  • Very cold season (unless necessary)

✅ In short:

  • Vamana → For Kapha (upper body, lungs, stomach)

  • Virechana → For Pitta (liver, gallbladder, intestines)

  • Basti → For Vata (colon, nervous system)