Virechana is medicated purgation therapy, it is the cleansing of the Pitta and the purification of the blood toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder; it completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects. Generally, it is administered three days after the Vamana treatment but this may vary. If Vamana therapy is not needed, Virechana can be administered directly after purvakarma. Virechan cleanses the sweat glands, small intestine, colon, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen. A number of effective and safe herbs can be used as a laxative. This includes senna, prune, bran, flaxseed husk, dandelion root, psyllium seed, cow's milk, salt, castor oil, raisins and mango juice. When taking these laxatives, it is important to adhere to restricted diet. Benefits of Virechana help root out skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, asthma, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. This karma mainly aims to eliminate doshas that cannot be removed by Vamana karma such as the kidneys, lungs and sweat glands. This elimination process of vitiated doshas through rectum is called Virechana. The drugs used for virechana karma (purgation therapy) vitiate the doshas and bring them into the koshta (abdomen). Purgative drugs are dominant in earth and water elements and have downward movement. The synonyms of virechana are rechan and praskandhan.

Procedure of Virechana The patient should be first subjected to Oleation, Fomentation, Emisis and Samsarjana Karma (post operative) as described earlier. Then start internal Oleation for 3 to 7 days. Followed by medicated Steam bath for 3 days.

A day before Virechana light and warm diet is advised.

Purgative drug should be administered after 7.00 a.m. i.e.: after completion of "Kapha kala" (time).

Factors like disease state, body - mind constitution, age, state of Dosa, person time and mental condition needs to be taken in to consideration.


Hot water in small quantity and "Yastimadu" Phanta is to be given at regular intervals, to induce bouts, while cold water is absolutely contra indicated