Shodhana means sto purifys. This is the most important Ayurveda therapy where the primary focus is on eliminating the toxins from the body. It is an internal purification process. Purification helps in healing the disease and prevents its recurrence. It helps in maintaining the healthy state of our body. It is a time consuming and slow process but the benefits are more when compared to other methods of treatment. It helps in maintaining the equilibrium of the three doshas within the body. The treatment method consists of 3 stages
- Purva Karma- preparatory purification process
- Pradhana Karma or Panchakarma
- Paschath Karma- post purification process
Purva karma comprises Paachana or enhancing digestive power, Snehana or Oileation and Swedana or Fomentation.
Shodhana Treatment is also sometimes referred to as Panchakarma which constitutes the main line of treatment. It constitutes the following procedures.
Vamana
Vamana or Induced Therapeutic Vomiting is used to eliminate the kapha accumulated within the body. This kapha is the sole cause for recurrent attacks of bronchitis, colds, coughs or asthma.
Virechana
Virechana or Medicated Purgation eliminates Pitta toxins from the liver and gall bladder. It cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. Skin rashes, inflammation, persistent fever, nausea, vomiting etc are external manifestations of Pitta vitiation. It helps to root out these disorders and stabilize the body activities.
Nasya
Nasya involves administering of medicated oil through the nasal passages. This is effective in the treatment of ear and eye disorders, headaches, sinusitis, migraine etc. Enhances the function of sense organs.
Raktamoksha
Rakthamoksha or Blood Letting is used for purifying vitiated blood. This method is employed when internal medications are not sufficient to purify the blood. External use of Sneham i.e. is oileation and Swedham i.e. fomentation also forms an integral part. This is effective in the treatment of dryness of the body, scabies, skin disorders and various other problems.
Vasthi
It is used to alleviate Vatha predominant disorders like arthritis, headaches, muscle spasms and neurological disorders. Paschath Karma involves Sansarjan Karma commonly known as specific dietetics, Dhumapana or inhalation of medicated fumes.
Thus Shodhana Chikitsa or ShodhanaTherapy is a time consuming process but the overall results are quite impressive. It helps in elimination of toxins, improved digestion and absorption, restoring dosha equilibrium, increasing blood flow and strengthening immunity. It helps in eradication of any disease from its roots which form the true essence of Ayurveda.
