New Ayurveda Series Part 4

Last post I briefly touched upon pre preparatory procedures for Vamana(emesis) Karma and Virechana(Purgation) Karma 

So continuing with my last post, on the night before Vamana therapy the patient is given Dahi Vada(curd with Urad dal dish) and Jalebi( sweet dish) for Kapha Utkleshana. However this is completely at doctor’s discretion, based on the condition he/she is treating. So not all patients are recommended Dahi vada and Jalebi.

Next day early morning, patient is given snehana and swedana(oiling and steam) followed by medicated decoction to drink and emetic herbs is administered after which patient has projectile vomiting, and ends with expelling bile. The number of times the patient throws up is taken in to account to decide the course of the food habits that needs to be followed post the Vamana procedure. The patient is given detailed instructions on the kind of food to be taken which starts with watery porridge and gradually move to solid food over the period of 2-3 days. This food changes that is gradually done is called as Samsarjana Karma which is very crucial aspect of panchakarma procedure. Our classical text says that the Vaishwanara(our digestive fire) becomes very pradipta(strong) after the purification procedure so the agni has to be slowly given liquids first and then move to solids just like pouring ghee in the yagna kunda makes the fire grow stronger.  

Virechana(Purgation) Karma- The pre preparatory procedure is same as that for Vamana Karma i.e snehana with ghee is done followed by administering purgative medicines on the day of purification. Here, Our favourite Dahi Vada and Jalebis are not given;), Virechana karma is the procedure chosen to perform in case of psoriasis, all skin related diseases, PCOD, Migraine, Obesity etc

The number of times, the patient visits the rest room is considered to decide the course of food habits that needs to be followed for Samsarjana Karma.

In both cases of Vamana and Virechana, the outcome of the therapy is categorized as Uttama( excellent purification), Madhyama(Moderate) and Hina(Not satisfactory)

Our next panchakarma procedure is Basti. This procedure (unlike Vamana and Virechana) does not have snehakarma as the pre preparatory procedure.

Basti/Vasti( Enema) Karma- This karma is of great significance in Ayurveda. Basti Karma is considered to be treating the roots of the tree, and the tree bounces back with full of life! Vasti Karma is of three categories- 

1. Yoga Basti( Total 8 enemas, 1 per day)
2. Kala Basti( Total 16 enemas, 1 per day)
3. Karma Basti(Total 30 enemas, 1 per day)

I shall elaborate about Basti Karma in my next post. Please feel free to post your questions in the comment section. 

See you all in next post, Take care:)

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