(According to Classical Ayurveda Texts: Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata)
1. शोधन चिकित्सा (Shodhana Chikitsa – Bio-purification Therapy)
Definition:
“यद् दोषान् बहिर्नयति तत् शोधनम्” (Charaka)
The process of expelling aggravated doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) from the body through systematic purification.
पञ्चकर्म (Panchakarma) – Five Purification Procedures
(1) वमन कर्म (Vamana – Therapeutic Emesis)
- Mechanism: Expels Kapha and Pitta through the upper GI tract.
- Indications:
- कफज रोग (Kapha disorders: Asthma, COPD, Obesity)
- Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Eczema)
- Diabetes (Prameha)
- Drugs Used:
- मदनफल (Randia dumetorum), यष्टिमधु (Licorice)
- मधु (Honey), सैन्धव (Rock salt)
- Procedure:
- पूर्वकर्म (Pre-op): Snehana (Oleation), Swedana (Sudation)
- प्रधानकर्म (Main): Administering emetic drugs
- पश्चात्कर्म (Post-op): Sansarjana Krama (Diet regimen)
(2) विरेचन कर्म (Virechana – Therapeutic Purgation)
- Mechanism: Expels Pitta and Kapha through the lower GI tract.
- Indications:
- पित्तज रोग (Pitta disorders: Jaundice, Hyperacidity)
- Migraine, Psoriasis, Hemorrhoids
- Drugs Used:
- त्रिवृत (Operculina turpethum), हरीतकी (Terminalia chebula)
- एरण्ड तैल (Castor oil)
- Procedure:
- Similar to Vamana (Snehana, Swedana, then purgation)
(3) बस्ति कर्म (Basti – Medicated Enema)
- Types:
- निरूह बस्ति (Decoction enema) – For Vata disorders
- अनुवासन बस्ति (Oil enema) – Nourishing
- Indications:
- वातज रोग (Arthritis, Paralysis, Constipation)
- Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, Sciatica)
- Drugs Used:
- दशमूल क्वाथ (Dashmoola decoction), तिल तैल (Sesame oil)
(4) नस्य कर्म (Nasya – Nasal Therapy)
- Types:
- शोधन नस्य (Purificatory) – For Kapha disorders (Sinusitis)
- शमन नस्य (Palliative) – For dryness (Vata disorders)
- Drugs Used:
- अणु तैल (Anu taila), शड्बिंदु तैल (Shadbindu taila)
(5) रक्तमोक्षण (Raktamokshana – Bloodletting)
- Methods:
- शृंग (Horn therapy), जलौका (Leech therapy)
- Indications:
- Skin disorders, Gout, Hypertension
2. शमन चिकित्सा (Shamana Chikitsa – Palliative Therapy)
Definition:
“समीकरोति दोषान् यत् तत् शमनम्” (Sushruta)
Balancing doshas without expulsion, using herbs, diet, and lifestyle.
7 Types of Shamana Therapy
- पाचन (Digestives)
- For Ama (toxins): चित्रक, शुण्ठी
- दीपन (Appetizers)
- Improves Agni: त्रिकटु (Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper)
- क्षुधा (Fasting)
- Light diet in fever, indigestion
- तृष्णा (Controlled thirst)
- In edema, obesity
- आतप सेवन (Sun exposure)
- For skin diseases, low immunity
- मारुत सेवन (Fresh air)
- Respiratory disorders
- व्यायाम (Exercise)
- Moderate exercise for metabolic balance
3. निदान परिवर्जन (Avoiding Etiological Factors)
Key Principle:
“निदानं परिवर्जयेत्” (Charaka)
- Example:
- Avoid cold, heavy food in Kapha disorders.
- Avoid spicy, sour food in Pitta disorders.
4. Comparison: Shodhana vs. Shamana
| Criteria | शोधन (Shodhana) | शमन (Shamana) |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Expels doshas | Balances doshas |
| Strength | Strong | Mild |
| Indications | Chronic diseases | Mild imbalances |
| Recurrence | Prevents relapse | May recur |
Conclusion:
- Shodhana (Panchakarma) is for deep detox.
- Shamana is for daily balance (herbs, diet, lifestyle).
- Nidana Parivarjan is essential in all treatments.
“शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्”
(The body is the primary instrument for fulfilling Dharma.)