A Concept of Virechana Karma in Ayurveda with Special Reference to Autophagy

Abstract

Virechana Karma is one of the five Shodhana therapy. It is specifically designed for the therapeutic cleansing of the body by inducing controlled purgation. It is one of the ten Langhana therapy which produces Laghuta in body by eradication accumulated of Doshas through Rechana (purgation). It is indicated in Bahudoshaavastha like Avipaka, Aruchi, Sthaulya, Panduta etc. Autophagy is body cleansing mechanism found to have therapeutic value in certain diseases like, some metabolic disorders, infection, cancer, neurological diseases. It is a self-degradative process having significant role in important balancing sources of energy at critical times in development and in response to nutrient stress. Researches have shown that fasting helps to induce autophagy, thus latest research also approve the effectiveness of therapeutic measure developed by ancient ayurvedic scholars. Hence Virechana is consider as one of the ten Langhana therapy which literally means the act which induced lightness, so that we can consider Virechana as kind of fasting therapy hence it produced Laguta into body by eliminating Prakupita Dosha. Also, Virechana Karma and autophagy are both cleansing processes aimed at removing accumulated waste and restoring balance in the body. Both are activated under metabolic stress and promote detoxification, homeostasis and improve physiological function. Objective: 1. To study the concept of Virechana Karma in Ayurveda. 2. To study the corelation of Virechana Karma with autophagy.