Virechana: A Complete Guide to Ayurvedic Gut-Purgation Therapy

What Exactly Is Virechana and Its Benefits?

Virechana is a detoxification regimen which helps eliminate accumulated toxins from your body through your gastrointestinal tract. This procedure has a lot of health benefits and is one of the main ayurvedic therapeutic procedures for body cleansing.

One of the main benefits of virechana is to remove the metabolic toxins. In Ayurveda, it is understood that an imbalance in Pitta dosha in the gut leads to the accumulation of metabolic toxins, causing an interruption in the function of the other two doshas (Vata and Kapha).

So, this therapy is carried out to remove the excessive Pitta dosha in the body. These toxins accumulate in the body from different factors such as poor digestion, environmental pollutants, and stress.

Mainly, an imbalance in Pitta comes out as symptoms related to digestive disorders, skin problems and metabolic imbalances. So, when you find such symptoms, it's time to get a Virechana therapy done.

Virechana works wonders in;

Digestive Issues

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Indigestion

Skin Disorders

• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis
• Allergic Conditions

Respiratory problems

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic cough

Neurological Conditions

• Migraine
• Headaches
• Insomnia

Metabolic Disorders

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism

Joint and Musculoskeletal Issues

• Arthritis
• Gout
• Fibromyalgia

Gynaecological Conditions

• Menstrual Irregularities
• Infertility
• PCOS

Liver and Gallbladder Issues

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Gallstones

Immune System Disorder

• Autoimmune Diseases
• Allergies
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The therapy also supports your body;s natural detoxification system - the immune system. It reduces the burden on the liver and kidney hence, strengthening your system overall. It also promotes mental clarity and calmness.

What is The Procedure Of Virechana? 

Go through the following steps of Virechana therapy if you feel that you deserve a deep gut cleanse.

1. Preparation Before the Therapy

Before getting the therapy started, an assessment is essential. Your health status, individual body type, metabolic evaluation and certain other factors need to be taken into consideration. It is best if you connect with an Ayurvedic expert to know if your body is ready for the therapy or not.

Once you know that you are ready, then the first part of preparation involves a process called "Snehapana" or "Oil Therapy".

• Here, you will be prescribed to consume a pre-calculated quantity of oil or ghee (calculated as per your gut type). 
• This internal snehapana will go on for up to 3 days to 7 days, depending upon how your gut reacts to the dosage. 
• The consumption stops when your stools become soft, and your skin no longer feels dry.
• You must follow a strict diet as advised by your Ayurvedic expert during the therapy.

What does this process help in?

This helps in internal lubrication. To be more precise, the process works like pouring oil to soften the rust in the iron, so that you can now remove the rust easily. 

Now, the snehapana process doesn't stop with internal medication. There is also an external oil massage therapy.

• As soon as you finish your 3-7 days of consuming oil or ghee, you will then be given oil massage (abhyanga) and steam therapy (swedana). This further loosens up the toxins.

Now, you are ready for the main Virechana therapy.

2. Virechana Therapy Process

While you enter the main process of virechana, your gut is already ready to push out the toxins out of your gastrointestinal tract.

• You will have an empty stomach in the morning.
• You will be given herbal concoctions meant for purgation. These are called  "Virechana Aushada" in Ayurveda.
• Now, you will be allowed to rest till you experience bowel stimulations.
• You may experience at least 6 to 10 bowel movements by afternoon or evening of the same day.
• You may take sips of warm "Triphala concoction" in between the bowel.
• Once the bowel movement stops completely, you will be given light food.

Note: You must not fall asleep, eat heavy food, strain yourself or expose yourself to the sun and breeze.

It is advisable to undergo this part of therapy under the strict supervision of an Ayurvedic professional. 

3. Post-Treatment Care

Once you are done with the main process you must follow a specific diet and lifestyle. This supports the post detoxification body. 

The logic is that your gut does not accept any heavy food or a sudden change after the cleanse. So, you will be gradually asked to move from a light diet to your regular diet. This transition can go for one to two weeks, depending on your gut type and metabolic strength.

During this time, you will be given internal ayurvedic supplements in the form of powders, pills or other preparations according to your health needs.

Note: Adequate rest and hydration are essential to facilitate the body's healing and recovery process.

Beware of Side Effects And Take Precautions

Even though Ayurvedic therapies are considered safe when performed under the supervision of trained Ayurvedic experts, the chances of complications are not nil. There are chances that you may experience;

• Dehydration from fluid loss and lack of drinking water
• Electrolyte imbalance from repeated bowel movements 
• Weakness and fatigue due to the cleansing process
• Digestive disturbances like nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Skin irritations
• Hypoglycemia due to sudden lowering of blood sugar levels

Take preventive measures in such conditions.

• Consume enough warm water or herbal teas after the procedure to replenish fluids.
• Consume electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water or diluted herbal concoctions.
• Have easily digestible foods to keep your fatigue away. Eating heavy, oily or sweet foods will only make you weak.
• Practise gentle skin care with herbal oils as eladi oil, if you experience itching.
• Keep monitoring your sugar levels to prevent sudden hypoglycemic attacks.

Who Must Not Go for Virechana Therapy?

Even though 'Gut Cleanse' may look attractive, Ayurvedic science emphasises upon restrictions of this therapy. Some of them who must not take up virechana therapy are;

• Pregnant and Lactating Women: The process strain on the developing foetus.
• Young Children and Adolescents: Virechana can interfere in the developing process of growing children and young adults.
• Elderly: Elderly individuals may have reduced physiological reserves. This may make them prone to electrolyte imbalances.
• Severely Debilitated : Those who are in advanced stages of some illnesses cannot bear the process as it may further put strain on their system.
• With Acute Illnesses : The therapy must not be carried out when someone experiences acute illnesses such as fever or infections as it may delay the healing process.
• With Chronic Diseases: People with chronic health conditions like advanced heart diseases, kidney diseases, and late-stage liver diseases must consult with healthcare providers before going for therapy.
• Terminally Ill: Those who are terminally ill or those receiving palliative care will not be able to bear the strain of the therapy.
• Severely Malnourished : Those who are malnourished will not be able to go on with the fasting advised with virechana process. This will further lead them into nutritional deficiencies.
• Psychological Conditions: Those experiencing mental health conditions will find it difficult to follow certain instructions related to the therapy. Certain alternative therapies that address mental well-being may be more beneficial.
• Recent Surgery: Individuals who have undergone recent surgical procedures, particularly abdominal surgeries, should avoid Virechana until they have fully recovered and received clearance from their healthcare providers.

Don't miss the oppurtunity if a simple ayurvedic cleanse that you can do at home. Read our article on DIY Ayurvedic Gut Cleanse at Home.

Wrapping Up!

Virechana therapy offers simple and effective ways to detoxify your body. Its all-natural approach gently cleanses the body of toxins, leaving you feeling revitalised and balanced. Virechana, being one of the major therapeutic procedures, offers numerous health benefits, all of which have been explained in this blog.

Also, you are now aware of the side effects and contraindications of virechana therapy. This knowledge will come in handy if you are considering the Ayurvedic lifestyle and management.