A review on historical aspect of Virechan.

Abstract

Ayurveda has considered one of the oldest of the traditional systems of medicine accepted worldwide. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is still not exhaustively explored. India has a rich history of the traditional systems of medicine based upon six systems, out of which Ayurveda stands to be the most ancient, most widely accepted, practiced, and flourished indigenous system of medicine. The Panchakarma is composed of five karmas (actions) that are used for the removal of toxins from the body tissues. They are the Virechan (purgation through use powders, pastes, or decoction), Vaman (forced therapeutic emesis by use of some medicines), Basti (use of enemas prepared from medicated oils), Rakta moksha (detoxification of blood), and Nasya (administration of medicines like decoctions, oils, and fumes through nasal route). This article gives a glimpse of historical aspects of Virechan karma.