A CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND THE CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF PARAMETERS OF ASSESSMENT OF VAMANA AND VIRECHANA KARMA

Vamana and Virechana Karma are the two internal purification practices described in Ayurveda which help to cleanse the body of the excess amount of the vitiated Kapha and Pitta Doshas respectively and consecutively help in maintaining the Doshika homeostasis in the body. It is very important for a physician to be vigilant during these procedures and supervise and assess carefully the status of cleansing (Shuddhi) achieved in the patient and accordingly plan the further diet and treatment schedule for the individual (Sansarjana Krama). Four types of criteria’s (Vaigiki, Maniki, Aantiki, and Laingiki) are described in the texts for judging the status of cleansing (Shuddhi) achieved in the patient by these procedures. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyze those criteria’s and determine their utility and clinical importance for the purpose of assessing the degree and the success of Vamana and Virechana procedures.