Shodhana Chikitsa
Definition - What does Shodhana Chikitsa mean?
Shodhana Chikitsa refers to any Ayurvedic cleansing therapy that is used to remove excess doshas and ama (toxins) from the body. Also known as waste elimination or body purification therapy, Shodhana Chikitsa treatments aim to restore equilibrium, boost overall health and wellbeing and stimulate agni (digestive fire). Shodhana Chikitsa is particularly recommended in cases where toxins have accumulated to the point that the body is unable to expel them naturally.
Yogapedia explains Shodhana Chikitsa
In Ayurveda, Chikitsa refers to any type of treatment or therapy intended to correct an imbalance or manage a specific illness. Shodhana Chikitsa focusses specifically on removing toxins and eliminating excess Vata, Pitta or Kapha.
The Ayurvedic Panchakarma cleanse is comprised of Shodhana Chikitsa treatments, but these may also be administered independently of one another. Some examples of Shodhana Chikitsa treatments are:
- Langhana (fasting)
- Lekhana (scraping fat)
- Vamana (induced vomiting)
- Virechana (therapeutic purgation)
- Basti (enema using medicated oils)
- Rakta Moksha (therapeutic bloodletting)
- Nasya (nasal cleansing with herbs and oils)
Shodhana Chikitsa is not only effective in eliminating toxins. It has a wide range of therapeutic uses, such as improving digestion and circulation, bolstering immunity, eradicating disease, restoring dosha balance and boosting energy levels.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
