E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Panchakarma

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 12 DECEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Awareness of Seasonal Detoxification through Panchakarma

Sudhakaran K1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.12.22

1* Keerthi Sudhakaran, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Itm Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, India.

An unhealthy lifestyle has contributed significantly to the manifestation and exacerbation of different disorders and the vitiation of Doshas. Whenever favourable conditions arise the Dosha will get further vitiated along with the seasonal influence and results into a reason for the disease Pathology. Ritucharya, or seasonal routines, is an Ayurvedic principle, and according to it, each season has a significant impact on our overall health. Panchakarma is a detoxifying and rejuvenating therapy that can balance the body, mind, and soul by regulating the three Doshas in the body. Seasonal Shodhana- a purification therapy, that expels the aggravated Doshas from the body and restores equilibrium and normalcy of Dosha even helps to maintain general health but also prevent and treat pathological consequences of many diseases. Ayurveda mentioned specific ways to perform Panchakarma, In this regard it was also specified to perform Panchakarma procedure as per the particular season. There are specific Panchakarma procedures which are indicated in particular Ritu’s similarly some Panchakarma procedures need to be avoided in particular seasonal conditions. The present article emphasizes on the role of Panchakarma in seasonal detoxification, as everybody strives for a good healthy life, rather than just a number of years without a good health.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Ritu, Doshas, Shodhana

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Keerthi Sudhakaran, Assistant Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Itm Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Sudhakaran K, Awareness of Seasonal Detoxification through Panchakarma. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(12):179-183.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3846

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-11-13 2024-11-23 2024-12-03 2024-12-13 2024-12-24
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 12.58

© 2024by Sudhakaran Kand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)179
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectivesMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Keerthi S. Awareness of Seasonal Detoxification through Panchakarma

Introduction

Technologically growing fast world but attention is much required in developing countries. In the present era lifestyle disorders are very common which is mainly because of not following the seasonal regimen. In ayurveda a person with normal activity of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni along with Prasanna, Indriya and Prasanna Manas is considered as Swastha Purusha. To remain healthy Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Sadvrutta (code of conduct) have been explained in Ayurveda. Among which Ritu Shodhana is unique - the purificatory therapeutic measure in which accumulated morbid Doshas are expelled from body through nearest route by Shodhana -Vamana, Virechana, Niruha - Anuvasana Basti, Shirovirechana and Raktamokshana are the five procedures. This is done to avoid the Prakopa and the bad effects caused by that dosas in the particular Ritu. Everything in nature happens in cyclical manner. Whether it is one second or the era or day or the season, well-being or ill feeling, everything moves in a rhythm. All the activities of the world are under the control of Kaala.[2]

Aim and Objectives

1. Study of Ritucharya
2. The significance of seasonal detoxification.

Materials and Methods

  • Classical texts and commentaries of Ayurveda.
  • Study material collected from internet.

Classification of Seasons in Ayurveda[3]

Depending on direction of movement of sun the year is divided in to two periods Ayana (solstice). They are Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice). Three Ritus or seasons make one Ayan. The word Ritu means “to go”. It is the way in which the nature expresses itself in a sequence in particular and specific in present forms in short, the seasons

Effect of Uttarayana

It is called Adana Kala. Sun and wind are very powerful in this time. It indicates the ascent of the sun or northward movement of the sun. The cooling quality of the earth and the strength of the people are reduced.

There is increase in Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) and Katu (pungent) taste. It brings dryness in the body and reduces the strength of the person. In this period there is northward journey of the Sun from Tropic of Capricorn to Tropic of cancer. The rays of the sun fall perpendicular at 30 degree meridian of the North Pole on June 21st every year. It is called summer solstice.

Effect of Dakshinayana

It is called Visarga Kala. In this period wind is not very dry, moon is more powerful than sun. It indicates descent of sun or southern movement of the sun. Due to clouds, rain and cold winds earth becomes cool. Unctuousness of atmosphere sets in. There is predominance of Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty) taste. The strength of person increases during this period. In this period rays of sun fall over 30-degree meridian of the South Pole perpendicularly on December 21st every year. It is called winter solstice. There is southward movement of sun from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn.

Meaning of Ritu

  • Sisira means people tends to stay in their houses like a Sasa (rabbit) due to the heavy cold season.
  • Vasantha means flowering season
  • Greeshma means that which extracts the Soumya Bhava from the body.
  • Varsha Ritu is characterized by rains
  • Sarat means the harvesting of the rice and paddy by Himsa Karma (thrashing)
  • Hemantha means the season characterized by the reduction of hotness by heat.
  • Pravrit Ritu means that which is characterized with heavy rain.
  • Pravrit is the Ritu coming prior to rainy season

Importance of Sisiradi Ritukrama and Pravrutadi Ritukrama in Chikitsa

Sisiradi Ritukrama

Sisiradi Ritukrama means Ritukrama starting with Sisira. Sisiradi Ritukrama includes Sisira, Vasanta, Greeshma, Varsha, Sarat and Hemanta. Sisiradi Ritukrama is prevalent in northern side of river Ganga. Sisiradi Ritukrama has Sisira Ritu which has extreme cold and presence of hailstones.


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Keerthi S. Awareness of Seasonal Detoxification through Panchakarma

Sisiradi Ritukrama is prevalent in

  • Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
  • Himachal Pradesh and Delhi
  • Punjab and Haryana
  • Jammu and Kashmir

Pravrutadi Ritukrama

Pravrutadi Ritukrama means Ritukrama starting with Pravrut. Pravrutadi Ritukrama includes Pravrut,

Varsha, Sarat, Hemanta, Vasanta and Greeshma. Pravrutadi Ritukrama is prevalent in southern side of river Ganga. Pravrutadi Ritukrama has Pravrut Ritu which results in four months of rainy season

Pravrutadi Ritukrama is prevalent in

  • Kerala and Karnataka
  • Maharastra and Goa
  • Andra Pradesh and Tamilnadu
  • Odissa and Madya Pradesh

Table 1: Seasonal variation of Dosha along with there Strength[4]

SNKalaRituMasaMonthSanchayaPrakopaPrashmanBala
1.AadanaShishira Mid Jan - Mid MarLate WinterKapha --Uttama
2.AadanaVasantaMid Mar - Mid MaySpring-Kapha-Madhyama
3.AadanaGreeshma Mid May - Mid JulSummerVata-KaphaHeena
4.Visarga VarshaMid Jul - Mid SepRainyPittaVata-Heena
5.Visarga SharadMid Sept - Mid NovAutumn-PittaVataMadhyama
6.Visarga HemantaMid Nov - Mid JanEarly WintersKapha -PittaUttama

Table 2: Panchakarma procedures specified in each seasons according to Acharya[5,6,7]

SNSeasonDosa AvasthaPanchakarma Procedures
1.Shishira Kapha Sanchaya Vayu PrerithaAbhyanga, Murdha Taila, Vimardana, Padaghata, Lepa, Swedana, Atapa Swedana, Ushna Sadana, Guru Pravarna, Aahava, Utsadana, Jentaka Swedana
2.VasantKapha Prakopa Tikshna Vamana, Nasya, Vyayama, Udvartana, Lepa, Dhoomapana, Kavala, Anjana, Lepa
3.Greeshma Vata Sanchaya, Bala Heena, Kapha Ksheenata Lepa Extensive Panchkarma procedures are avoided
4.PravritPitta Sanchaya, Vata Prakopa, Bala Heena, Agni Heenatva Nasya
5.VarshaPitta Sanchaya, Vata Prakopa, Bala Heena, Agni Heenatva Asthapana Basti, Pragharsa Udvartana, Lepa
6.SharadPitta Prakopa Virechana, Raktamokshana, Lepa, Tikta Snehapana,
7.HemantaKapha Sanchaya Vayu PrerithaAbhyanga, Murdha Taila, Vimardana, Padaghata, Lepa, Swedana, Atapa Swedana, Ushna Sadana, Guru Pravarna, Aahava, Utsadana, Jentaka Swedana

Table 3: Specific indication of seasons for Panchakarma Procedures

SNDifferent Shodhana Shamana ProceduresSpecific Indication in Seasons
1.Anu Taila Nasya Pravrit, Sharad, Vasanta
2.Pravicharana Snehapana Ushnakaala
3.Pravicharana SnehapanaHemantha Ritu
4.Matrabasti Sarvakala
5.NasyaGreeshma (morning time), Shisira, Hemanta (afternoon time), Varsha Ritu (when sky is free from clouds)
6.Snehapana -Sarpi[8]Sharad Ritu
7.Snehapana -Taila[9]Pravrit Ritu (Forepart of rainy season)
8.Snehapana -Vasa Majja[10]Madhava (Jan-Feb)

Discussion

Among six Ritus, Shishira is very cold and so procedures like Abhyanga, Utsadana, Murdha Taila are to be applied in this season to combat the ill effect of cold. Vamana helps to relives from Kapha Dosaja Vyadhi. Vamana in Vasantha Rithu helps to treat allergic condition. Vamana done in Vasanta helps to reduce allergic effects of pollen grains which are found more in Vasantha Ritu.


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Vamana relieves aggravated Kapha and clears channels. Seasonal variations influence Doshas and alter health status of person therefore purification measures need to be performed as per seasonal conditions. Greesma as it is very hot and dry, is not ideal for any Shodhana therapy is not ideal for any Shodhana therapy rather Shita Pralepa or other Shitala Upachara is needed. Nasya Karma removes aggravated Doshas from Urdhva Jatru Pradesha and helps to maintain circulation of body. Basti Karma facilitate expulsion of feces, flatus and urine thus improves appetite. Virechana & Raktamokshana in Sarat Ritu helps in the prevention of Rakta Dushti (Raktajavyadhi). Virechana removes aggravated Pitta thus improves Jatharagni. Raktamokshana purify skin and alleviates skin ailments. Panchkarma procedure performed as per the rules of Ritucharya then elimination of Dosas occurs effectively. Panchkarma helps to establish equilibrium of body when performed according to seasonal variation

Conclusion

The Dosha predominance changes as per the climatic condition therefore it is prerequisite to perform Shodhana therapy according to Ritu. Ritu Shodhana decreases disease morbidity; prevents lifestyle disorders, control immune disturbances, maintain hormonal balance and maintain immunity. Ritu Shodhana works towards Swastya Rakshana and Vikara Prashamana thus helps to achieve ultimate goal of Ayurveda. Ritu Shodhana decreases effects of accumulated environmental toxins. The Shodhana therapy prevents premature aging and restores strength of body. If Panchakarma is done with proper time it will definitely eradicate disease and give fruitful result otherwise it may cause serious complications so Kaala has important role in Panchakarma for successful treatment.

References

1. Sharma RK, Dash B. Caraka Samhita. Vol I, Sutrasthana. Varanasi: Cowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2011. p. 600.

2. Mishra YC. Padartha Vijnana. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2012. p. 120-122.

3. Kashinath S. Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapanidatta with Vidyotini Hindi commentary. Part 1, Sutrasthana. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Academy; 2018. p. 6/2-17.

4. Sharma RK, Dash B. Charaka Samhita. Vol VI, Siddhisthana. Varanasi: Cowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2011. p. 6/18 19: 266.

5. Kar PK. Principles and Practice of Panchakarma. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2013. p. 25.

6. Sharma RK, Dash B. Charaka Samhita. Vol VI, Siddhisthana. Varanasi: Cowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2011. p. 6/18 19: 266.

7. Paradkar H, editor. Ashtanga Hridaya, Commentary by Arunadatta and Hemadri, Sutra Sthana. Varanasi: Chaukambha Krishnada Academy; 2009. p. 3-15.

8. Kashinath S. Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapanidatta with Vidyotini Hindi commentary. Part 1, Sutrasthana. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Academy; 2018. p. 13/18: 259.

9. Kashinath S. Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapanidatta with Vidyotini Hindi commentary. Part 1, Sutrasthana. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Academy; 2018. p. 13/18: 259.

10. Kashinath S. Agnivesh’s Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Chakrapanidatta with Vidyotini Hindi commentary. Part 1, Sutrasthana. Varanasi: Chaukambha Sanskrit Academy; 2018. p. 13/18: 259.

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