“Bhedana” is basically one type of Virechana. Among the five classical Panchakarma therapies, Virechana holds a special place as a therapeutic purgation that cleanses the body of aggravated doshas.
Also, it not only aims to eliminate Pitta Dosha through the anal route but also expels associated Kapha and Vata doshas. So, this purification process clears toxins, improves metabolism, and restores balance in the body.
Within the broad category of Virechana, Ayurveda describes different actions which depend on the intensity and mode of drug activity. Bhedana is considered the most powerful among them.
What is Bhedana?
The term Bhedana comes from the Sanskrit word “Bheda” which means to break apart, split, or pierce through.
According to Ayurveda, Bhedana refers to strong purgative medicines that break down, dislodge, and forcefully expel hard, impacted fecal matter (Baddha Mala) from the body.
Unlike mild laxatives that simply loosen stools, Bhedana acts like a chisel that penetrates and breaks down solidified toxic waste and stubborn doshas.
Bhedana has helped in the management of Chalazion, the most common inflammatory lesions of the eyelid. Read the Study.
How Does Bhedana Work?
Bhedana drugs are known for their Tikshna (sharp), Ushna (hot), Vyavayi (quickly spreading), and Vikasi (channel-opening) properties. Hence, these qualities can:
1. Break Down Solidified Toxins: They act on hardened fecal matter and stubborn doshas, breaking them into smaller parts for easy expulsion.
2. Permeate Channels (Srotas): Due to their Vyavayi and Vikasi nature, they spread quickly into subtle channels. So, they reach the deeply lodged doshas even before digestion.
3. Stimulate Intestinal Movements: By drawing water into the intestines and stimulating strong peristaltic action, they induce powerful purgation.
4. Forceful Elimination: The result of Bhedana is a thorough cleansing and eliminating deeply accumulated waste that other purgatives take a lot of time to dislodge.
Note: This process is always conducted under strict medical supervision to ensure safety of VVAC’s health seekers.
Conditions Where Bhedana is Indicated
Bhedana therapy is beneficial in conditions where toxins (Ama) and doshas have accumulated and solidified, such as –
- Chronic constipation and impacted bowels
- Accumulated Ama and stubborn toxins in the digestive tract
- Skin diseases associated with Pitta and Kapha dosha
- Headaches, jaundice, and metabolic disorders caused by toxic accumulation
- Abdominal heaviness due to lodged malas
Since, Bhedana removes the root cause of these ailments, a health seeker experiences a long-lasting relief.
Some Bhedaniya Drugs Used In the Treatment
Charaka Samhita describes a group called “Bhedaniya Mahakashaya,” which are ten potent medicinal plants with purgative and toxin-expelling properties. Some of them are mentioned-below –
- Danti (Baliospermum montanum)
- Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)
- Langali (Gloriosa superba)
- Katuki (Ricinus communis)
- Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
- Arka (Calotropis gigantea)
Classical Formulations with Bhedana Properties
To achieve Bhedana action, there are several ayurvedic formulations made from specific herbs.
1) Avipathi Choornam: A classical powder for Pitta disorders and constipation
2) Trivrut Leham: Effective in cleansing the gut and balancing Pitta
3) Mahatiktaka Ghritam: A medicated ghee, which is useful in skin disorders before purgation
4) Arogyavardhini Vati: It is widely used in liver, skin, and metabolic issues
5) Patoladi Kashaya: Known for detoxification in skin and blood disorders
6) Phalasarpis: Effective for reproductive health and dosha cleansing
Benefits of Bhedana Therapy
Deep detoxification of lodged doshas and toxins. Accumulated toxins in the body cause a lot of health issues which require immediate redressal.
Relief from chronic constipation, abdominal heaviness, gas, and related gut or digestive issues.
Improves metabolism and digestion process. Also, this process clears skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, Inflammatory Acne, and more.
Relieves headaches, liver disorders, and certain eye diseases caused by Pitta imbalance. At times, Bhedana is a pre-process to prepare the body for further Panchakarma therapies.
Treatments at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam
At VVAC, Bhedana and other classical Panchakarma therapies are performed strictly as per classical texts and Kerala Panchakarma traditions.
- Health seekers undergo a detailed Nadi Parikshan and consultation before therapies.
- Formulations and herbal medicines used in the treatments are freshly prepared at VVAC’s in-house kashayapura.
- Also, the wellness center is spread across 25 acres on Shivalik hilltop surrounded by 500 acres of lush green forest.
- The center also has its own in-house gaushala, organic farms, temples, and more.
- Good News? VVAC is empaneled under CGHS, CAPF, Haryana Govt, and private health insurance companies, that makes classical Ayurveda accessible either cashless or reimbursed.
