VIRECHAN IN KUSHTA ROGA: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Virechana Karma is one of the important Shodhana therapies described in Ayurveda. It is mainly indicated in diseases caused by the predominance of Pitta and Rakta Dosha. In Ayurveda, various skin disorders are broadly described under the concept of Kushta. Skin is considered an important indicator of overall health, and healthy skin reflects a balanced state of the body. Improper dietary habits, unhealthy lifestyle, and faulty daily activities can disturb the balance of Doshas and may contribute to the development of diseases. Virechana is the second procedure among the five Panchakarma therapies and is especially useful for disorders involving Pitta and Rakta. It can also be beneficial when Pitta is associated with Vata or Kapha. According to Ayurveda, impairment of Agni and improper functioning of the liver along with Dosha imbalance may play a role in the development of skin disorders. Many chronic skin conditions may not respond adequately to conventional treatment, particularly when they are recurrent or difficult to manage. Virechana Karma helps eliminate aggravated Doshas from the body and may support the restoration of normal physiological balance. It has been described as useful in the management of various skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, vitiligo, and leukoderma. Ayurveda focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance rather than treating only the symptoms. This article reviews the role of Virechana Karma in the management of different skin disorders and discusses its possible benefits as an Ayurvedic purification therapy.