Deepana–Pachana, Panchakarma, Rasayana, and Pathya-Ahāra,

1. DĪPANA–PĀCANA (Digestive–Metabolic Stimulation Therapy)

Deepana = Drugs that increase Agni (digestive fire)
Pachana = Drugs that digest or remove Āma (toxic, undigested material)

This is the first step in almost all diseases, because Āma obstructs Srotas and leads to Doṣa imbalance.


1.1 Importance

  • Removes Āma

  • Improves digestion & metabolism

  • Prepares patient for Panchakarma

  • Restores Agni → root treatment of most diseases

  • Reduces heaviness, bloating, mucus, low appetite


1.2 Indications

  • Ajeerna (Indigestion)

  • Ama-related diseases

  • Skin diseases

  • Joint disorders

  • Respiratory congestion

  • Obesity

  • IBS / Grahani

  • Before starting Panchakarma


1.3 Common Deepana-Pachana Herbs

Type Drugs Actions
Deepana Pippali, Maricha, Chitraka, Shunthi, Jeeraka Enhances Agni
Pachana Trikatu, Musta, Ajmoda, Patha Burns or clears Āma
Combined Trikatu churna, Panchakola churna Both Deepana & Pachana

1.4 Classical Formulations

  • Trikatu churna

  • Hingvastaka churna

  • Chitrakadi vati

  • Panchakola churna

  • Jeerakadyarishta


2. PAÑCAKARMA (Five Major Bio-Purification Therapies)

Panchakarma = 5 classical detox procedures
Used to eliminate vitiated Doṣas from their roots.


2.1 Purvakarma (Preparatory Procedures)

Before Panchakarma:

  1. Deepana–Pachana

  2. Snehana (Oleation) – internal & external

  3. Swedana (Sudation / Steam therapy)


2.2 The Five Main Therapies


1. VAMANA (Therapeutic Emesis)

Indication:

  • Kapha disorders

  • Asthma, COPD, bronchitis

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • Skin diseases

Drugs:
Madana phala, Yashtimadhu, Vacha, Pippali


2. VIRECHANA (Purgation)

Indication:

  • Pitta disorders

  • Skin diseases (Psoriasis, Eczema)

  • Jaundice, liver diseases

  • Gastritis, acidity

Drugs:
Trivrit, Draksha, Avipattikara churna, Nimbamrita eranda


3. BASTI (Medicated Enema)

Best treatment for Vata disorders
Used in:

  • Arthritis

  • Neurological disorders

  • Constipation

  • Sciatica

  • Degeneration

Types:

  • Niruha Basti (decoction)

  • Anuvasana Basti (oil)


4. NASYA (Nasal Administration)

Indicated in:

  • Headache

  • Sinusitis

  • Cervical issues

  • Hormonal disorders

  • Eye & Ear diseases

Drugs:

  • Anu taila

  • Shadbindu taila

  • Vasa ghrita


5. RAKTAMOKSHANA (Bloodletting)

Especially in:

  • Pitta-Rakta disorders

  • Skin diseases

  • Varicose veins

  • Local inflammation

Forms:

  • Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy)

  • Siravyadha (venesection)


3. RASĀYANA THERAPY (Rejuvenation & Tissue-Nourishment)

Rasayana = therapies that promote longevity, immunity, strength, fertility, and mental clarity.


3.1 Benefits

  • Anti-aging

  • Boosts immunity (Vyadhikshamatva)

  • Enhances memory & lifespan

  • Restores Dhatu health

  • Improves Ojas

  • Tissue regeneration


3.2 Types of Rasayana

1. Kutipraveshika Rasayana

  • Very strict

  • Performed inside a special hut

  • Powerful anti-aging method
    (Described in Charaka Chikitsa 1)

2. Vatatapika Rasayana

  • Can be done at home

  • More practical

  • Uses daily Rasayana herbs


3.3 Major Rasayana Herbs

Herb Action
Guduchi Immunomodulator, antipyretic
Amalaki Longevity, antioxidant
Ashwagandha Strength, fertility, mental calmness
Shatavari Rejuvenates reproductive tissues
Pippali Lung rasayana
Haritaki Restores all Srotas
Brahmi Memory enhancer

3.4 Rasayana Formulations

  • Chyawanaprasha – for immunity, respiratory health

  • Brahma Rasayana – for memory

  • Ashwagandha lehyam – for debility

  • Agastya Haritaki – for respiratory weakness

  • Triphalā Rasayana – digestive & cellular rejuvenation


4. PATHYA–AHĀRA (Wholesome Diet & Lifestyle)

Pathya = what should be followed
Apathya = what must be avoided

This is the backbone of long-term disease control.


4.1 General Pathya Principles

  • Eat freshly cooked warm food

  • Avoid incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara)

  • Maintain regular meal timings

  • Avoid overeating & fasting

  • Promote digestive fire

  • Use ghee in moderation

  • Drink warm water


4.2 Pathya for Common Doṣa Conditions


1. For Vata Disorders

  • Warm, oily foods

  • Ghee, sesame oil

  • Soups

  • Urad dal

  • Rice, wheat

Avoid:
Dry, cold foods, salads, excessive travel, stress


2. For Pitta Disorders

  • Cooling foods

  • Coriander, fennel, ghee

  • Sweet fruits

  • Tender coconut water

Avoid:
Spicy, sour, salty food


3. For Kapha Disorders

  • Light foods

  • Millets, barley

  • Ginger, black pepper

  • Honey

Avoid:
Cold, oily, sugary foods, curd


4.3 Pathya According to Disease Category

Digestive Disorders

  • Thin gruels (Yavagu)

  • Takra (buttermilk)

Respiratory Disorders

  • Warm water with Pippali

  • Avoid cold, ice drinks

Skin Disorders

  • Bitter foods (Neem, Patola)

  • Avoid fermented foods

Joint Disorders

  • Soup, ghee

  • Avoid cold exposure


5. INTEGRATION OF ALL FOUR IN TREATMENT

Step-by-step Ayurvedic treatment approach

  1. Deepana–Pachana

    • Clear Ama

  2. Panchakarma

    • Remove vitiated Doṣas

  3. Rasayana

    • Strengthen Dhatus & immunity

  4. Pathya–Ahara

    • Maintain balance long term.

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