Shad-Upakrama (षडुपक्रम)

These are the six main therapeutic modalities that form the basis of all Ayurvedic treatments. They are: 1. Langhana (li.

Ayurvedic Principles (Siddhanta Kosha) 1 min read
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Sanskrit Verse

लङ्घनं बृंहणं रूक्षणं स्नेहनं स्वेदनं स्तम्भनमिति षडुपक्रमाः।

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 22/4)

Explanation

These are the six main therapeutic modalities that form the basis of all Ayurvedic treatments. They are: 1. Langhana (lightening/reducing), 2. Brimhana (nourishing/building), 3. Rukshana (drying), 4. Snehana (oleating/moistening), 5. Swedana (sudation/fomenting), and 6. Stambhana (stopping/astringent).

Clinical Importance

These six principles are the practical tools of treatment. Every substance and therapy can be classified under one of these six headings. For example, to treat a condition that is heavy and oily (Kapha), the physician applies therapies that are light (Langhana) and dry (Rukshana).