Shodhana Chikitsa (शोधन चिकित्सा)

Sanskrit Verse

दोषाः कदाचित् कुप्यन्ति जिता लङ्घनपाचनैः। जिताः संशोधनैर्ये तु न तेषां पुनरुद्भवः॥

— (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 16/20)

Explanation

Shodhana Chikitsa is a purificatory or detoxification therapy that aims to forcibly expel the aggravated Doshas and accumulated toxins from the body. The verse states that doshas pacified by gentle methods (Shamana) may re-aggravate, but those eliminated by Shodhana are unlikely to cause recurrence. The primary Shodhana therapies are collectively known as Panchakarma.

Clinical Importance

Shodhana is recommended for strong patients with chronic or severe diseases where the doshic imbalance is deep-seated. It is considered a radical cure that cleanses the body from its roots.