Role of Deepana-Pachana in Panchakarma: A Review

Abstract

Ayurveda explains that our health is dependent not only on what we eat, but also on how we digest. The most vitamin-fortied diet or healthy food is considered unhealthy if our body isn't able to properly digest, absorb, and assimilate the food. Acc. to ayurvedic classics “Sarve Roga Api Mandagni” means all diseases in the body are caused due to mandagni (due to improper functioning of agni). In other words, the proper function of agni is important for strong vyadhikshamatva shakti (immunity) or bala Agni plays an important role in digestion of food. Mandagni leads to Ama formation which is the root cause of Roga. Utpatti. There are so many diseases originating because of Ama which are grouped under Ampradoshaja Vikara. Deepana and Pachana are considered under the heading of Shamanaushadhis. It is the rst line of treatment selected in order to overcome Ampradoshaja Vikaras. Thus, the treatment is mainly targeted towards the Agni thereby correcting the Ama. Deepana and Pachana are aimed in correcting the Agni which further helps in the proper digestion of Sneha and proper mobilization of dosha from shakha to kostha