Conceptual Understanding of Deepana Pachana in Ayurveda

Abstract

In Ayurveda, the root cause of all metabolic disorders is considered to be an imbalance of Agni, expressed in the dictum ‘Sarve roga api mandagni’- all diseases arise from impaired digestive fire. The digestive system of the human body depends on the proper functioning of Agni. Deepana dravyas digest the Ama by increasing the Agni, while Pachana dravyas only increases the Agni without digesting the Ama. Deepana pachana holds great importance, both as a treatment prior to Shodhana and as a Samana chikitsa. It is continued until the attainment of Nirama lakshanas, and therefore, the duration may vary from person to person. This therapy primarily targets Agni, thereby correcting Ama. It further promotes proper digestion and facilitates the effective mobilization of Doshas from Sakha to the Koshta. The drugs used in Deepana pachana enhance the digestive and metabolic physiology and are crucial in transforming the Sama state into Nirama state. Administration of Deepana pachana oushadhis before Snehapana helps to normalise Mandagni, Tikshnagni or Vishamagni into Samagni. It also induces Koshta laghavata and enables the digestion of even Gurutama Sneha. This review paper aims to understand the importance of Deepana pachana in Ayurveda.