Langhana
The word ‘langhana’ represents therapeutic fasting, hunger or intentional starving.[1] In broader perspective, it includes the therapies intended for reducing or depleting or lightening the body components. This is one among the six basic treatment protocols in Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 22/4] This therapy is applied to reduce any abnormally increased body component and bring it back to normal level to maintain equilibrium. It is indicated in the abnormal accumulation of dosha (pitta/kapha/rakta), any waste product, state of dosha associated with ama, and indigestion. Langhana therapy can be advised with or without any medication. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 22/12-13]
Langhana therapy is highly effective and increasingly popular in management of diseases due to overnutrition. The most popular forms of langhana therapy are fasting (upavasa) and exercise (vyayama). This article deals with various forms of langhana therapy in broader perspectives.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Chikitsa / Langhana |
|---|---|
| Authors | Dr.Aneesh E.G., Dr.Sujata Chaudhary, Dr.Yogesh S.Deole |
| Reviewed and Edited by | Basisht G. |
| Affiliations | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar |
| Correspondence email: | carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Date of first publication: | April 1, 2021 |
- ↑ Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Langhana, Page 895