Langahna is a form of ayurvedic therapy and is defined as whatever produces lightness in the body. It can also be known as “reducing therapy”. According to the principles of Ayurveda, substances possessing light, hot, sharp, non-slimy, rough, minute, coarse, unstable and hard properties have the best reducing effect.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, substances possessing light, hot, sharp, non-slimy, rough, minute, coarse, unstable and hard properties have the best reducing effect.
Vagbhata also uses the word langhana as a synonym of upavasa or fasting. Another definition of langhana is the consumption of easily digestible food. According to Vagbhata, apatarpana, or the consumption of less quantity of food, is also langhana.
According to Charaka, langhana is of 10 types – vamana, virecana, nasya, raktamokshana, thirst, exposure to wind, exposure to sun, digestive measure, fasting and physical exercise. Some experts add appetite stimulation to this list.
Those who have a bulky body and good strength, plenty of kapha, pitta, rakta, mala and association of aggravated vayu, should be subjected to reducing therapy by means of evacuation – vamana, virecana, etc.
Those afflicted by the diseases caused by kapha and pitta, such as vomiting, diarrhea, heart disease, fever, constipation, and anorexia should be treated with digestives. These diseases when less severe, can be overcome by fasting and control of thirst.
Such diseases of moderate or little severity in strong persons should be treated by physical exercise and exposure to sun and wind.
Persons suffering from skin diseases and diabetes, and also those suffering from vata disorders, should be treated with langhana in late winter.
Bibliography
- Charaka Samhita (2000) Edited by P V Sharma – Chaukambha Orientalia Varanasi
- The Legacy of Charaka (2003) – M S Valiathan – Orient Longman New Delhi
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume VI – page 250 - IHRF