Ayurveda is not a medical system that addresses only diseases. The first and foremost aim is to preserve the health of the healthy. The three humours function as pillars supporting the body. The derangement in the humours causes illness. The natural constitution (Prakrithi) of an individual and deranged state of the body in an illness (Vikrithi) are expressed with respect to Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. Medicines and herbs are grouped based on its effects on the humours.

Ayurvedic treatments are classified in two groups broadly:-

• Shodhanachikitsa
• Shamana chikitsa

Shodhanachikitsa is Panchakarma therapy; literarily meaning fivefold therapy. It gives the long lasting benefits in the body. The five processes which are used for body cleansing in Ayurveda:-

• Vamanam - Medically induced vomiting
• Virechanam - Medically induced purgation
• Nasyam - Administration of medicine through the nose in the form of drops or powders
• Snehavasthi - Enema done with medicated oil
• Kashayavasthi - Enema done with a mixture of honey, salt, herbal paste,herbal decoction and medicated oil.

Proper preparatory measures have to be undertaken prior to the treatment, to make the body ready for the cleaning. After completion of treatment patient may have to continue internal medicines, follow diet and lifestyle advises. Shamana chikitsa is a method of treating diseased by appropriately planned diet, lifestyle and internal medicines.

Shamana chikitsa is palliative therapy.