Which therapy is listed for managing Mukha Pak and Jihva Pak as part of general chikitsa?

• A. Shirodhara
• B. Basti therapy
• C. Virechana with bhumyamalaki or nishotha
• D. Diet modification only

Answer: (C)

Mukha Pak and Jihva Pak reflect an excess of pitta affecting the oral cavity, so the general chikitsa approach aims to remove the aggravating doshas from the body. Therapeutic purgation (Virechana) is the chosen method when pitta dominates, because it clears pitta from the digestive tract and reduces the inflammatory and mucosal manifestations that show up in the mouth and on the tongue. Using virechana with specific purgatives like bhumyamalaki or nishotha aligns with this goal: these substances promote controlled elimination of pitta and toxins through the bowels, helping the oral lesions heal and the mucosa regain balance.

Shirodhara and Basti have their roles in other presentations, but they aren’t the primary fit for managing these particular mouth- and tongue-related conditions within the framework of general chikitsa. Diet modification alone, while supportive, does not achieve the detoxification and dosha balancing that purgation provides in this scenario.