Ayurveda employs a wide range of therapies. Yet they can all be simply defined under two types - tonification and reduction, also called supplementation and elimination. Reduction (langhana) means “to lighten” and tonification (brimhana) means “to make heavy”.
 Reduction therapies decrease excesses in the body and aim at eliminating the factors that cause illnesses. They are used to get rid of deep-seated toxins as part of illness prevention and internal cleansing programs. Reduction therapy is called “discontenting” (asantarpana) because it includes practices of discipline, hard living and giving things up. It makes us doubt ourselves and question who we are and what we are doing. It stimulates us to change and give up bad habits.
Tonification methods nourish deficiencies in the body and work at building up inadequate energy or lack of substance in the body that may bring illness about. It is indicated in convalescence, or after reduction methods have been used. Tonification therapy is called "gladdening" (santarpana) because it consists of methods to give us greater nourishment, care, relaxation, ease and enjoyment. It aims to make us feel better about ourselves and encourages faith, love and positive attitudes.
The usual rule is first to reduce and then to tonify. If we tonify first, we may feed toxins or excess doshas into the body and make matters worse. However, every individual will have a different optimum treatment plan which will be formulated by our Ayurvedic consultant.
Reduce or tonify?
Reduction is indicated primarily for Kapha constitutions, while tonification is for Vata. This is because the main attribute of Kapha is heaviness, while that of Vata is lightness. Kaphas accumulate excesses in the form of excess weight, water or mucus. Vatas are prone to deficiencies in the form of low weight, dryness or debility. Pittas usually require a mixed therapy, with some degree of both reduction and tonification. Generally, Pittas need to reduce heat and inflammation but rebuild tissues damaged by them. |
