These are basically therapeutic measures taken to either prevent diseases or to cure them. The five types of procedures include vamana, virecana, basti, nasya and raktamokshana.

Vamana(forced vomitting) :

Vamana employs administration of certain emetic drugs that induce repeated spell of vomiting to clean the upper gut. This is best for diseases related to kapha dosha. Bronchial asthma, obesity, certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis can be treated by vamana.

Virecana :

virecana is beneficial for the lower part of the gut and uses purgatives to clean the bowel. Pitta and kapha dosha benefits the most.

Vasti :

Vasti is admistered through anal canal bypassing the gastro intestinal tract. This is beneficial in neurological and rheumatological disorders.

Nasyam :

Medicated oil is dropped in both nostrils which is effective in treating sinusitis, migraine headache, nasal polyps, nasal blocks etc.

Rakta mokshana :

This is a therapy advocated by Ayurveda for curing conditions like varicose veins and some skin diseases. Usage of leeches is a type of raktamokshana.