Renewal was the term both the Syndicat and the inhabitants of Phindar used to refer to a brutal form of punishment: memory wiping. This process involved completely erasing an individual's memories.
Obi-Wan Kenobi, during his time as a young Jedi Padawan, underwent renewal. Nevertheless, he successfully maintained his memories thanks to his capabilities with the Force. According to Phindians, individuals with exceptional mental fortitude possessed the ability to withstand renewal.
The Ssi-ruuvi also employed this procedure to purge any defiance from a Human's mind prior to instilling new beliefs and concepts.