What is Panchkarma
Panchkarma is an Ayurvedic treatment for detoxification. It is the ultimate mind body healing experience for purifying the body, strengthening the immune system & restoring overall balance and well-being. Panchkarma means five actions or five treatments which are undertaken for cleansing the body internally . This procedure is done to remove the Ama ( toxins) accumulated in the body.
Why do you need to do Panchkarma treatment
In todays hectic and fast paced life our body and mind are constantly under influence of toxins. The food we eat, the air we breath , the water we drink all are contaminated with chemicals and fertilisers. Apart from these the changing lifestyle and eating habits along with stress have taken it’s toll on health .
All the above factors makes your digestion weak, leading to formation of Ama ( toxin). Ama is the by product of incopmlete digestion process. In Ayurveda this Ama is believed to be the cause behind all the diseases. Even though you might not experience as many symptoms of Ama initially, your condition worsen when doshas start getting imbalance due to Ama.
The solution to all this is Panchkarma treatment as this will help you get rid of Ama. The therapies involved in this process to loosen Ama ( toxins) from deep tissue in order to be removed through body’s natural route of elimination.
Step by Step how Panchkarma therapy is done
An ideal panchkarma treatment is done in three steps.
First Step : Purva-karma
Purvakarma means the preparatory phase. The main aim of these pre-treatment techniques is to prepare the body for detoxification process. This preparatory phase consist of
1.Snehana (oleation) is the first step of preparatory phases. In this step medicated herbal oil is applied on the body . The purpose of applying these oils is to loosen the ama & move it to gastrointestinal system. Once the Ama (toxin)move to gastrointestinal tract from where it is easily thrown out of the body. External oil application is known as Abhyanga. Abhyanga means gentle body massage with medicated oil. After external oil massage medicated ghee ( clarified butter) is given for internal consumption. This is known as internal oleation. This internal as well as external oleation helps to loosen the ama from the cells and deep tissue of the body
2.Swedana is a process in which sweating in induced in the body. Swedana is given with steam made from decoction of herbs and in some conditions dry Swedana is also recommendedand. It is done every day after the oil application & internal snehana. The process of swedana helps to further loosen the toxins and increase the movement of toxins into gastro-intestinal tract from where this toxins are thrown out of the body. Swedana also helps in relieving pain and stiffness of the body.
Second Phase : Pradhan- karma
Pradhan Karma means the main treatment . After Purvakarma, when the ama moves into the gastrointestinal tract. Then the main Panchakarma therapies such as Vaman (therapeutic vomiting), Virechan (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal admiration of medicine) and Rakthmokshan (bloodletting) are used per need of disease condition.
The 5 Panchkarma
Vaman:
This is a Panchkarma therapy is done to eliminate excess kapha dosha in the body. Vaman is indicated is chronic cold cough, bronchitis, asthma allergies skin disorders, psoriasis, cellulitis, sinusitis, migraine and other diseases related to cough and upper body part.
The vaman is indicated in above diseases because there is excess cough formation in the body. Once the mucous is released, the patient will feel instantly relieved, he feel relaxed, lightness, clear thinking, a good appetite and it is likely that congestion will disappear this indicate that vaman is administered properly. However Vaman should not be admistered in pregnancy, heart disease, hypertension, children’s, older population, piles, and giddiness. Always consult a trained Ayurveda doctor before planning for vaman karma.
Virechan:
This is an Ayurvedic process to eliminate excess pitta dosha in the body. Virechan is indicated when excess pitta start to accumulate in the body and in diseases like skin rashes, piles, pigmentation of skin, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, menstrual irregularities, gout, hyperacidity, diabetes, kidney disease. Once the Virechan is administered properly patient will feel lightness, good appetite, proper flow of urine, gases, relief in constipation. Virechan is contraindicated in new fever, ano-rectal bleeding, injury to anal region and tuberculosis. Panchkarma process should always administered under the guidance of Ayurveda doctor.
Vasthi :
This is an Ayurveda process to eliminate excess vata dosha in the body. Vasthi is indicated when excess of vata dosha start troubling the body. In diseases like chronic Constipation, Back pain, Neck pain, Arthritis, Sciatica, Abdominal distention, Flatulence, Menstrual disorder, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Uterine fibroids and all eighty types of vata disorder vasthi is said as best treatment.Vasthi chikitsa is mainly three types
Niruh vasthi:.
Anuvasan vasthi:
Uttar vasthi:
Vasthi chikitsa is described as “half treatment” covering a wide range of indications and almost every second patient needs this treatment.
Nasya:
This is a Ayurveda process to eliminate excess doshas accumulated in and above the neck. Nasya therapy is highly effective in eye disorder, ear disorder, migraine, and any type of headache, sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis and other diseases affecting the upper body parts.
Rakthmokshan:
Classical and original work on Ayurveda regards Rakthmokshan as a very significant and inevitable treatment. It is like one of the two wings of a bird, Vasthi being the other. In this process small quantity of blood is allowed to flow out of the body. This helps the blood impurities and doshas to flow out of the body. Rakthmokshan therapy is effective even when all other form of treatment fails to provide relief. The karma of Rakthmokshan should be admistered in patients with skin diseases, cellulitis, eye problems, gout, severe pain, inflammation and many other conditions.
Rakthmokshan is done by two process one is by puncturing the vein and other by applying leeches to the affected part.
Third Phase : Paschat- karma
The paschat karma means set of procedure that is followed after the main Panchakarma therapies. This phase is aimed at reestablishing digestion,metabolism as well as body’s immunity . After Panchakarma therapies individual gradually returns to your regular diet so that your body does not become vulnerable after treatment.
Benefits of Panchkarma
- Removes the Root cause of disease.
- Balance the doshas.
- It improves immunity.
- Improves digestion ,blood circulation and balance nervous system.
- Removes toxins rejuvenates the cells of the body.
- Mental and physical efficiency increases after panchakarma.
- Increases skin glow.
- Panchakarma helps to shed extra fat and aid in weight reduction.
- Reduces anxiety insomnia mental confusion.
- Increases vigor, vitality & stamina.
Benefits of Panchkarma
- Removes the Root cause of disease
- Balance the doshas
- It improves immunity
- Improves digestion blood circulation balance nervous system
- Removes toxins rejuvenates the cells of the body
- Increases mental and physical efficiency
- Increases skin glow
- Reduces Extra fat thus helps in weight reduction.
- Reduces anxiety insomnia mental confusion
- Increases vigor, vitality &stamina
Word of Caution
Panchakarma is a very special Ayurvedic treatment for detoxification of body. It requires proper guidance from a highly trained and skillful Ayurveda Doctor. If you want to go for an Ayurvedic treatment of Panchkarma for detoxification , then do it under supervision of Ayurveda doctor & give your body enough time to cleanse & then gradually return to normalncy.