Panchakarma

The function of Panchakarma is to preserve the equilibrium of the doshas, promote lessening of the doshas, pacify aggravated doshas, & eliminate advanced doshas.

Panchakarma is considered the fontain whose essence can make us fully alive again. An infinite number of healing practices accompany this central science of rejuvenation

The five phases of Panchakarma are designed to penetrate vital tissues of the body in order to uproot the source of aggravation & dislodge unwanted accumulations.The primary intention of Panchakarma is to restore the body’s natural processes through the vital forces whose task it is to rid the body of its wates. The order in which Panchakarma is performed is also vitally important. When the mandala of therapies are all performed together, the process would take approximately one month.

The classic schedule which follows is recommended when all five actions of Panchakarma are required; depending on the nature of the condition being treated, fewer therapies may be administered.
Classic Panchakarma Treatment Schedule:

1st – 3rd Day
Abhyanga & Snehana
3rd – 6th Day
Svedana
7th Day
Vamana
8th – 10th Day
Observance of rest & healing diet
10th – 14th Day
Snehapana ( Internal Oelation)
15th Day
Virechana
16th – 23rd Day
Basti ( Nirutia & Anuvasana)
24th – 26th Day
Observance of rest & healing diet
27th – 30th Day
Nasya.

Panchakarma actually is a group of treatments, five in number, all of which are not commonly practised in all diseases. The panchakarma are vamana, virechana, snehavasti, kashayavasti and nasya. Vamana is emesis, virechana is purging, vasti is enema, which of two kinds done with medicated oils and medicated decoctions and is called snehavasti and kashayavasti respectively. Nasya is instillation of medicines through nose.
Vamana - Use of Emetics
This therapy is mainly used in cases of chronic disorders due to Kapha dosha. It involves induced and controlled vomiting with the help of medicines. It is used to treat chronic asthma, chronic hyperacidity etc. Vamana should not be given to the very young or the very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physician's supervision
Virechan - Use of laxatives
This therapy is mainly used in cases of chronic disorders due to Pitta dosha. It involves induced and controlled purgation with the help of medicines. It is used to treat jaundice, chronic helminthes cases etc. Virechan should not be given to the very young or the very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physician's supervision.
Basti - Medicated Enema
Involves administering medicines as enema. The medicines used can be decoctions, pure / formulated oils, milk etc. It is used to cure arthritis, backache etc.
Nasya - Nasal administration of medication
Nasya is administered through the nose. Medicated powders, decoctions or oil drops are introduced into the nasal passages. They remove residual doshas and toxins from the head and neck area. Nasya is used in cases of migraine, chronic rhinitis, epilepsy etc.
Rakta Mokshana - Blood letting
It is done either with the help of venesection, or using leeches. It is mainly used to cure gout, skin and blood disorders (pigmentation), elephantiasis, alopecia. Rakta-mokshan should not be given to the very young or the very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physician's supervision.

Purvakarma: Pre-purification Measures
Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the body to let go of the toxins. The two procedures are 'snehan' and 'swedan'. Snehan is the oil massage. Oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of massage which helps the toxins to move towards the gastro-intestinal tract. Oil massage also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple. Snehan is given daily for three to seven days, as indicated. Swedan is sudation or sweating and is given every day immediately following the snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further loosen the toxins from the individual. Swedan liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastro-intestinal tract. After three to seven days of snehan and swedan, the doshas become well "ripened". A particular panchakarma method is then given according to the individual's constitution and disorder, prakruti and vikruti, respectively.

Benefits of Panchakarma:

  • Cleanses the body and mind of disease-causing toxins
  • Body becomes resistant to higher levels of stress
  • Feel and look younger
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Achieve excellent long-term health
  • Experience deep states of relaxation and bliss
  • Gain greater energy, vitality, and mental clarity.