What Is Panchakarma Process?
Known to be the most popular and reliable detoxification process in Ayurveda, panchakarma not only eliminates the toxins from the body but also helps restore youthfulness with the use of herbs and medicated oils.
Panchakarma uses a special treatment, which includes massages using medicated oil, ayurvedic diet, and use of herbal powders, steam, etc. The method has been in practice in Kerala, and other parts of the world for years, and has found a mention in “Charaka Samhita” as well.
The process of panchakarma treatment uses five methods for the elimination of impurities from the body. The treatment detoxifies the body and helps balance all three doshas.
Panchakarma – The Process
The name Panchakarma comes from “Pancha” and “karma” which means five, and thus the process uses five therapies. Let us have a quick look at what the therapies are.
Vamanam – Known as emesis therapy, Vamanam therapy is only performed under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor. Induced vomiting is used to eliminate the toxins from the body. The procedure also helps get rid of mucus, thus balancing the Kapha in the body. The process is used to treat cold, cough, bronchitis, and other lung-related illnesses. This is to date considered to be one of the best treatments to cure Kapha related illnesses.
Virechanam – The Virechanam process eliminates the toxins from the intestines with the use of laxative or purgation. This treatment works wonders in cases of hemorrhoids and jaundice.
Aasthaapana or Niruham – During this process, the patient is given a herbal decoction which helps relieve problems or symptoms related to kidney stones, constipation, and also helps with the cure of backaches and joint pains.
Anuvaasan or Oil Enema – Most of the procedures used in Panchakarma eliminate the impurities and toxins from the body. The oil enema is the procedure used to treat patients suffering from an illness like obesity and diabetes. It is also used to treat diseases that are caused due to vata imbalance.
Nasyam – Nasyam is the procedure where the patient is asked to inhale medicated oils, and this eliminates the mucus or humours that are accumulated in the head or the nose areas. This procedure too has to be performed under the supervision of an ayurvedic expert. The areas near the nose, palm, and feet are rubbed during the procedure, which relaxes the body. This treatment is quite beneficial in the treatment of facial paralysis and hemiplegia.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes – Panchakarma
During the process of Panchakarma or any other ayurvedic treatments, the patient is required to pay attention to his/her diet and lifestyle. The patient has to get ample rest during panchakarma and he/she should avoid hardcore exercises, highly stimulating experiences, and any sexual activities. The patient also needs to stay away from the wind and stay away from loud music or late nights.
In most cases, a diet including kitchari is recommended which can be taken with cow ghee. There are also restrictions on various beverages like coffee, sugar, or cold drinks. One of the main reasons for the diet recommendation is due to the fact that the digestive fire, also called Agni takes rest after the panchakarma process.
By taking kitchari, you provide the needed nourishment to all the tissues in the body, and it adds to the effectiveness of the detoxification and purification process. The ayurvedic doctor suggests the diet based on the treatment given and your physical and psychological needs.
Panchakarma is more than just therapy. It not only rejuvenates the tissues and the cells in the body by eliminating the waste, but it also helps you lead a happy and healthy life. But every process mentioned as a part of Panchakarma has to be undertaken under the supervision of a licensed ayurvedic practitioner.
So, walk into Shadanga today, free your body and mind from impurities and toxins, and bid good-bye to those troubling illnesses. Talk to an ayurvedic expert today!
