Panchakarma, a therapy for achieving balance in body, mind and consciousness.
Ayurveda is more than a system of healing – it is a science and art of living that helps us to achieve health and longevity. It emphasizes on preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation. Panchakarma is an integral part of Ayurveda which helps achieve a balanced state of body, mind and consciousness through detoxification and rejuvenation.
What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is a set of five therapies designed mainly for cleansing the body of toxins. Ayurveda considers that the purification of the body is important before the commencement of any other therapy. Just such as old dirty linen is washed and purified before new colour can be added, similarly the body needs to be purified before replenishing it with the new colours of health, youthfulness, vigour and vitality.
The Five Therapies ‘Pancha’ ‘Karmas’
Vaman
(medicine induced emesis):
In this treatment, a patient is given internal and external oleation and fomentation therapies for few days. Once the toxins get liquefied and gather in upper cavities of body, the patient is given emetic medicine and decoction. This induces vomiting and helps to eliminate toxins from the body tissues. Vaman therapy is especially recommended primarily for kapha-dominated conditions such as obesity, asthama, hyperacidity and certain skin diseases.
Virechan
(medicine induced purgation):
In virechan, purgation or elimination of toxins occurs through the evacuation of the bowels. In this treatment as well, the patient is given internal and external oleation and fomentation therapies. After that, the patient is given a herbal laxative to facilitate evacuation of the bowels that helps in cleansing the body of toxins. Virechan therapy is recommended primarily for pitta-dominated conditions such as herpes zoster, jaundice, colitis, urticaria, psoriasis, eczema, hemiplegia, hormonal problems etc.
Basti
(medicated enema):
Administering medicated substances through enema is Ayurveda’s unique contribution to the medical world. The therapy has enormous benefits, especially in complicated and chronic diseases. As per the nature of disease, herbal decoctions, oils, ghee or milk are administered into the rectum and this has incredible positive effects. This therapy is extremely effective against vata-dominated conditions such as arthritis, neurological disorder, piles and hormonal imbalance.
Nasya
(nasal drops):
This therapy is effective in clearing and cleansing the head region(above the neck region). At the beginning of the therapy, the head and shoulder regions are given a gentle massage and fomentation. Then, nasal drops are administered in both the nostrils. This brings about the cleaning of the entire head region and relieves various types of headache, migraine, hair problems, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, cervical spondylitis, facial palsy etc.
Raktamokshan
(Blood-letting): This therapy is good for cleaning of blood and effective against diseases caused due to impure blood. This therapy is useful in various skin diseases,vericosis, local lesions such as abscesses/pigmentation.
When not to go for Panchakarma?
Panchakarma therapies should be avoided during fever, injuries and pregnancy. You should always go for Panchakarma therapy after consultation with a trained and qualified Ayurvedic physician who will design a therapy according to the state of your health.
Benefits of Panchakarma
Panchakarma can bring limitless benefits to the individual. It helps in,
- Complete cleansing of the body
- Elimination of toxins
- Opening up of blocked channels
- Improving strength of digestive fire
- Speeding up metabolism
- Reducing weight
- Rejuvenation of tissues
- Relaxing the mind
- Relieving stress
- Boosting immunity