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Panchakarma is the purification therapy used in Ayurvedic medicine. The word “Panchakarma” means five actions and refers to five procedures intended to intensively cleanse and restore balance to the body, mind, and emotions. Panchakarma is used by Ayurvedic physicians as a treatment of a wide variety of health conditions and as a preventative measure.
Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body with prescribed methods to encourage it to let go of the toxins. Purvakarma’s two procedures are Snehana and Swedana. Snehana is intake of pure oil or Ghee internally or the oil massage. Snehana makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple and helps the toxins to move towards the gastrointestinal tract. Snehan is given daily for three to seven days, as indicated. Swedana is sudation or sweating. Swedana liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastrointestinal tract. After three to seven days of snehan and Swedana, the Doshas become well “ripened.” A particular Panchakarma method is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder, Prakruti and Vikruti, respectively.
The five main methods of Panchakarma are therapeutic vomiting (vamana), purgation (virechana), enema therapy (niruha basti for medicated enemas and anuvasana basti for oil enemas), and nasal cleansing (nasya). Depending on the health problem, one or more of these methods are used to cleanse the body and promote healing. Other Ayurvedic therapies may be used in conjunction as well.
Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them. Benefits: Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders.
Help root out Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Headaches, Elephantiasis and Gynecological disorders.
Basti (Enema) is considered as the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction are given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person.
Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly, Obesity, Piles, Sexual Debility & Infertility.
Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bel’s Palsy, Improves memory & eye sight, Insomnia, Elimination of excess Mucus Hyper pigmentation in the face, Pre-mature graying of hair, clarity to voice, Headaches of various origin Hemiplegia, Loss of smell and taste, Frozen shoulder, Migraine, Stiffness of the neck, Nasal Allergies Nasal Polyp, Neurological dysfunctions, Paraplegiar, Sinusitis.
After cleansing methods are performed, patients go through an important aftercare stage called Paschata karma. Patients are advised to rest, avoid certain activities, and often receive attention from nurses and doctors. Psychological care and counseling may be part of the healing program, as Panchakarma strives to cleanse the patient of emotional problems in addition to physical ones. Patients are also counseled about preventative practices. Dietary changes are carefully planned, and lifestyle considerations are examined and recommended. Exercise programs, such as yoga, and stress-management techniques, including meditation, may be introduced to patients during or after Panchakarma, and herbal remedies may be prescribed as well.
According to Ayurveda, every human being is a unique phenomenon of cosmic consciousness. The three Dosha (humors) determine every individual’s psychosomatic temperament or constitution. Vata (ether plus air), Pitta (fire plus water) and Kapha (water plus earth) are called the Tridosha, meaning the three Dosha. The internal environment is governed by Vata -Pitta -Kapha (V-P-K), which is constantly reacting to the external environment. The wrong diet, habits, lifestyle, incompatible food combinations (e.g. milk and fish, melons and grain, yogurt and meat or cooked honey etc.), seasonal changes, repressed emotions and stress factors can all act either together or separately to change the balance of V-P-K. According to the nature of the cause, Vata, Pitta or Kapha undergo aggravation or derangements that produce Ama (toxins). To stop the further production of Ama, Ayurvedic literature suggests placing the patient on a proper diet together with an appropriate lifestyle, habits and exercise, and administering a proper cleansing program such as Panchakarma.
Panchakarma is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat almost all diseases, particularly those that are chronic, metabolic or stress-related in origin. Panchakarma has been used to treat allergies, asthma, arthritis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, colitis, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, digestive disorders, heart disease, hypertension, immune problems, infections, inflammation, insomnia, nervous disorders, obesity, skin problems, and ulcers. Panchakarma may be used alongside intensive conventional treatments including chemotherapy and surgery, to support healing and recovery. Panchakarma is safe and non-toxic, and can be used as prevention and to increase general well-being. Panchakarma is limited in treating traumatic injuries, acute pain, and conditions requiring immediate surgery or invasive procedures.
Panchakarma is being practiced as a preventive measure as well as treatment to cure the illness all over India. The practice of Panchakarma was also prevalent in the small state Kerala located in the southern part of the India. Ayurvedic physicians of this part developed this art of healing with some uniqueness. This exclusive way of practice of Panchakarma is now popularly known as Keraleeya Panchakarma or Keraleeya Specialties. This Keraleeya Panchakarma though differs in comparison to the practices in other parts of India is solely based on the principles of Ayurveda. More emphasis is given to external forms of treatment rather than internal measures like Shodhana procedures in Keraleeya Panchakarma. Navarakizhi, Navarateppu (Annalepanam), Pizhichil, Dhara, Sirovasti, are unique therapeutic procedures popularly known as Keraleeya Panchakarma.
Pouring of medicated oil, milk or medicated buttermilk on the forehead continuously for a specific period is called Shirodhara. When the Shirodhara is done with medicated oil, it is called Thaila Dhara. When done with milk it is called Ksheera Dhara and when done with medicated buttermilk it is called Takra Dhara. This procedure often induces a mental state similar to a trance, which creates deep relaxation of the mind and body. Relieves stress and strain related problems, slows aging, improves memory and nourishes the hair/scalp. Also prevents and cures paralysis, insomnia, nervous disorders and certain psychiatric diseases.
This is one of the most popular therapies used for the purpose of body rejuvenation. Here a special type of rice called “Navara” is used for massaging which is cooked with a mixture of “Sida cordifolia” decoction and cow’s milk. The Bolus bag containing medicated rice is dipped in the mixture containing decoction and cow’s milk and made warm. It is then gently massaged on the body till all the medicated rice is applied on the body. Navarakizhi enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nerves and improves the appearance of the skin. It is a wonderful treatment for nervous disorders, rheumatism, osteoporosis, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.
Pouring lukewarm medicated oil, over the body in a rhythmic manner, for a certain time is called Pizhichil (oil bath).This therapy is a combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana and Swedana. Pizhichil is considered as the most natural method to purify different body systems. It is indicated in rheumatic diseases, muscular disorders, sexual weakness, blood pressure and nerve-weakness. Prevents scales/wrinkles and promotes healing of fractures. This treatment is also advised for rejuvenation of the body and to prevent ageing.
Inducing perspiration by applying the warm paste of Navara rice is referred as Annalepanam. Pakshaghata (Paralysis), sarvangavata and similar other diseases, particularly in children are best treated by Navarateppu. It is also good for Muscular dystrophy, skin problems, muscle toning etc.
ShiroLepam is an extension treatment with the application of herbal steam and herbal paste on the head. This treatment indicated in headache, depression, hyperactive conditions, burning-sensation in the eyes, insomnia, skin disorders, dandruff, premature graying and hair loss. Also increases concentration and improves sleep.
A localized application of steam with herbally medicated oils. This type of steam treatment focuses on specific areas of the body, such as sore joints or muscles, to improve mobility and flexibility, and to reduce pain and rigidity. It is a perfect therapy for those suffering from acute or chronic pain anywhere in the body.
This procedure is applied over the heart for 20 minutes using warm medicated oils or herbal decoctions. Good for strengthening of the heart, relieves deep seated anger and sadness, Cardio Myopathy etc.
It is a special cleansing technique of pouring herbal potions in a continuous stream over the eyes for 10-20 minutes. It is a soothing technique to relax strained eyes, delays cataract formation, helps in treating chronic Conjunctivitis, improves eye sight, makes the eyes sparkle.
Anjana is eye therapy in which herbo-mineral eye drops, ointments or powders are used to clarify and enhance vision and prevent eye diseases. Anjana relaxes and soothes the optic nerves bringing beauty and luster to the eyes and tranquility to the mind. Conditions that may benefit are cataract, conjunctivitis, macular degeneration and blurred vision.
Special note:- Panchakarma is a very special Ayurvedic procedure requiring proper guidance from a highly trained and skillful Ayurvedic practitioner. This should not be undertaken just from information in this article. One should consult with an Ayurvedic physician. Panchakarma is done individually for each person with his specific constitution and specific disorder in mind, thus it requires close observation and supervision. It is also done to best advantage, although not always, at the junction period between two seasons, thus helping a person to prepare their internal environment for the oncoming season.