Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means “five actions/treatments”. This is a process used to clean the body of toxic materials left by disease, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins. This waste matter is called ama in Ayurveda. Ama is a foul-smelling, sticky, harmful substance that needs to be completely evacuated from the body.
Panchakarma will remove the excess doshas and correct imbalances in them as well as eliminate the harmful ama out of your system through the body’s own organs and channels of elimination ( colon, sweat glands, lungs, bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, etc). Panchakarma purifies the tissues at a profound level.
Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma as a seasonal treatment for maintaining mental and physical hygiene and balance.
Panchakarma is a five-fold therapy, it is highly individualized based on the needs of the individual depending on the ayurvedic constitutional type, doshic imbalances, age, digestive strength, immune status, and many other factors.
The Panchakarma therapy consists of Three Stages:
Purva Karma – Preparatory Stage
Snehana – Medicated oil or ghee is administered orally and through massage. Enables easy elimination of fat-soluble toxins and removes blockages created by metabolic waste.
Swedana – Heat is applied to open the pores and channels for ease of elimination of water-soluble techniques used includes steam bath.
Pradhana Karma – The Treatment stage
Vamana (emesis) – Therapeutic-induced vomiting reduces the imbalance of Kapha dosha.
Virechana (Purgation) Medicated purgation through the bowels, eliminates the imbalance of pitta accumulated in the liver and gallbladder.
Sneha Basti (oil enema) Anally administered medicated oil or ghee lubricates the large intestine, balancing vata.
Kashya Basti (decoction enema) Anally-administered herb-infused decoction high in electrolytes and alkalinity helps neurological, autoimmune, and degenerative conditions.
Nasya (nasal medication) Medicated oil or powder introduced through the nose reduces kapha imbalances above the clavicle region.
Paschat Karma – The final stage
This is the final stage of Panchakarma. Moderate-intensity treatments are given to the patient to maintain the beneficial effects of the whole cleansing procedure. it is also important to maintain a purely vegetarian diet and healthy lifestyle for one month after the therapy and to take rasayana herbs during this period of readjustment.