What is Panchakarma Therapy

 

 “Panch” means five and “Karma” means action done in the form of therapies. So, panchakarma means five different forms of treatment. According to Ayurveda, diseases are originated in the body due to the imbalance in the three bioenergies known as three Doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Regular cleansing of the body by removing the excess accumulated dosha is recommended. Panchkarma is this cleansing process which helps in the elimination of toxins and doshas from the body and thus prevents formation of disease. It helps to strengthen the body’s metabolic functions. 

As the wastes and excess of doshas are eliminated from the body the individual becomes alert, energetic, vibrant, and healthy. This therapy is recommended for maintaining youthfulness and building
immunity and resistance against diseases. The Panchakarma treatment is found to be helpful in chronic diseases where treatment with conventional medicines has its limitations. Rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, hemiplegia, epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension, cardiac problems, intestinal diseases, Digestive disorders, ulcerative colitis and asthma are some of the conditions where this therapy proves of immense help.
 
Panchakarma includes five main detox therapies - 

 
Emesis Therapy – Vamana : Among panchkarma, this therapy is  advised especially for ‘Kapha’
disorders. It is otherwise also known as UrdhwaMarga(upward directed cleanse) Shodhana. It is  done to cleanse the stomach and remove Kapha and Pitta from the chest and upper digestive tract. It is used for relieving all lung conditions, skin diseases (e.g. eczema, psoriasis, leukoderma), diabetes mellitus, goitre, tumors, cough, asthma, obesity. The best season for Vamana is spring.

Purgation Therapy – Virechana : Virechana is indicated mainly for ‘Pitta’ diseases and can be used whenever we need to clean the small intestines and blood tissue. It is also recommended as a rejuvenation therapy for the tissues and organs of the abdomen and skin. Virechana is an excellent method to heal various conditions like abdominal tumors, hemorrhoids, skin disorders, jaundice, chronic fever, poisoning, spleen and liver disorders, abscess, colitis, eye problems, ulcers, gout and blood toxins.
 
Nasal cleansing – Nasya/Shiro Virechana : Ayurveda suggests that the nose is the gateway to the head. Medicated powders, decoctions, oil drops,  fresh plant juices, infusions, and even smoke as medication is administered into the nasal passages. This therapy is specially advised for diseases of the head and neck including the five sense organs (indriyas). It is used to treat migraine, chronic rhinitis and epilepsy. The aggravated doshas above the region of clavicle in the head and neck are eliminated through the nose by this process.

Decoction or medicated oil enema therapy – Basti : “Enema is half of the medicinal therapy, or even the complete treatment.” (charak sidd. Ch. 1/39) Basti therapy is primarily used for balancing disturbed vata mostly in the colons, bones, muscles and nervous system. It is being practiced with a high clinical value. This process is not like modern enema which is indicated only for cleansing but basti acts as cleansing as well as nourishing and restorative. As it's content different medications like herbal decoctions and medicated oils are used depending upon the condition being treated. Basti is useful in chronic constipation, lower back pain, arthritis, sciatica, gout, and rheumatism. It also helps heal numerous neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, hemiplegia, osteoporosis, muscle and nerve atrophy & helps in mental conditions.
 
Bloodletting therapy – Rakta Mokshana : It involves releasing toxins from the blood tissue from various body sites locally or for general body through main veins of hand and leg. This Bloodletting is useful when patients need immediate results with pitta and Vata disorders such as skin, liver, spleen, and conditions like arthritis, gout, headache and hypertension. It is an invasive procedure administered by experienced and qualified physician only. It is done either with the help of blunt or sharp instruments, or using leeches. When blood becomes impure it can cause and spread diseases. Removal of impure blood benefits the body. Bloodletting is a helpful in removal of pitta dosha especially when it is in excess.
 

Panchakarma is a very special Ayurveda treatment requiring proper guidance from a highly trained and skillful Ayurveda practitioner. This ayurveda treatment requires close observation and supervision.
One should consult with an Ayurveda physician, to understand which among the five therapies would help that individual in treating specific health condition and even for disease prevention. An yearly guideline of Panchakarma therapies is  designed for each healthy individual at TanMan Ayurvedic Research Centre to sustain good health.