Pancha – means 5
Karma – means action
Panchakarma is an Aurvedic treatment that consists of five Ayurvedic therapeutic actions to detoxify the body, mind and emotions. It is an Ayurvedic method of removing toxins from the body through five purification procedures to cleanse and detox the body for mental and physical wellbeing.
What are the 5 actions / karmas?
The five cleansing and healing therapies used in a panchakarma treatments are:
- Basti which used herbal enemas to purge the large intestines and reignite the digestive fire helping the colon work properly
- Nasya, which is the method used to clean the nasal passage that strengthens general immunity and helps keep the nasal passage and airways clear
- Vamana, removes toxins in the stomach through therapeutic vomiting
- Virechana, removes toxins from the small intestines
- Raktamokshana, purifies the blood with carefully controlled letting of small quantities of blood
Who can receive a panchakarma?
A panchakarma treatment is uniquely designed for the specific needs of the patient (specific constitution and specific disorder) after careful physical observation.
It is always done individually and requires close observation and supervision.
How often do I need a panchakarma treatment?
Ayurveda recommends that a healthy person have at least one panchakarma treatment per year to maintain balance but as it is a specialised procedure, it varies depending on the needs of the patient.
How long does a panchakarma treatment last?
The Ayurvedic recommendation is at least 3 weeks in the care of the Ayurvedic facility.
What are the benefits of a panchakarma?
When done properly a panchakarma helps restore balance of all 3 doshas, strengthen the immune system and digestion, as well as rejuvenation of body and mind.
Why do I need a panchakarma?
For physical and mental wellbeing.
Can panchakarma be done at home?
It should not be done at home as it is an in-depth treatment that involves a long period (generally 3 weeks) in a residential setting where the patient will stay in a panchakarma facility under the personalised care of a doctor or Ayurvedic therapist trained in panchakarma. Not all Ayurvedic practitioners or Ayurvedic clinics can perform panchakarma as it requires special training.
Pre and post panchakarma
As important as the time spent receiving the panchakarma treatment, its preparation and post panchakarma care are equally important. It is essential to make adjustments to the 4 pillars of Ayurveda before embarking on it.
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Sleep
- Self-observation and connection with the self
Herbal oil massage and steams baths before the commencement of the panchakarma will increase circulation and help the body eliminate toxic residue while purifying the blood. The steam bath helps the herbal oil from your massage go deeper into the layers of your skin for deep rooted benefits.
A carefully selected vegetarian diet is essential during a panchakarma treatment.
Conclusion
A panchakarma is a wonderful way to maintain physical and mental balance as it clears the body from deep rooted toxins thus facilitating to revert disease processes. It is an excellent way to start a new beginning based on conscious eating and mindful living.
