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WHAT IS PANCHAKARMA?
The deep cleansing process, unique to Ayurveda, that enables the body to release excess doshas and toxins from its cells and expel them is called Panchakarma, which basically denotes detoxification or elimination of toxins from the body.
Although the human body is considered as a great, intelligent, natural healing system capable of rejuvenating itself, the formation of toxins reduces that natural capacity. It is then that Panchakarma plays a crucial role in that correction.
Panchakarma consists of
medicated emesis (Vamana) to remove excess Kapha,
therapeutic purgation (Viracana) to clear excess Pitta,
medicated enema (Vasti) to eject excess Vata,
nasal drops or snuffs (Nasya) for diseases of the head & neck and
blood-letting (Raktamokshana) in case of blood disorders.
Five purification procedures for removing accumulated toxins and other waste material in the body. As the Doshas (humors) and Dhatus (tissues) are related closely to each other, this discharge procedure affects the tissues indirectly by the strong elimination of related humor.
For example,the pronounced elimination of Kapha by herb induced emesis causes an effect on the nutrient tissue fluid pool, containing water and electrolytes, plasma, muscle, fat. Or the large release of Pitta by selective purgation similarly causes an indirect effect on the total colouring material in the body or blood.
Vasti is somewhat different, as it is meant to nullify excess Vata and contains warm oleation substances. During its long contact with the membrane of the large intestine, it separates layers of faecal matter and thus enhances better absorption, which is responsible for the ultimate nourishment of all tissues.
Nasya in turn cleans the sinus and thereby improves the function of sense organs.
WHY PANCHAKARMA?
Physical and mental diseases occur due to the vitation of somatic doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) and due to mental doshas (Rajas and Tamas).
Volitional transgression, effect of time and senses are the three primary causes responsible for vitiation of biological and mental doshas. Food, drinks & environmental factors with similar properties to the Doshas vitiates them and cause disease.
Panchakarma’s purificatory therapies balance out the three doshas, acting both as a curative and a preventive measure.
The Three Stages of Panchakarma procedure
Poorva Karma — These important preparatory procedures have two parts— Snehana (Oleation therapy) and Swedana (Fomentation therapy)
Pradhana Karma — Consists of the five essential purificatory therapies, namely Vamana (Emesis therapy), Virechana (Purgation therapy), Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Nasal therapy) and Raktamokshana (Blood-letting therapy)
Paschat Karma — Crucial follow-up therapies that include diet, medication & lifestyle.
Duration of Panchakarma
The whole Panchakarma Chikitsa of nearly a month duration is generally broken up in this manner :
First cycle consists of 1st-7th days of oelation, fomentation and nasal therapies.
8th day emesis therapy. Then 3 days off.
Second cycle consists of 1st-7th days of oelation, fomentation and nasal therapies.
8th day purgation therapy. Then 3 days off.
Third cycle consists of 1st-7th days of oelation, fomentation and nasal therapies
8th day enema therapy.