Panchakarma is one of the eminent processes in Ayurveda used to clean the body of unwanted toxic materials.
Ayurveda is an old science that includes body intelligence, seasonal wisdom, and nature’s cure to maintain balance and detoxify the body. Ayurvedic treatments are designed to restore the human body’s degenerative process for long-lasting wellness.
According to Ayurveda, the human body is loaded with improper food, poor lifestyle choices, and immense stress and pressure. These issues affect the body mentally and physically, leading to blockages in the body’s systems resulting in diseases. Additionally, seasonal changes are known to create illnesses in the body.
Therefore, the body needs to be cleansed and re-balanced to adopt a lifestyle that encourages healthy eating, exercising, and mindful living.
The main objective of ayurvedic treatment is to restore the original equilibrium between the doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), representing the nervous, metabolic, and nutritive systems.
Panchakarma is the most eminent Ayurveda branch used to clean the body of all unwanted waste.
Panchakarma (Pancha – Five and Karma – Procedure) treatment is unique. It includes preventive, curative, and promotive procedures for treating various diseases.
Panchakarma is a detoxifying procedure, including a combination of treatments like steams, massages, certain medications, and specific diets to help get rid of toxins.
It is a cleansing process where the body is cleansed through different procedures using medicated oils to get rid of toxins and help eliminate impurities from the body.
What are the five karmas?
As per Ayurveda, the body is divided based on the parts that need cleansing: Head, GIT (gastrointestinal system), Upper, and Lower.
The five Karmas used to cleanse the body include-
- Vamanam (therapeutic emesis): Inducing vomiting to clear the upper intestine to the duodenum and part of the respiratory tract. This helps remove toxins via sweat through skin pores, thus relieving muscle stress, and improving mobility.
- Virechanam: purgation (inducing bowel movements) to clear the lower gastrointestinal system from the duodenum (end of stomach) to the anus. It effectively detoxifies the body through purgation and removes toxins from the body.
- Anuvasana Vasti: Using medicated oils to induce enema (injecting fluids to empty the bowels) that helps evacuate the lipid-soluble waste from the rectal area out through the anus
- Nasyam: Administering medicated herbal oils through the nose to clear the respiratory tract and remove all the toxins from the cavities, neck, brain, eyes, nose, ear, and throat.
- Astapana Vasti: Administering a decoction of herbal powders, honey, salt, and oil through the anal route. This process is helpful for the removal of toxins and morbidity from the human body.
The complete process of Panchakarma is performed in three stages:
- Poorva Karma (Preparation Phase)
This is the preparatory procedure required before the primary procedure to make the person understand the procedure to receive the full benefits of the primary treatment. The undigested toxins spread in different body parts are channelized and collected for easy removal during the Pradhan karmastage.
In this therapy Snehana (oelation) and Swedana (induced intense sweating) are performed to loosen the accumulated poisonous substances in the body, thus preparing for the complete removal.
- Pradhan Karma (Main Procedure Phase)
This primary specialised treatment is administered to expel impurities and revitalize the system. Certain medications are introduced into the body at specific junctures based on the condition to maximize the benefits. The patient needs to follow a particular diet during the entire treatment.
Pradhan karmais continued until all the toxins are removed from the body. Specific techniques may require medicines to stay in the system for a longer duration to revitalize the system.
- Paschat Karma (Recovery Phase)
This karma consists of several procedures to restore the body’s digestive and absorptive capacity to its normal state.
Paschat karmahelps patients reintegrate slowly with the outside environment, with ample rest, abstain from overly decadent meals, strict exercise regimens, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
Benefits of Panchakarma Treatment
Panchakarma plays a vital role in keeping the body healthy. The significant benefits of Panchakarma are:
- Detoxifies the body and rejuvenates the mind
- Balances the body’s Prakriti (Vata, Pittha, and Kapha representing the nervous, metabolic, and nutritive systems)
- Improves sleep patterns and eating habits
- Eliminates Stress
- Helps with Weight loss
- Slowdowns the ageing process
- Enhance the digestive strength of digestive juices
- Restore the vitals of the body and improve mental health
- Strengthen the immune system
- Promote entire health and well-being
Patients should follow the treatment guidelines to lead a healthy life, as impurities can easily infiltrate the body again if not followed properly.
