Panchakarma, the honorable and time-tested Ayurvedic method of applied healing, literally means “five actions.” “Panch” meaning “five” and “karma” meaning “action.” Each action or method has been designed to eliminate toxins from the body and to nourish the tissues. The name signifies the five primary cleansing methods that purify the body. Each method is completed in three stages: preparatory (purva karma), primary (pradhana karma), and ensuing (paschat karma).
Ayurvedic treatment not only works on the imbalance but also emphasizes achieving more health, longevity, getting rid of old traumas, and awareness. There are various treatments including a daily regime, meditations, pranayama, yoga, balanced diet according to the body type, the attributes, the herbs, and a variety of cleansing detoxification and rejuvenation processes called panchakarma.
Panchkarma includes:
- Shirodhara for getting more mental peace and opening Sahasrar Chakra, clearing the path for achieving kundalini awakening and controlling blood pressure.
- Heart Dhara to open and rejuvenate Heart Chakra.
- Kidney Dhara to heal and Rejuvenate Swathisthan Chakra.
- Herbal enemas for opening the Nabhi Chakra and clean the digestive system to facilitate normal movements to the air and space (vata) elements in the intestines.
- Virechan or Purgation treatment to remove the toxins accumulated in the system due to pitta.
- Nasya for clearing the sinuses and to facilitate the breathing.
Marma points are also described in Ayurveda. There are 108 subtle energy reservoirs in the body which when stimulated or pressed properly opens the energy flow instantly and helps to rejuvenate the cells and relax the nerves and muscles. By opening all the chakra blocks it helps awaken the kundalini
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The Panchakarma Therapy
Principally, through a method called shodhana, panchakarma eliminates the toxins responsible for diseases and thereby restores the body’s natural balance we all desire. Rather than suppress toxins, it literally discards them ~ rejuvenation naturally follows. Panchakarma may be given from 6-10 days, depending on the vaidya’s recommendation after a pulse reading that assesses the patient’s current condition and needs.
Preparatory Stage (purva karma)
Two processes comprise the preparatory stage. These first dislodge the toxins from the body and then eliminate them. The first process, called snehanam dislodges, while the second, called swedanam, facilitates the elimination.
Primary Stage (pradhan karma)
The primary treatment is comprised of various processes. Each process is designed to eliminate the dislodged toxins through the channels that have been expanded for this purpose. These processes of elimination include enemas and nasal purging.
Ensuing Stage (paschat karma)
After the toxins have been effectively eliminated, patient-specific diet regimens, controlled physical effort and health-promoting natural herbal remedies will be recommended. These support and enhance the successful effects of the two previous stages of panchakarma treatments.
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Ayurveda & Panchakarma
Ayurveda is concerned with eight principle branches of medicines:
- General Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Gynecology
- Obstetrics
- Geriatrics and Rejuvenation
- Poisons, Ghosts and Planets
- Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye and Head
- Surgery
All these medical specialties are addressed according to the theories of five elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth), the Tridoshas or bodily humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the seven Dhatus or bodily tissues, the three Malas or waste products of body (urine, stool and sweat), and spiritual growth. Any imbalance between body, mind, soul and environment begins the process of dis-ease.
