Panchakarma in Ayurveda

What is Panchakarma?
Pancha in Sanskrit stands for Five and Karma are the therapeutic measures, therefore Panchakarma means five types of therapeutic measures. These are undertaken for the purification of the body and Ayurveda considers it necessary before the start of any other therapy.

The Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda is comprised of five basic types of advanced treatment for the evacuation of vitiated Dosha (toxic materials) from the body. One can consider this as a body de-tox program. These practices are extremely helpful in relieving deep seated diseases as well as being beneficial for maintaining and improving physical and mental health

Panchakarma is a unique experience that leaves the mind and body feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Many illnesses result from the build-up of toxins in the body that can impair the functioning of its natural defenses, such as the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Panchakarma promotes healing and restoration by eliminating these toxins from the body. Panchakarma is a gentle process that achieves deep cleansing without discomfort, allowing the rejuvenating energies of the body to flow freely.

Subtypes of Panchakarma therapy:

Abhyanga Massage :
Abhyanga massage is given to help the body expel toxins from the body as quickly as possible. This is a full body massage with medicated oils to balance specific conditions. The oils used contain herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies
Ayurvedic Head Massage :
This is an ancient technique to relax and relieve mental fatigue and confusion. It helps to create more clarity and regenerate the mind and brain activity for better functioning. The oils used for this massage contain herbs that are calming to the mind, and stimulant to the brain, nerves and sensory organs.
Full Body Steam :
This is a treatment that generally follows the full body massage. Excluding the head and neck areas which contain delicate organs and centers, steam containing vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs is given to the whole body. This helps the toxic impurities to easily leave the body. Thus their elimination from the body becomes easier. It also moisturizes and rehydrates the skin making it soft and smooth, adding to the benefits of massage.
Shirodhara :
A mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee is trickled over the forehead in a continuous warm stream in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. This is a special Ayurvedic treatment that gives total relaxation to mind and body, and is the best way to pamper yourself after a hard stressful day.
Basti: Enema Therapy :
Vata's predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic Basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal concoctions of sesame oil, and certain herbal preparations in a liquid medium. Basti, is the most effective treatment of Vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. It relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints.
Virechana: Purgation Therapy When excess bile, Pitta, is secreted and accumulated in the gall bladder, liver and small intestine, it tends to result in rashes, skin inflammation, acne, chronic attacks of fever, vomiting, nausea and jaundice. Ayurvedic literature suggests in these conditions the administration of therapeutic purgation or a therapeutic laxative.
Nasya Nasal Administration: The nose is the doorway to the brain and it is also the doorway to consciousness. The nasal administration of medication is called Nasya. An excess of bodily humors accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas is eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.