What is Panchkarma?

Ayurveda states that health is not just about a disease-free body but it is a state of order of Dosha, Dhatu, Agni and Malkriya. It also focuses on the contentment of Atma (Soul), Indriya (Sense organs) and Manas (Mind).

The nervous system, metabolic system and nutritive system are represented by the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas respectively. According to Ayurveda, the delicate balance between these three doshas must be maintained for a body to be considered healthy.

Panchkarma is one of the regime and treatment modalities of Ayurveda along with Dincharya, Rutucharya, Vega Adharna and Rasayana-Vajikarana. It is a method of cleansing the body of all toxic substances by purgation or elimination.

Panch(Five)-Karma(Process) includes five different methods that ensure the balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha in the body.

1. Vamanam (Emesis) wipe out Kapha, which causes excess mucus. Clog in the lungs causes repeated assaults of bronchitis, cold and hack. Vamanam is the best therapy for Kapha-related infections, just as well as chronic skin illnesses like psoriasis.

• Virechanam (Purgation) is highly effective in the cases of haemorrhoids and jaundice. It involves the removal of toxic elements from the intestines by administering therapeutic purgation or laxative.

• Asthaapana/Niruham (Decoction Enema) is a decoction enema that cleanses the area from the transverse colon to the anus. It helps in relieving constipation, kidney stones, backaches, sciatica and other types of joint pain.

• Anuvaasan (Oil Enema) help patients suffering from anaemia, obesity or diabetes. It helps in the lubrication of the rectal area and remove all the lipid-soluble waste through the anus.

• Nasyam (Nasal Instillation of medicated oil) helps in clearing the respiratory tract and paranasal sinuses. It is highly beneficial in conditions such as sinusitis, chest congestion, migraine and chronic cold. Nasyam is very effective in cases of hemiplegia and facial paralysis.

Steps Followed

There are three main steps involved in the complete Panchkarma process:

• Poorva Karma – This process is done before the main procedure so that the body can imbibe maximum benefits from it. Poorva Karma involves two main processes Snehan (Oleation) and Swedan (Fomentation). These processes displace the toxic substances in the body, thus preparing them for complete removal.

• Pradhan Karma – This is the main procedure that takes placeafter the initial step. Based on the nature and proximity of waste in the body, one of the Panchkarma processes is decided. Accumulation of waste in the lower gastro will call for Virechanam. Similarly, upper respiratory tract congestion would demand Vamana.

• Paschaat Karma – This process takes place right after the main procedure ends. It includes a post-therapy diet regime that helps in reviving the digestive and absorption capacity of the body.

Diet is significant both during and after Panchakarma. After the detoxification process, the patient should take Khichari (a meal rich in veg ingredients) whenever he feels hungry. He ought to keep up with this eating routine for three to four days, gradually expanding the assortment of different things like ginger, pepper, salt, green gram soup and other pulse soups, and increasing the amount slowly.

Ayurveda states that stress and anxiety impact our gastrointestinal tract negatively. It increases inflammation and slows digestion which results in the creation of ama and thereby diseases and imbalances. Detoxification and restoration with the help of Panchakarma improve energy and mental lucidity. By resetting absorption, Panchakarma treatment let the body detox naturally. Due to its extensive potency and long-lasting impacts, this strategy has been considered unquestionably successful in warding off difficulties. Panchakarma is the genuine exemplification of Ayurvedic esteems and it lives up to the standards of Ayurveda.