Panchakarma is the ancient system of Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies designed to facilitate the removal of deep-rooted stresses and impurities in the physiology.
‘Pancha’ means five and ‘karma’ means activities. The five types of active treatments form the nucleus of Ayurvedic medicine, which endeavour to balance the bio-energies. According to Ayurveda, each individual is born with a unique genetic constitution known as ‘Prakriti.’ The unhygienic lifestyle, food, work, stress and other mental, physical and environmental factors may change this state of balance, leading to disease manifesting as external symptoms.
Panchakarma is a unique experience that leaves the mind and body feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Our bodies are governed by their own unique rhythms and the rhythms of the environment such as weather patterns and seasonal changes. They also respond to what we put into them, and the situations and circumstances in which we live and work.
Toxicity can come from our food, our relationships, and our environment, even from our own thought patterns. Over time, possibly many years, unless we consciously work to lessen those experiences there is a build up of toxicity at all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Many illnesses result from the build-up of toxins in the body that can impair the functioning of its natural defences, such as the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.
Panchakarma is the process, by which we can purify and lessen the degenerating influences of those experiences and toxic materials. It has to be said though that receiving or undergoing those therapies, or treatments will be more successful and effective, if consideration and thought is given to one’s life style generally. However, unlike other detoxification programs, panchakarma is a gentle process that achieves deep cleansing without discomfort, allowing the rejuvenating energies of the body to flow freely.
It is recommended on a seasonal basis to maintain and promote well-being in healthy people, and when needed, to restore balance in those suffering illness.
Our bodies have natural ways for removing toxins and Panchakarma treatments enhance its ability to do so. Some of the toxins accumulated in the body are water-soluble and so when we are advised to drink lots of water, this will keep cells hydrated and will provide the medium (water) for easy removal of water-soluble toxins via kidneys (urine) and skin (perspiration). However, some toxins need an oil based medium to break them down so that they can move to the gastrointestinal tract and the skin to be eliminated.
Panchakarma works to provide this by using oils to suit a specific body type. By removing those toxins it allows the body to come into balance thus encouraging the body’s own rejuvenating and healing ability to do the rest.
In order that the five actions are performed correctly it is vital that a qualified Ayurvedic doctor gives the treatment. ‘An inexperienced professional can do more harm than good.”
People with various chronic, or acute medical problems, are prescribed a series of regular, specific, Panchakarma treatments in order to control their problems and rejuvenate the whole body.
How is Panchakarma Carried Out?
Panchakarma consists of three stages known as:
• Poorvakarma – Preparation Phase
• Paschat-karma – Treatment Phase
• Pradana-karma – Maintenance Phase
1. Poorva-karma: This preparatory phase helps to clear the channels (srotas) of the toxic overload, and move the imbalanced bio-energy to its sites for elimination.
Poorva-karma is designed to prepare the body for elimination of imbalances. It is in two parts ‘Snehana’ or oleation and ‘Swedana’, heat treatment that is also used as an Ayurvedic massage treatment. According to Ayurveda, pure herbalised oils are able to permeate the cells and tissues and encourage the release of stored toxins.
There are many different herbal oil blends used for Poorva-karma. It is an art and science in itself to be able to prepare and apply them for individual needs.
• Snehana: In Snehana, a generous application of different kinds of herbal oils is used to cover the entire body, after which massage is performed.
• Swedana: This is herbalised steam therapy. The heat of the steam helps to relieve tension and allows toxins that have been loosened beneath the skin to be “sweated out.” Cloth poultices packed with herbs, powders and oils cooked in milk are freshly packed and are steaming hot, when massaged on your body.
This is a treatment that generally follows the full body massage. Excluding the head and neck areas, which contain delicate organs and centres, steam-containing vapours 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.
2. Paschat-karma: This is the main Ayurvedic treatment method. It consists of :
Vireka (Laxatives with ayurvedic oral preparations) : The regular intake of oral laxatives at certain intervals, helps to revitalise digestion and metabolic processes. It helps to reestablish the proper ‘Agni’—metabolic power, which is the primary factor in Ayurveda. Proper digestion and metabolism at every level of our body prevents toxic overload and revitalises body tissues and enhances our resistance to disease.
Vamana (Emesis therapy) : Is the therapy, where carefully controlled vomiting is induced. It helps to clear chronic congestion form various parts of the body, particularly from the chest and abdomen. The stomach is a major site for Kapha in the physiology and cleansing of this area as it reduces ama (toxins).
Nasya (Inhalations with ayurvedic medical preparations) : This process is used to cleanse all blocked sinuses and clear airways for proper breathing. When airways are blocked, breathing is difficult and this necessitates an extra amount of energy. To begin with, a vigorous head/neck massage is given and then herbalised oil is gently introduced in each nostril. The ‘Nasya’ therapy also helps to clear the mental pathways and improve clarity of the mind and emotion. Conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and headaches can also be relieved by the appropriate application of a Nasya.
3. Pradana-karma: This is the health maintenance programme. It includes herbo-mineral preparations, nutritional and life-style (stress relieving) advice, as well as advice on yoga and meditation.