What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is a method of cleansing the body of all the unwanted waste after lubricating it. Panchakarma are 5 (five) in number; hence the term PANCHA (five) – KARMA (procedures). Panchakarma treatment is unique in the sense that it includes preventive, curative and promotive actions for various diseases.
At the heart of a Panchakarma treatment are the five cleansing procedures. These are called Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana. These terms stand for laxative measures, herbal enemas, vomiting therapies, nasal rinsing, and phlebotomy.
All five Panchakarma methods are given below.
Vamana
Vamana is a procedure in which Doshas (waste products or toxins) are eliminated through upper channels i.e. mouth.
Generally Vamana treatment is carried-out in the early morning on an empty stomach when the Kapha is intense.
Virechan
Virechana is one of the Panchakarma therapies wherein purgation is induced by drugs and it specifically aims at the elimination of excessive Pitta Dosha from the body.
Generally Vamana treatment is carried-out in the early morning on an empty stomach when the Kapha is intense.
Basti
Basti is the introduction of herbal decoctions and medicated oils into the colon through the rectum.
While it directly affects the colon, it is not a localized or symptomatic treatment. It is a highly specialized procedure aimed to achieve a therapeutic goal and must be carried out in hospital settings by an expert.
Nasya
Nasya therapy is an Ayurvedic process that can help clean the upper respiratory passage by draining out the excessive mucus.
Nasya also increases our immune power and prevent other diseases also like hair fall, premature graying of hairs, chronic headache, coryza, eye diseases, etc.
Raktamokshana
Raktamokshana is an effective blood purification therapy, in which carefully controlled removal of small quantities of impure blood is conducted to neutralise accumulated toxins.
Jalaukavacharana: applying leeches to a particular area. This and alabu pracchana are currently the most common methods of raktamokshana. Shrungavacharana, which mean using a cow's horns. This is mainly used for treating Pitta/Rakta conditions accompanied by a high degree of vata vitiation.
