What is Panchakarma
In simple terms Pancha (five) karma (actions) is a comprehensive treatment that involves five steps
- Snehan or saturating the body with oil done internally and externally improves lubrication of joints, adds glow to the skin and prepare trapped Doshas to be released by subsequent treatments of Panchakarma.
- Swedana or applying heat: either dry or wet heat is applied through poultices, herbal bath or sweating in herbal steam. Trapped Doshas and toxins are moved closer to the surface for release.
- Vaman or forced vomiting: using medicated emetics removes kapha and toxins from the upper gastro intestinal tract.
- Virechan: purging using purgatives lower gut is cleansed. It helps get rid of all three Doshas, though Pitta and Kapha benefit the most
- Vasti: medicated enema to remove toxins from the lower gut. When done properly Panchakarma is effective in removing toxins, rejuvenation, improving vitality, treating many chronic illnesses and preventing disease. A full course of five steps achieves these aims but often Panchakarma is tailored to an individual’s needs or requirements depending on findings of detailed constitution analysis. In deciding which of the five treatments are needed we take factors such as age, Doshas status of digestive fire (Agni), general health, and accumulation of toxins (ama) in to account.
If someone is presenting with excess ama or toxins we could get away by selecting Snehan –applying oil
and ghee internally and externally.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS AFTER PANCHAKARMA?
Panchakarma continues to work even after the treatment finishes. To maximise benefit and avoid harm from this intensive treatment course, we recommend some precautions: Avoid vigorous exercise and long trips for ten days after Panchakarma. Avoid sunbathing, cold temperatures, wind, and sexual intercourse for 2-3 days after Panchakarma treatment.
HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF BEFORE PANCHAKARMA?
For maximum benefits, we recommend eating balanced vegetarian food, avoiding alcohol, processed food, sweets, stimulants such as coffee, and most dairy products. Self-massage with an Ayurvedic massage oil or sesame oil 20 minutes before showering is helpful.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER PANCHAKARMA?
For maintaining and enhancing the benefits of Panchakarma we recommend a course of follow-up therapy consisting of diet, yoga, medication, herbal preparations, lifestyle modifications. Your therapist will give you a written recommendation. We also offer some simple recipes for food that you can prepare yourself at home that are specific to your body type. In Ayurveda these are called Pashchat-karma (post-treatment).