It is a unique Ayurveda procedure intended for internal purification of the body having five different procedures. Main aim of Panchkarma therapy is to expel out Dosha through the nearest possible route.
It is like servicing a car. If we service our car at regular interval, its lifespan, condition and average remains good. Body also gives same response after Panchkarma therapy. Such purification makes body’s biological system to return to homeostasis and to rejuvenate rapidly. Panchkarma removes toxins and unwanted materials from of the body and provides suitable environment to the each and every cells of the body to make their functions normally.
We can understand it by a simple example. Panchkarma works like antivirus software of the computer. Antivirus software finds viruses from the computer and removes them from the computer which makes it faster and improved. Panchkarma works same in the body.
We input various necessary and unnecessary materials in the body orally. Sometimes it reacts soon whereas sometimes they don’t react and store in the body which does body function interruption. They should be expels out from the body at regular interval to maintain the normal function of the each and every cell.
Panchkarma is not just a purification of gastro-intestinal tract; it purifies up to the cell level. The only therapy in the world which can restore the normal functions of the body naturally.
Purvakarma (Preparatory procedures)
Before beginning of main procedure, there is some preparatory procedures must be done. It includes:
1. Dipana (Increasing the Agni)
2. Pachana (Digestion of Ama)
3. Snehana (Internal & External oleation)
4. Swedana (Sudation)
Dipana and Pachana are procedures which makes body suitable for digestion and absorption of Sneha. After proper Dipana and Pachana, Shehana is given daily for three to seven days. Snehana makes Dosha Utkleshana. After proper Snehana, Swedana is done. Swedana liquefies the Dosha which comes from Shakha (Different tissue) to Koshtha (Digestive tract). Then a specific suitable medicine is given for Shodhana (Purification).
Panchkarma (Five major purificatory therapies)
Panchkarma includes five types of procedure as given below:
1. Vamana (Emesis therapy)
When there is excessive accumulation of Dosha in upper part of the body, Vamana is indicated to eliminate the aggravated Kapha. Ex. Allergic bronchitis, Allergic rhinitis, pimples, Skin problems, hair problems, Hyperacidity, Excessive sleepiness etc.
2. Virechana (Purgation therapy)
When there is excessive accumulation of Pitta Dosha in the body, Virechana is indicated. Ex. Jaundice, Skin disorders, Gout, Breathlessness, mental disorders etc.
3. Basti (Medicated Enema therapy)
Medicated decoction and oil is inserted into the body through anal route via catheter. There are thousands of different Basti described in classics which can be used as per need. Basti can be given in any disorders. Mainly it is used in Vata disorders. Ex. All nervous diseases, Musculo-skeleton pain, Arthritis, back pain, Spondylitis, to increase sperm count etc.
4. Nasya (Nasal administration of Medicine)
Ayurveda found nose as the gateway to the brain about 5000 years ago. The nasal administration of medicine is called Nasya. Generally Nasya is indicated in the diseases above the shoulder. Ex. CNS disorders, Facial palsy, Hair problems, Migraine, trigeminal neuralgia etc.
5. Rakta Mokshana (Blood letting therapy)
This is very unique concept of Ayurveda. There are many diseases in which Blood vitiates like Skin diseases, Gout, Numbness, Pain etc. Rakta Mokshana in these conditions help a lot to the patient.
Post-operative measures
After bio-purification, Agni and strength of body becomes weak. So to restore them, special diet plan is prescribed from 5 to 7 days. Rest is also advised for specific time of period.
