Panchkarma : A Natural Detoxification Method

Panchkarma : A Natural Detoxification Method

Our bodies have the ability to heal themselves but an unhealthy diet, poor lifestyle choices and poor exercise habits all come together to inhibit that.

To counter their effect, there is a need to detoxify the body regularly. One good method is Panchkarma.

Panchkarma is an ancient but effective ayurvedic method that balance, detoxes and heals the body naturally. It is the combination of 5 (panch refers to five and karma refers to actions) procedures: Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti, and Raktamoskshana.

The choice of procedure is dependent on an individual's needs (based on health conditions,prakruti, any imbalance and other factors).

There are two basic principles of Panchkarma and they are oleation and fomentation.

Oleation is a process which includes the internal or external use of herbal oils or ghee. The substance reaches each cell in the body, spreading its medicinal value and aiding the removal of toxins from the cells.

Fomentation, on the other hand, is a process that includes practices that induce sweating. Fomentation is done after oleation are flushed out of the body through sweats.

Benefits of Panchkarma :

* Disease prevention by boosting the immune system.

* Complete detoxification of the body.

* Rejuvenate the tissues.

* Boosts metabolism.

* Acts as a stress reliever.

* Makes you feel alive, fresh and energetic.

* Help follow a healthy diet and reduce weight.

* Helps to prevent and cure many skin related problems.

The Five Panchkarma Procedures

1}. Vamana

Vamana therapy involves giving the patient both internal and external oleation and fomentation for a couple of days till the toxins soften and accumulate in the upper part of the body.

Later on, the toxins are expelled out of the body by inducing controlled vomiting with emetic medicines. It is mostly useful for kapha and pitta-related disorders.

2}. Virechana 

In this detoxification therapy, the toxins are flushed out through the rectum. This process also includes oleation and fomentation treatments.

Herbal medicines with laxative properties are given to the patient to cleanse the bowels. It is used to treat patients with pitta dosha, jaudice, chronic skin disorders and GI disorders.

3}. Nasya

This therapy effectively cleans the head region. At first, the patient's head and neck are massaged using oils. After that, nasal drops are administered through the nose.

This therapy is highly effective in treating diseases related to the head as the nose is the gateway to the head. It clears your entire head and opens all clogged channels, giving you relief from respiratory disorders, sinus congestion, migraine and some neurological disorders.

4}. Basti

Basti is a herbal medicated enema therapy. In this method, medicated oil, herbal decoction or ghee is administered through the rectum to cleanse the body of impurities.

5}. Raktamoskshana

Raktamoskshana is an effective therapy for purification of  blood and curing diseases caused by blood impurities such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

As per the requirement of the patient, it is decided whether the process will be performed on a part of or the whole body.