Treatment
Panchakarma is an integral part of Ayurveda which helps in achieving Detoxification and Rejuvenation. Ayurveda says, If you remove disease causing doshas with Panchkarma procedures from body, the chances of the recurrence of disease is almost negligible.
Panchakarma is a set of five therapies designed mainly for cleansing of toxins from the body. Ayurveda considers that the purification of the body with Panchkarma is the very first stage before the commencement of any other treatment modality. Also it is observed that, with Panchkarma therapy, one can expect the relief earlier, the course of treatment usually gets shorter and chances of relapse or recurrence are usually less.
Ayurveda Says, properly performed Panchkarma helps in
The process of Panchakarma generally starts with two sets of procedures: Snehanam or Oleation and Swedanam or Fomentation.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga means massaging the whole body or any specific area of the body like Head, Neck, Joints etc. with Ayurveda herbal oils. It is Nourishing, Healing and Lubricating. It is one of the most important therapy to control Vata dosha.
Snehanam or Oleation
Snehanam literally means “Love”. Oleation involves application of oil or oily substance on the body. Ayurveda has recommended specific formulations of oils made with Herbs, Minerals, Food substances etc, for specific conditions for external use. Similar to Oils, Ghee made with different ingredients are used particularly for internal use.
Swedanam or Fomentation
The therapies that generate sweat are called fomentation therapies. Oleation therapies are generally followed by fomentation therapies. The tissues made soft by oleation therapies become more flexible by subsequent fomentation.
Importance of pre- procedures of Panchkarma
Ayurveda has explained it very scientifically. The fatty substance acts as an effective medium for medicinal ingredients, to reach the deeper tissues and loosen up toxins stuck in the cells. Toxins loosened by oleation, liquefy due to fomentation. Oleation also makes the micro channels of the body soft and smooth, thereby causing easy flow of the Toxins to Gastro-intestinal tract. And by Panchakrma procedures Toxins can be easily removed from the body without much difficulty.
Apart from the Pre Panchkarma procedures, following modifications of above mentioned two therapies, can be used as an individual treatments as well.
Shirodhara
In this therapy, a continuous and controlled stream of warm oil is poured on the centre of the forehead through a vessel at a uniform speed. The temperature and speed of the oil stream are kept constant throughout the procedure. This therapy has good results in pacifying the Doshas lodged in head region.
Pizhichil
In this exclusive therapy, a continuous stream of lukewarm medicated oil is poured on the whole body with simultaneous soft massage with rhythmic hand movements. It helps to relieving pain and stress, nourishing the nerves and muscular tissues, and inducing the peace of mind and relaxation. Pizhichil has good results in Joint, Muscles and Nervous system related problems. It also has Rejuvenating effect.
Pinda sweda or Pottali Massage
In this procedure, massage is done with special bags or pouch made with medicinal herbs or other nutritious items like cooked rice or herbal decoction etc. The bags are heated in warm liquids for few minutes and then are used for massaging the body.
Panchkarma
Vaman
(Therapeutic and medicinally induced Emesis)
In this treatment, a patient is given internal and external oleation and fomentation therapies for few days. After
confirming that the toxins get liquefied and gather in upper cavities of body, the patient is given emetic medicine. This induces vomiting and helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Vaman therapy is especially recommended for
Kapha-dominated conditions such as Obesity, Asthma, certain Skin conditions, Hyperacidity etc.
Virechan
(Therapeutic and medicinally induced purgation)
In this treatment as well, the patient is given internal and external oleation and fomentation therapies before the actual Purgation. After that, the patient is given a herbal laxative to facilitate evacuation of the bowels that helps in cleansing of the toxins from the Bowels. Virechan therapy is recommended for Pitta-dominated conditions such as Jaundice, Certain Skin Diseases, Oedema, Herpes etc.
Basti
(Medicated enema)
While explaining the Glory of Basti treatment, Ayurveda says that there is no such disease which cannot get cured with Basti.In the procedure of Basti, administration of medicated substances in the Rectum is carried out, by the procedure similar to Enema. As per the nature of disease, herbal decoctions, oils, ghee or milk etc. are administered into the rectum Basti is treatment of choice for almost all Vata-dominant conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson’s diseases, Arthritis, Piles and Constipation etc. But Basti could be equally effective in Pitta and Kapha disorders as well.
Nasya
(Nasal drops)
This therapy is effective in Cleansing and Nourishing the head region. Like other Panchkarma procedures, before every Nasya Therapy, the head, neck and shoulder regions are given a gentle massage and fomentation. Then, nasal drops are administered in both the nostrils. This therapy has good results in Neurological disorders, Sleep disorders, Sinusitis, Chronic Rhinitis, Respiratory diseases, various types of Headache, Migraine, Hair problems, etc.
Raktamokshan
(Blood-out-letting)
The efficacy of the Rakta mokshan is in detoxification of Blood. It can be done in various ways depending upon the vitiation of Rakta by different reasons. It can be done on specific area for local pathologies like Inflammation, Abscesses and Pigmentation. Or can be done for more serious Skin conditions like Psoriasis, Eczema, Herpes by Venous blood out letting procedure. Though the Panchkarma procedures are considered as the most effective treatment modalities in Ayurveda, they should be done with much precautions. A thorough examination by a qualified and experienced Ayurveda Physician is necessary before designing the Panchkamra Treatments for any one.