Blog written by: Dr Anju Balakrishnan
We all have tried various ways to detoxify our body to get rid of pimples, belly fat and whatnot. There is an Ayurvedic treatment plan for complete detoxification of our body. i.e., Panchkarma.
Panchakarma is a treatment program that helps in cleansing and rejuvenating the body.
Before getting to know about panchakarma, let's see a few basic principles of Ayurveda. Balance of body, mind and consciousness is very essential for healthy living. Our body is made up of 5 basic principles called prithvi, ap, teja, vayu and akasha and 3 doshas called vata, pitta and kapha. The combination of these 5 basic principles and 3 doshas is unique to each individual. An imbalance to these constitutes a disease condition, and the treatment varies from individual to individual.
Treatment includes pre-procedure, cleansing methods and then post-procedure. And it requires close observation and supervision.
Benefits of Panchakarma
- It helps eliminate toxins from the body. Hence, cleansing both body and mind.
- Rejuvenates body.
- It reduces stress and relaxes the mind.
- Channels become clear so that body easily responds to the treatment given.
- Strengthen immunity.
What does Panchakarma include?
Panchakarma includes:
- Vamana
- Virechana
- Basthi
- Nasya
- Rakthamokshana
Vamana is therapeutic emesis. Medicines are given orally, which induces vomiting. i.e., kapha and pitta dosha from Amashaya (i.e., stomach and duodenum) are eliminated from the body. The procedure is very stressful and can be associated with a lot of complications. Hence, it can be practised only under expert supervision. After the procedure, proper diet restrictions have to be practised to bring back the digestive power.
Virechana is nothing but therapeutic purgation. It is a widely practised shodana therapy. This is practised after pre-procedures like snehana and swedana and preferably after Vamana. The chances of complications are very less compared to Vamana. It helps in eliminating vitiated pitta from the body.
In Basthikarma, medicines are given by enema and are very much beneficial in eliminating vitiated Vata dosha. Vata is mainly located in the large intestine, and morbidity in Vata dosha can cause constipation-like symptoms. Medicines are administered in the form of oil and decoction.
Nasya karma is instilling medicaments through the nasal cavity. It is therapeutically indicated in many supra clavicular ailments, diseases of the head, neck etc. Nasya is of many types, namely navana, avapeedana etc. Among them mostly followed one is snehananasya, where medicated oil is instilled through the nostril.
The last procedure is Rakthamokshana. It is the process of letting out impure blood via sharp instruments, puncturing, leech therapy etc. It is practised in many conditions like skin diseases, varicose veins, gouty arthritis etc.
Panchakarma is contraindicated in many conditions, like an emaciated and weak person, during pregnancy and many such conditions depending upon the procedure. So consult an Ayurvedic physician to know whether you are fit for panchakarma treatment.
