Panchakarma actually is a group of treatments, five in number, all of which are not commonly practised in all diseases. The panchakarma are Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Vasti. and Rektamosham.Vamana Karma (Emetics Therapy).It is the most suitable therapy for kaphaja (Mucous) disorders. In this method the specific doshas are eliminated from body through mouth (oral route). It involves induced and controlled vomiting with the help of medicines. It is used to treat chronic asthma, chronic hyperacidity etc.
Virechana Karma (PurgationTherapy).This therapy is mainly used in cases of chronic disorders due to Pitta dosha. It involves induced and controlled purgation with the help of medicines. It is used to treat jaundice, chronic helminthes cases etc.Vasti – Medicated Enema.Involves administering medicines as enema. The medicines used can be decoctions, pure / formulated oils, milk etc. It is used to cure arthritis, backache etc.
Rakta Mokshana – Blood letting.According to Sushruta, certain diseases are caused by vitiation of the blood. He recommended bloodletting to get rid of the vitiated blood. Bloodletting was usually carried out with the help of precise surgical instruments or by leeching.Abhyangam.Abhyanga means ‘oil massage’. In Abhyanga, medicated oil is massaged all over the body. Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 7 days to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatism, especially for Diabetic gangerene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremities of the body) etc.
Snehana (Oiltherapy).‘Snehana’ means oil. ‘Snehana’ is the term used for oleation or the application of oil. Oil may be administered either internally or externally. Application of herbal oil in either way saturates the body and loosens up the glutinous Amam that has accumulated in the Dhatus / tissues. Vegetable oils, ghee (clarified butter), animal fats and fat from bone marrow are the substances used for oleation. Ghee and sesame oil to which various herbs have been added are commonly used.
Pizhichil.Lukewarm medicated oil is applied on the body of the patient lying on the “Dharapathi”. Oil dipped pieces of cloth are squeezed by hand and the oils rubbed smoothly over the body of the patient by Measures on either side. The medicated oil is pressed out of the cloth uniformly over the body at a defined height and massaged by skillful hands. Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the treatment may last seven or twenty one days. Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the Vata humour- Pakshagliata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spasms and other degenerative diseases that affect the muscles.
Uzhichil.This whole body deep muscle massage with oil is a very relaxing technique. It gives all the benefits of Abhyanga and tones the muscles. Uzhichil regulates the flow of energy within the body and improves circulation. Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the treatment may last seven or twenty one days.Ilakkizhi (Patrasweda).Patra and Ila mean leaf. ‘Kizhi’ means “bundle’. ‘llakkizhi’ or Patrasweda is a kind of sudation therapy using herbal leaves. Various Herbal Leaves are chopped and mixed with grated coconut and mustard. Prior to fomentation, oil is applied to the crown. As sudation is the primary aim of fomentation, the kizhis have to be kept at a constant high temperature by warming them every now and then. In rheumatic pains and associated swelling of the joints, fomentation and massage with Ilakkizhi (bundles containing leaves) bring relief. Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the treatment may last seven or twenty one days.