The word Panchakarma means five different actions (pancha = five; karma = action). These are five broad groups of different specific procedures of Ayurveda. These procedures are unique purification procedure advocated for quick recovery from chronic disorders. Chronic ailments are the results of long term suppression of toxins inside the body. By Panch Karma, the excessive level of toxic substances which are known as "Dosha" are expelled out of the body by various physical harmless procedures of Panch Karma. Thus a long-term and extremely profound purification of the body is achieved. It is quick acting therapy for the chronic diseases and have long lasting effect. For healthy people, there is a clear increase in zest, vitality, and performance.
In order to prepare body for the main procedure, pre-procedures are carried out before the Main Procedure. The main procedure is followed by post-procedure called Sansarjan Kram. Before carrying out any of the actual procedure, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the body to let go of the toxins and thence to enhance the efficacy of actual cleansing procedure. These preparatory procedures are Snehan and Swedan. Snehan is the scientific oil massage being carried out over the entire body in a proper way.
This helps the toxins to move towards the gastro-intestinal tract. Oil massage also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and to nourish the nervous system. Snehan is given daily for three to seven days, as indicated. Swedan is sudation or sweating and is given every day immediately following the Snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further loosen the toxins from the individual. Swedan liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastro-intestinal tract. After three to seven days of Snehan and Swedan, the doshas become well "ripened." Once body is prepared for the main procedure, a particular panchkarma method is then carried out according to the individual's constitution(Prakriti), type and chronicity of disorder and bodily conditions.
Vamana: Vaman or induced emesis is one of the five cleansing methods of Panchakarma Chikitsa. It is performed to subdue augmented Kapha Dosha. Giving decoction of medicinal herbs for ingestion in large amounts induces emesis. Before the main procedure (Vaman), there are three preparatory procedures to be employed. They are: Paachan (Digestion), Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis).
Virechana: It is drug induced purgation beneficial for all types of Patta dominant disorders.
Nasya: Administration of medicines through the nose either to subside congestion or to expel vitiated Doshas out of the body. Since the nose is the main orifice, connected directly to brain, nasal cleansing is considered very effective for ailments of the head including the five sense organs (Indriyas). In this procedure, the aggravated Doshas above the region of clavicle (in the head and neck) are eliminated through the nose. Before beginning with the nasal therapy, the preparatory procedures such as localized Snehan (Oleation therapy) and Swedan (diaphoresis) should be applied on the affected area.
Basti : Basti Karma is one of the main procedures of Panchakarma Chikitsa. Various medicated enemas are introduced into the large intestine through the rectum with the help of an enema pot or special bag made for this purpose. "Basti" literally means the urinary bladder. The extent of Ayurvedic Basti is very significant and hence cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. As per Ayurveda, treatment of Vata Dosha is mandatory in treating any disease, since Vata Dosha is known to be the main cause in initiating ailments. Basti chikitsa is the most important treatment to subdue the elevated Vata Dosha, hence it is considered as most important procedure in Panchakarma Chikitsa. If administered properly this therapy can cures most health complaints and promote good health.
Rakta Mokshan: Rakta Mokshan or artificial bloodletting was included in the Panchkarma therapy by Acharya Sushruta. Rakta Mokshan is essentially extracting blood from specific blood vessels (veins), mentioned for specific chronic diseases. In past, it was done by using purified and sterilized horns of animals, gourd, by applying leeches or by puncturing veins (Phlebotomy). At present only latter two methods are followed. However, since it is an invasive procedure, it should be administered by a licensed physician only. Before beginning with the bloodletting therapy, the preparatory procedures such as Abhyanga (external Oleation therapy) and Swedan (local fomentation) are usually carried out on the affected area. Rakta Mokshan is carried out in the cases of Alopecia, Eczema Leucoderma, Psoriasis , Skin Disease, eczema, Thrombosis, Varicose Vein, etc.