Panchkarma has been given much importance in Charaka Samhita, an ancient authoritative ayurvedic text and literally means Five Therapies. Panchkarma can be adapted for enhancing the sense of well-being in heathy people as well. Panchkarma is based on the principle that almost all diseases are caused by external entities entering our body and marring the equilibrium of bodily composure. The imbalance caused by the external factors are referred to as Doshas. When these Doshas get vitiated and spread to specific part of the body, especially where there is a pronounced lack of immuno-efficacy, the disease entity is manifested.
Purvakarma: preparatory procedures that help the body discard the toxins present in the stomach and tissues and help facilitate the toxins to move to the alimentary canal. Deepan ( to improve appetite)- Some diet advises or some herbal remedies should be given to improve appetite. Pachan ( to improve digestion)- Some diet advise or remedies should be given to improve digestion.
Snehan (oiling of body): In this process external & internal oiling is done. In external oiling the whole body ayurveda massage (abhyanga) is given & in internal oiling clearified butter or any specific oil with some specific herbs should be given 3 to 7 days according the prakriti of the person. Swedana (steam bath)- In this process the whole body herbal steam should be given after whole body massage except head.
Pradhanakarma: main treatment which is designed as per each individual's needs consists five therapies. Vamana Therapy: Vamana is therapeutic vomiting. People with high imbalance of kapha are given vamana therapy, which loosens and mobilizes the toxins.. The vitiated kapha are eliminated through the mouth. After vomiting, the sinus is cleared, which in turn provides relief from congestion, wheezing and breathlessness.
Virechana Therapy: Virechana is expelling the vitiated doshas and toxins through purgation. Virechana is induced by administering herbal purgatives in the morning between when pitta dosha is dominant. Virechana can be conducted by itself or as a follow up therapy with vamana to ensure complete detoxification. This detoxification method helps to expel toxins and vitiated doshas from blood, liver and intestines. Usual panchakarma preparatory methods like snehana and swedana are completed before inducingpurgation.
This therapy is indicated for disorders in which pitta is prominent dosha. jaundice, constipation, headache, Skin diseases, fistula, hemorrhoids, intestinal parasites, herpes, anemia, edema are few of many diseases in which Virechana is the chosen as detoxifying therapy. Contraindications for virechana therapy are ulcerated rectum, pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, cardiac ailments and tuberculosis.
Basti: One of the main procedures of Panchakarma, Basti karma concentrates on the elimination of the loosened vata dosha out through the rectum. The treatment involves the introduction of medicated enema, such as Anuwasan Basti ( oil enema) and Niruh Basti (decoctions enema) in a liquid medium, per rectal. This is because vata is predominantly located in the colon and lower body part. Nasya: Nasya therapy is a process wherein the drug (herbalized oils and liquid medicines) is administered through the nostrils. Since nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head, if it is performed systematically.
Raktamoksha: Raktamoksha therapy is one of the Panchakarmas of Ayurveda. Literally meaning Blood Letting, Raktamoksha is performed to eliminate the toxins from the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe, painless and highly effective form of Panchakarma. Raktamoksha entails the refinement of blood, hence administered to treat disorders pertaining to skin, such as urticaria, rash, eczema, acne, scabies, leucoderma, chronic itching and hives.
Paschatkarma: post treatment care includes the diet regimen and the other dos and don'ts or medicament according embalance. Diet regime: After panchkarma specific food suggested according to the body type of the person. Remedies according to disease: Herbal remedies should be given if a person is suffering from some disease.