Ayurveda has formulated treatment modalities in two main streams, viz., Shodhana (cleansing or bio purification) and Shamana (palliation). Shodhana is mainly performed by five main therapies, which are called as ‘Panchakarma’. Panchakarma is an effective and incredible Ayurvedic method of treatment which detoxifies the body. Our body undergoes metabolism constantly through which waste products (toxins) are formed, these toxins are known as ‘Aama’. The Aama is a root cause of different diseases. Panchakarma procedure removes Aama from our body in competent way without any adverse effects on body. ‘Pancha’ means five and ‘Karma’ means actions or therapies.

Apart from providing curative line of treatment, Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies help in promotion of health & wellness and prevention of disease thus beneficial for both diseased and healthy. Just as a piece of cloth has to be washed well first before being subjected to dyeing; the body has to be purified with suitable Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies for enhancing better absorption of herbs and Rasayana (Rejuvenation by Ayurveda) therapies. Panchakarma treatments are Ayurveda cleansing and detoxification treatments which are effective on both physical and mental levels. The body and mind get revitalized and rejuvenated from the stress and strain of everyday life with Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments. There are three sequential steps in carrying out Panchakarma treatments in the classical way, viz., Purvakarma, Pradhana Karma and Paschyat Karma.
These are all shodhana (cleansing of vitiated doshas and bringing them to normalcy) therapies.

Panchakarma consists of five major therapies namely:

1. Vamana (Therapeutic emesis)

2. Virechana (Therapeutic purgation)

3. Basti (Medicated enemas)

4. Nasya (Nasal administrations)

5. Raktamokshana (Blood letting therapy)

These therapies are known as ‘Pradhana Karma’ means main procedures. Snehana (oleation or massage) and Swedana (sudation or fomentation) which are always done before pradhana karmas hence called ‘Purva Karma’. Purva karma is a preparatory stage for the main procedures; it brings the aggravated Doshas in main gastro intestinal tract for their elimination.

Purvakarma (Preparatory procedures):

For proper and effective administration of Panchakarma, it is essential to prepare the patient before Panchakarma by three methods: Deepana-Pachana, Snehana and Swedana.

1. Deepana-Pachana (Herbs to increase digestive fire and to promote digestion):

Oral administration of Deepana – Pachana herbs in the form of powder, tablet or decoctions help to enhance Agni (Digestive fire) and liquefy Ama (toxic metabolites) so that it can be removed from the body by Panchakarma treatments.

2. Snehana (Internal and External Oleation):

Snehana is the process of administration of fats internally in the form of medicated ghee and externally in the form of Ayurveda massage. It helps in loosening the body toxins which are stuck up into our body systems causing ailments. Snehana helps in mobilization of the vitiated dosha from the site of morbidity. Our skin being semi-permeable absorbs this oil to some extent. Oleation is of two types; internal and external oleation. For internal Oleation Sneha dravya like plain or medicated ghee, oil is taken orally in desirable amount. Suitable medicated ghee is administered orally in an increasing dose for a period of 3 to 7 days depending upon the severity of the condition and nature of the person. External Oleation therapy consists of whole or partial body massage with medicated oils.

3. Swedana (Sudation):

After Snehana (Oleation), Swedana is administered. Swedana is the procedure of inducing perspiration by application of heat to the body. This sweating induced by steam, it liquefies the toxins and increases the flow of toxins to Koshtha (gastrointestinal tract) from where they are eliminated by various Panchakarma treatments. There are various ways of applying swedana therapy like Bashpa sweda, Nadi sweda, Pinda sweda, Patra pottali, Valuka sweda, etc. the type of sweda to be used is selected according to person and the disease he is suffering from.

Pradhana Karma / Panchakarma therapies (Main detoxification procedures):

The five Panchakarma therapies helps in cleansing the body and have a relaxing effect on the body and mind. After Purvakarma, following Abhyanga (Therapeutic massage) and Swedana (Sudation), suitable Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies are administered to the patient.

1. Vamana (Emesis) –

In this Panchakarma treatment, vomiting is induced by oral administration of herbal emetics to remove the accumulated doshas especially vitiated Kapha dosha from the body. Therapeutic emesis is administered in patients suffering from abnormal Kapha accumulated in respiratory tract, sinuses, bronchial asthma, psoriasis, chronic allergies, obesity, chronic indigestion, hyperacidity, nasal congestion and other skin disorders. Patient is advised to drink decoction of liquorice, etc. as per his body constitution and ailment he is suffering from – to the full extent and emesis is induced.

2. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) –

This Panchakarma treatment involves the use of oral purgatives to remove the vitiated doshas especially Pitta dosha by inducing purgation. It is given to patients suffering from Pitta dosha related diseases. It cleanses the gastrointestinal tract thoroughly and voids off the Pitta toxins accumulated in the liver, gall bladder and small intestine. Purgation is given with medicines like cow milk, black currants, castor oil, etc. It is a safe procedure without side effects. Virechana helps to cure chronic fever, diabetes, asthma, skin disorders such as herpes, paraplegia, hemiplegia, joint disorders, digestive disorders, constipation, hyperacidity, vitiligo, psoriasis, headaches, gynaecological disorders, etc.

3. Raktamokshana (Blood-letting therapy) –

It is a unique procedure specially performed in disease due to Pitta and Rakta dushti. It is carried out in various ways but the most common techniques used are application of Leeches and blood-letting with syringe. Leeches suck impure blood from our body and are usually helpful in localised area. It reduces pain and swelling in joint pain, localised skin diseases, cracked heels, varicose veins, etc. Blood-letting through syringe is effective in generalised body ailments like hypertension, large area of varicose veins, vitiligo, severe headache, etc.

4. Nasya (Nasal medication) –

Nasya is one of the Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies which helps in removal of vitiated doshas from the head and sinus by instilling liquid medicines through the nose after massage and fomentation of face and neck. This Panchakarma treatment is beneficial in disorders affecting the head, face and neck. Medicine instilled into nose is known as Nasya. It acts on doshas accumulated in head, neck and face region, especially kapha dosha. It drains out sinus, relieves headache, improves eye sight, memory and promotes hair growth. Nasal allergies, polyps, neck stiffness, frozen shoulder, Bell’s palsy can be well treated by Nasya. In cases of hemiplagia and paraplegia it stimulates brain tissues and improves functioning of nervous system.

5. Basti (Medicated enemas) –

Medicated enema is administered in this treatment through the anal route for expelling vitiated doshas. It is highly beneficial for pacifying Vata dosha. This treatment involves the introduction of herbal oils, decoctions, mixtures, etc. into the rectum with the patient lying in left lateral position. Basti is considered to be the most effective treatment in Ayurveda as it not only prime cure for Vata disorders but also cleanses toxins created by Pitta and Kapha through rectum. Medicated oil, ghee or decoction is introduced through anus into the colon. Basti is an effective therapy in osteoporosis, gas trouble, constipation, backache, hemiplegia, paraplegia, sciatica, cervical spondylosis, chronic fever, arthritis, muscle spasm, acidity, digestive disorders, joint pain, slip disc, sexual disorders, etc. and other ailments caused due to imbalance of vata dosha. The large intestine and bones are the main seat of Vata, so Basti is administered through rectum which removes toxins and also nourishes the membrane of colon and controls vata diseases efficiently.

Paschyat Karma (Post Panchakarma / Follow up Regimen) –

For enhanced benefits after Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments, one should avoid both diet and lifestyle that contribute to illness. Follow up regimen in regard to diet and lifestyle helps to intensify Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), restore physical strength as well as for optimum functioning of the body systems. Post Panchakarma regimen includes intake of wholesome food and avoidance of day sleep & physical and mental over-strain.

Similarly there are other allied or associated therapies apart from these basic five therapies like Shirodhara, Shiro-basti, Kati-basti, Janu-basti, Hrid-basti, Manya-basti, Netra-tarpana, Karna-purana, Pinda-sweda, Patra-pottali-sweda, Pizicchila, etc.

These fivefold therapies work wonders when performed properly under supervision of well experienced, efficient Ayurvedic consultant and obedient patient who is willing to follow all the necessary rules Do’s and Don’ts as advised by the Ayurveda Doctor. Ayurveda treatments are efficient in chronic as well as acute health issues. We are regularly serving patients of various pathologies and complex diagnosis with Panchakarma (Ayurveda detoxification therapies). We have achieved success to treat Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Malignant metastasis, Scleroderma, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kidney Diseases, Paralysis, Cerebral Palsy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Psoriasis, PCOD, Obesity, Diabetes, Hepatitis–C, Alopecia, BPH, Renal calculus, Endometriosis, Fibroid uterus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, etc.

Benefits of Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapies:

1. Restores the health & wellness and minimises recurrence of the disease.
2. Promotes immunity & improves strength, vigour and vitality.
3. Improves digestion and metabolism.
4. Enhances the functioning of sense organs and mind.
5. Cures the disease from its root cause.
6. Slowdowns ageing and rejuvenates the body and mind.
7. Supports longer, healthier and happier life.