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.