Panchakarma is a profound and comprehensive detoxification and rejuvenation therapy rooted in the ancient healing system of Āyurveda. The term “Panchakarma” translates to “Five Actions,” reflecting the five therapeutic procedures that constitute this holistic approach to cleansing and healing the body, while balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Panchakarma is not only a detoxification process but also a rejuvenating therapy that aims to restore balance in the body, mind, and spirit. It helps eliminate accumulated toxins, rejuvenate tissues, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being. Panchakarma is typically administered under the guidance of trained Ayurvedic practitioners who tailor the treatments to an individual’s unique constitution and health needs. It is considered an essential component of Ayurvedic healthcare and is sought after by those looking to revitalize their health and vitality naturally.
Process of Panchakarma
Before the administration of panchakarma therapy, the patient is prepared suitably with the administration of Medicated oils and/or Ghee (traditionally clarified butter) i.e. Snehana or oleation therapy and sweating measures i.e. Swedana or steam therapy as preparatory measures. These is also called Purvakarma.
Panchakarma therapy undertaken without purvakarma fails to eliminate the dosha effectively.
Snehana consists of consumption of oil,ghee or external application of oleating agents to the body or parts of body. It renders the body soft and disintegrates the accumulated dosha. It helps to prevent early ageing, joint pain, weakness/fatigue, disability of organs like ear, eyes etc. It revives/revitalizes the body more rapidly from degenerative changes, hence is useful in conditions arising from causes like frequent traveling & long journeys, exhausting work, after effects of prolonged illnesses.
In Swedana, a person is made to sweat, with or without heat. Generally it should be undertaken after the oleation therapy. It helps to reduce fats, flaccidity and pain in bones and muscles.
It melts the doshas stagnated in smallest channels of circulation. At this stage administration of panchakarma eliminates the dosha out of the body easily and effectively through respective pathways.
Panchakarma should be performed under the observation of an experienced physician only. It can worsen the conditions if not administered properly.
Do’s and Dont’s
Before Panchakarma
Internal medicine consumption with certain diet & lifestyle for period of 3 to 15 days with prior to selected panchakarma is advised.
- All unctuous or fat containing food like ghee, cheese, milk and tea (containing milk) should be avoided completely.
- Sugar containing foods, rice, wheat, jaggery etc. should also be avoided.
- Lunch has to of freshly prepared bhakri (i.e. bread/roti) made of jowar, bajra or maize & some vegetable cooked without fat. It is to be prepared with black pepper or other powdered spices and salt.
- For dinner, green gram (moong) soup can be had instead of a meal. In case, the appetite is more repeat the menu of lunch for dinner too.
- Freshly prepared buttermilk (completely free from butter) with salt and powdered spices.
- Drinking water should be sufficiently hot (Not boiled and cooled.)
- One glass of water (boiled and cooled) & two teaspoons of honey can be taken 2 to 3 times in a day, during the period of rookshana.
Note: The terms denoting allopathic diagnosis have been used here for the sake of understanding, as – today they are in common use socially. They do not purport to be the exact representative words for the Āyurvedic terms used for denoting the diseases we have mentioned.