What is Panchakarma Therapy?
Pancha means five and Karma refers to therapy. These five therapies for bio-purification of the body are collectively known as Pancha karma (Penta bio-purification therapy). The five bio-purification measures are Vamana (Emetic Therapy), Virechana (Purgation therapy), Asthsapana Basti (Decoction Enema Therapy), Anuvasana Basti (Oily Enema Therapy) and Nasya (Errhine Therapy).
Preparation & Process
Purvakarma: Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the body to let go of the toxins. The two procedures are snehan and sweden. Snehan is an oil massage. Oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of massage which 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 liquifies 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.” A particular panchakarma method is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder, prakriti and vikruti, respectively.
Five Basic Shodhana: Cleansing Methods
VAMAN:
Therapeutic vomiting or emesis
VIRECHAN:
Purgation
BASTI:
Enema
NASYA:
Elimination of toxins through the nose Rakta Moksha
Detoxification of the blood
Vaman is one of the five therapies of Panchakarma in Ayurveda. Vaman means therapeutic vomiting which is a medicated emesis. This treatment is done for the aggravated Kapha dosha, which dislodges the toxins mainly from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. This therapy is also done for preventive & curative purposes. Ayurveda believes that different seasons have a great influence in the aggravation of doshas, ex: Kapha in Hemant (spring season), pitta in Sharada(winter)season and Vata in greeshma(summers) season. Hence one can adopt Vaman therapy in Spring i.e Hemant season as a preventive therapy in order to prevent disorders related to kapha.
Procedure:
- Vaman is induced in order to eliminate excess of mucus from the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tract that causes excess of the kapha.
- Pre-therapy procedure: before inducing vamana, patient is asked to have kapha aggravating foods such as the yoghurts, sweets, basmati rice, the prior night. This is done with the intention of increasing the kapha so that it gets eliminated out completely and forcefully from the system.
- On the next day, a drink is made out of vomiting inducing drugs- madanphala, licorice, calamus root tea.
- This drink triggers vomiting in the patient, if it doesn’t take place then it is induced by rubbing the tongue.
- In this manner the patient expels the whole kapha outside and feels better & light after some time.
- Post therapy: patient should take rest completely and consume light food. Fasting is recommended after vaman therapy as the whole system goes under heavy work.
Benefits:
- Lightness in the chest is often experienced after undergoing the vaman therapy.
- People analyse things more efficiently, promotes good voice and good appetite.
- In ancient days vaman was said to be given to one, after consumption of poison or food poisoning which is today followed by stomach wash in modern science.
- After vaman, the sinuses are cleared which in turn provides relief from congestion, wheezing and breathlessness.
- It is a highly efficient treatment in Asthma and skin related problems like psoriasis.
- Reduction in weight and cholesterol & triglycerides.
Indication:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
- Metabolic disorders like Diabetes.
- Skin allergy, eczema, psoriasis Erysipelas(cellulite)
- Obesity Urticarial rashes
Virechan is one among the five therapeutic procedures of panchakarma. It is a medicated purgation therapy which cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract, liver and gall bladder from toxins. It also removes toxins from the blood and thus purifies the blood. Virechan is mainly indicated for the disorders related to pitta. It pacifies the pitta dosha and thus its disorders. It can be adopted as a preventive procedure in sharad (winter) season as it is the season of aggravation of the pitta dosha.
Procedure:
- Prior to the procedure, the patient is subjected to oleation and sudation therapies in order to bring the doshas to the abdomen.
- Then on basis of the constitutional analysis, abdomen assessment, age, mental conditions, the dose and medicinal herb are decided and the patient is subjected to purgation.
- The patient is asked to maintain a frequency chart and the consistency of the motion to analyse the effect of the dose.
- More the frequency more the effect of the dose which is consider as a perfect purgation therapy.
- After the therapy patient is asked to observe fasting and then take a light diet.
Benefits:
- Detoxification of the toxins from the body and thus promotes good health.
- Detoxify the toxins from the liver and hence regulates proper metabolism.
- Beneficial in skin disorders, urticarial rashes, allergies.
- In case of Gout, rheumatism, purgation is classically said to be the best.
- Mainly relieves gastro-intestinal disorders.
- Reduces weight by removing excessive fat from the abdomen.
Indication:
- Rheumatic arthritis
- Gout
- Obesity
- Chronic asthma
- Cardiac disorders
- Tumors growth
- Jaundice
- Gall stone
- Spleen disorders
- Eczema, psoriasis
- Hypersensitivity
- Urinary retention
Contra –indication:
Person suffering from fissures, ano-rectal bleeding, fever, immunocompromised patients, weak persons, pregnant women, age below 15 years and old age people are contra-indicated for virechan.
Administration of drugs through nasal route is called as Nasya, which are in the form of decoction, herbal juices, herbal paste, oil, ghee etc.
Nasya is considered as the best procedure because Nasa (nose) is considered as a direct gateway of head. It is used in the treatment of Urdhwajatrugata Rogas largely. All the disorders pertaining to eyes, ears, nose, or head i.e. regions above the clavicle are considered as Urdhwajatrugata Roga. It’s sphere of action is not only limited to above the neck but also whole body.It stimulates whole nervous system, cranial nerves and also maintains the function of endocrine glands.
It is the only procedure that nourishes the sense organs directly. Medicines administered through nasal route absorbs directly through blood vessels thereby, bypasses the digestion mechanism and act quickly. Age mentioned for performing Nasya Karma is between 7 years to 80 years.
Different types of Nasya Karma are described in Ayurveda.
There are six main types of nasya, as listed below.
- 1. Pradhamana Nasya (cleansing nasya)
In Pradhamana Nasya, fine Churna form of drug is administered into the nostrils of the patient with the help of special Nadiyantra (tube like instrument) in the head-low position in a patients suffering from Chronic sinusitis. It is also called as Dhmapana. It is a form of Shodhana Nasya(cleansing nasya).Epilepsy, Poisoning, sudden unconsciousness and any other diseases related to brain are treated through this method. - Brumhana Nasya (nutrition nasya) uses ghee, oils and medicated milk and is used mainly for vata disorders. It is said to benefit conditions resulting from vata imbalances such as vata-type headaches, migraine headache, dryness of voice, dry nose, nervousness, anxiety, fear, dizziness, bursitis, stiffness in the neck, dry sinuses and loss of sense of smell.
- Avapida Nasya: Nasya consisting of extract of a drug administered through nasal passage.This cleanses and soothes the paranasal sinus area.It is usually employed in insomnia, headache, anxiety.
- Navana Nasya: It is administered by instilling the drops of a medicated oil in the nose. Navana is generally a Sneha Nasya and known generally as Nasya.Usually used in Vataja siroroga, timira, keshapata, dantapata, mukhasosa like conditions.
- Marshya Nasya: It is curative in nature, quick acting and highly potent. It consist of more Sneha dravyas and only done once or maximum twice in day. The dose range from 4 to 10 drops.
- Prati Marshya Nasya: is application of just two drops of nasal oil, multiple times a day. it is a form of mini detoxification done throughout the day.
- Indications for Nasya:
Stress
Emotional imbalances
Stiffness in the neck & shoulders
Dryness of the nose
Sinus congestion
Hoarseness
Migraine
Hemicrania
Headache
Convulsions
Facial paralysis.
Vata’s predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal substances like oil and decoction etc in a liquid medium. Basti, is the most effective treatment of vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. This is one of the five pradhana karma of panchakarma.
Mode of action:
Vata is a very active principle in pathogenesis. If we can control vata through the use of basti, we have gone a long way in going to the root cause of the vast majority of diseases.
Vata is the main etiological factor in the manifestation of diseases. It is the motive force behind the elimination and retention of feces, urine, bile and other excreta. Vata is mainly located in the large intestine, but bone tissue (asthi dhatu) is also a site for vata. Hence the medication administered rectally effects asthi dhatu. The mucus membrane of the colon is related to the outer covering of the bones (peritoneum), which nourishes the bones. Therefore, any medication given rectally goes into the deeper tissues, like bones, and corrects vata disorders.
There are Eight main types of basti, according to traditional texts, each with their own indications and contra-indications as listed below.
- Anuvasana (oil enema) is used in pure vata disorders and when a person is having excess hunger or dryness related to vata imbalances.
- Niruha-Asthapana (decoction enema) is used, among other conditions, for evacuation of vata, nervous diseases, gastro-intestinal vata conditions, gout, certain fever conditions, unconsciousness, certain urinary conditions, appetite, pain, hyperacidity and heart diseases.
- Uttara Basti (through the urethra with men or vagina with women) is used for selected semen and ovulation disorders and for some problems involving painful urination or bladder infections. This is not to be used for someone with diabetes.
- Matra Basti (daily oil enema) is used by someone emaciated by overwork or too much exercise, too much heavy lifting, walking too long a distance, too much sexual activity or someone with chronic vata disorders. It does not need to be accompanied by any strict dietary restriction or daily routine and can be administered, in the appropriate cases, in all seasons. It gives strength, promotes weight and helps elimination of waste products.
- Karma Basti (schedule of 30 bastis),
- Kala Basti (schedule of 15 bastis; 10 oil + 5 decoction)
- Yoga Basti (schedule of 8 bastis; 5 oil + 3 decoction).
In karma, kala and yoga bastis, it is better to give both types of basti in combination and not oil and decoction separately. The conditions under which these are recommended are too detailed to be able to list in this article. In general, the indications and contra-indications that apply to basti also apply here. - Bruhana Basti (nutritional enema) is used for providing deep nutrition in select conditions. Traditionally, highly nutritive substances have been used, such as warm milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup and herbs like shatavari or ashwagandha.
Benefits:
It relieves constipation, distension, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with basti
- General Indications for Basti:
constipation - low back ache
- Inflammatory disorders like Gout, rheumatism
- Neurological disorders like sciatica
- Nervous disorders like vata headache
- Obesity
- Emaciation
- sexual weakness, infertility
- Muscular atrophy
General Contra-Indications for Basti (include but are not limited to the following):
Enema therapy should not be used if the patient is suffering from diarrhoea, bleeding of the rectum, chronic indigestion, breathlessness, diabetes, fever, emaciation, severe anaemia, pulmonary tuberculosis, old age or for children below the age of seven years.
For oil enemas: diabetes, obesity, indigestion, low agni, enlarged liver or spleen, unconsciousness, tuberculosis and cough. for decoction enemas: debility, hiccough, haemorrhoids, inflammation of anus, piles, diarrhoea, pregnancy, ascites, obesity, diabetes and some conditions involving painful or difficult breathing. for nutritional enemas: diabetes, lymphatic obstruction, ascites. for urethra or vaginal enemas: diabetes
Guidelines and Benefits of Panchakarma at Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic
It is advised to get plenty of rest during the panchakarma experience and to avoid strenuous exercise, sexual activity, late nights, loud music, television and other such stimulating experiences. It is also advised to take particular care to keep warm and away from the wind and to observe one’s thoughts and experiences during this time.
Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic and Research Center in Jaipur (pink city of Rajasthan, India ) is a pioneer in practicing Ayurveda in its most authentic and actual form. The center is listed in lonely planet for all the services offered by the center like Ayurveda Training, Panchakarma Treatments, Ayurveda Products and has achieved ISO 9001:2008 for its quality management system and ISO 22000 : 2005 for following highest level of food safety standards for its products. The name Chakrapani is synonymous with Lord Krishna as well as it reminds us about the great Ayurveda physician who was famous with the same name.
Chakrapani center is a one stop place for all your queries related to Ayurvedic Panchakarma,right from Pachakarma treatments to Panchakarma training and Panchakarma equipments. We have successfully treated healthy individuals willing to maintain optimum health as well as patients suffering from various chronic illnesses like –
Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Prolapsed vertebral column and disc herniations
- Sciatica
- Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B
- Obesity
- Chronic Sinusitis and allergic disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Hair fall
- Acne
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression
The center is equipped with world class facilities for Panchakarma Therapies. The center offers various packages for Detoxification , Rejuvenation and Stress alleviation.
Nirvana package (Ayurveda Relaxation package) – 1 – 3 days
This package is specially designed for frequent travelers and for people who have very less leisure time. This package is beneficial for businessmen, people who travel a lot and who work long hours with heavy work schedules meeting deadlines in a short period of time, and have less time for relaxation. This is a power-packed program for a short period of one day to three days and helps in optimum relaxation of body and mind.
- Marma Abhyanga (Full body massage).
- Shirodhara (Third eye treatment).
Mana shanti package (Ayurveda for Stress Relief) – 7 days
Stress is a part of our daily life and in our present-day lifestyle stress is always there in one form or the other whether related to our job, family, relationship, or finance. Stress is a normal reaction to the increasing demands of life. A little stress can be good for you but high levels of stress can lead to various health problems and can also have a negative impact on your relationships and quality of life. Our stress relief package helps you leave your stress behind thereby enhancing energy, improving systemic circulation, promoting sound sleep and calmness of the mind. The package includes –
- Aroma Abhyanga (Aroma massage).
- Vashpa swedana (Steam bath).
- Shirodhara (Third eye treatment).
Tarpana (Eye rejuvenation.)
Soukhya package (Spine and Joint care) – 7 – 15 days
This package is specially designed to keep your spine and joints healthy. This treatment program is very effective for relieving pain, inflammation, and spasm in the affected area. It nourishes the spine and joint & promotes strength. It is effective for various spine and joint problems like Rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, sports injury, spondylosis, etc. This package includes –
- Spinal massage
- Foot massage
- Katibasti
- Janubasti
- Greevabasti
- Patra Pinda swedana (Leaf bolus steam)
- Pizhichil (Oil bath)
Nadi swedana (Localized steam)
Langhana package (Weight loss packages) – 7 – 15 days
Using a combination of Udwartana, Swedana, and Karshan Basti, this package is effective in the management of cellulite.It helps in weight loss, reduces subcutaneous fat and increases metabolic activity. It tones the skin and enhances the complexion and luster of the skin. This package includes –
- Udwartana (Exfoliating body scrub).
- Vashpa swedana (Steam bath).
Karshana Basti (Medicated enema).
Brimhana treatment (Strength and Weight gain packages) – 15 days
This package promotes strength of the body, nourishes the tissues, enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients. This weight-gain package is ideal for boosting immunity and in medical conditions such as muscular dystrophy. In this package, several nourishing and strengthening treatments are administered for maximum effect. This package includes –
- Marma Abhyanga (Marma Abhyanga).
- Shastika shali swedana (Rice bolus steam).
- Pizhichil (Oil bath).
Basti (Medicated enema).
Treatments:
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic practice of massaging the body with warm, herbal oils, typically performed to balance the doshas.
BENEFITS : Its benefits include improved circulation, detoxification, relaxation, enhanced skin health, and stress reduction.
Udwarthana
Udwarthana is an invigorating Ayurvedic treatment where herbal powders are massaged into the body in an upward direction.
BENEFITS : This technique stimulates circulation, promotes detoxification, helps reduce cellulite, and enhances skin tone and texture, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a calming Ayurvedic therapy where warm, herbal-infused oil is gently poured over the forehead, particularly the third eye area.
BENEFITS : This deeply relaxing treatment helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, balance emotions, and promote restful sleep, fostering an overall sense of calm and well-being.
Patra Pinda Sweda
Patra Pinda Sweda is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application of warm herbal poultices (Patras) filled with medicinal leaves, which are gently massaged onto the body.
BENEFITS : This rejuvenating treatment helps relieve muscle stiffness, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and alleviate joint pain, promoting deep relaxation and overall vitality.
Netra Tarpana
Netra Tarpan is an Ayurvedic therapy where a circular reservoir of medicated ghee or oil is created around the eyes.
BENEFITS : This treatment helps improve eyesight, alleviate dryness or strain, and provide relief from conditions like conjunctivitis or eye fatigue, promoting overall eye health and relaxation.
Face treatment
Ayurvedic Face Treatment combines natural, plant-based ingredients and techniques to cleanse, balance, and rejuvenate the skin. Using herbal oils, masks, and exfoliants tailored to your skin type.
BENEFITS : This treatment detoxifies, reduces signs of aging, improves complexion, and restores natural glow. It promotes deep nourishment, hydration, and a radiant, youthful appearance, while balancing the mind and body.
Vashpa Swedan
Vashpa Swedan is an Ayurvedic steam therapy that involves the application of therapeutic steam infused with medicinal herbs.
BENEFITS : This treatment helps open the pores, promotes detoxification, improves circulation, and relaxes the muscles. It is especially beneficial for relieving tension, reducing stress, and supporting respiratory health by clearing congestion and enhancing overall vitality.
A mono-diet of kichari and ghee is recommended, as well as essential restrictions on cold drinks, cold food, caffeine, white sugar, recreational drugs or alcohol and dairy products–all substances which should not be resumed (if at all) until some time after panchakarma is completed. The reason for this diet is that during the cleansing process the digestive fire (agni) takes a rest. Also, as toxins move back into the gastrointestinal tract the power of digestion is further slowed.