Panchakarma

 

Panchakarma is the cornerstone to Ayurvedic management of

disease. Pancha Karma is the process, which gets to the root cause of the

problem and re-establishes the essent ial balance of 'Tridosha' ( three

doshas: Vata, Pit ta and Kapha) in body. Pancha Karma is not only good

for alleviat ing disease but is also a useful tool in maintaining excellent

health. Ayurveda advises undergoing Pancha Karma at the seasonal

changes in order to clean the body and improve the digestion and

metabolic processes.

 

Panchakarma is a Sanskr it word that means "five actions" or " five

treatments". This science of purifying the body is an ancient branch of

Ayurveda. The Treatment in Ayurveda consists of two main types.

 

One is Shaman Chiki tsa, used to subdue the vi t iated Doshas, which may

cause any ailments. I t is administered by using various medicinal herbomineral

preparat ions.

 

However, if the Doshas are vit iated beyond a part icular level, they give

rise to various toxins, which have a tendency to be accumulated in the

minute channels. These are beyond the level of pacif icat ion and hence

need to be eliminat ing f rom the body. In such cases, the second type of

treatment , which is Shodhan Chikitsa or cleansing therapy, is indicated.

Since it consists of the five types of main therapies, it is known as the

Panchakarma.

 

Panchakarma has been given a special place in al l ancient Ayurvedic

texts. Aacharya Charak, the author of the most important ancient text on

internal medicine, has described a wide use of Panchakarma therapy in

almost all major diseases. Two separate sect ions, Kalpa Sthanam, and

Siddhi Sthanam in Charak Samhi ta describe in details special decoct ions

and other preparat ions used for Panchakarma therapy.

 

Panchakarma includes three parts namely:

 

Poorva Karma (Preparatory Methods), which includes:

• Paachana (Digest ion)

• Snehana (Internal and external oleation)

• Swedana (Fomentat ion)

Pradhan Karma (Main methods), which includes:

 

• Vamana (Induced vomiting)

• Virechana (Induced purgation)

• Anuvasana (Medicated oil enema)

• Asthapana (Medicated decoct ion enema)

• Nasya (Drug administ rat ion through nose)

 

Pashchat Karma (Post -Therapeutic Measures) which includes:

 

This includes Sansarjan Krama (Specific diet), DhumaPana (nasal

smoking of medicinal cigars) and some rules to follow specific

act ivit ies.

.

Prime treatment in Ayurveda

 

Abhyanga (Head, Face and Body Massage): A special ized whole body

massage performed by therapist using specif ic herbal oil selected

according to the body type. The treatment brings about improved physical

consistency, induces deep relaxat ion and is very benef icial for vigor and

vitality.

Durat ion: 60 minutes

 

Synchronized Ayurveda massage: 2 therapists to maintain the symmetry

of the body perform this massage. Using synchronized rhythmic

movements, herbal oil are anointed on the body start ing f rom the head to

toes. This massage assists the flow of energy through the body and

promotes relaxat ion.

Durat ion: 60 minutes

 

Marma Therapy Massage: A healing massage using the specialized

pressure point techniques on the energy gateways, the palms and soles,

of the body. Massage with warm herbal oil on the body with concent rat ion

on the marma points, promotes a feeling of complete physical and mental

wel l-being.

Durat ion: 60 minutes

 

Udavartana (Dry herb invigorating massage): This dry massage starts

with deep manipulat ion of the muscles to reduce obesity and improve

mobility of the joints. This is followed by a scrub massage with ayurvedic

herbs to remove dead cells and leave the skin glowing. Rhythmic strokes

towards the heart promote blood circulat ion. The therapy ends wi th 15

minutes of herbal steam. Durat ion: 60 minutes

 

Pizhichi l (Oi l Therapy with head, face and body massage): In this

therapy 3-4 liters lukewarm herbal medicated oi l is poured on the whole

body cont inuously, followed by simul taneous massage. Ideal for retards

the ageing process, arrests degenerat ion of the body cells and rel ieving

muscular pain, joint st if fness. Ef fect ive for Arthrit is, Rheumat ic diseases,

Sexual weakness, Nervous weakness, and Nervous disorders. Improves

Vigor and Vital ity.

Durat ion: 90 minutes

 

Dhara (Shirodhara): In this therapy herbal medicated oils, medicated

milk, medicated but termi lk etc. , are poured on the forehead in a special

method followed by Indian head massage. It relieves mental tension,

provides peace of mind and checks stress and strain. Tunes up brain

functions, help to improve memory.

Durat ion: 60 minutes

 

Dhara with Head, Face and Body Massage: This Treatment is a

combinat ion of Shirodhara & Abhyanga (Body massage) . From this

treatment Person can get benef it of both treatments in less t ime and

money.

Durat ion: 90 minutes

 

Nasyam: A very effect ive treatment for migraine and certain kinds of

headaches, cold and ailments above the neck. Drops of herbal juices,

medicated oi ls are taken through the nose followed by Indian head & face

massage and hot fomentat ion.

Durat ion: 30 minutes

 

Elakizi : In this treatment the body is massaged wi th cloth bags (poult ices)

f illed with powders of medicinal leaves along with warm medicated oil.

This is especially for inf lammatory condit ions of bones and joints, sports

injuries.

Durat ion: 10-15 minutes

 

Medicated Steam Bath: Herbal leaves and certain medicinal powders are

boiled and that steam is passed on to the body, inducing sweat , which

opens the blocked pores of the skin, thus eliminat ing impurit ies f rom the

body through sweat glands. I t improves the tone of the body and skin.

Reduces body st if fness, aches, pains, and swell ing. Reduces fat f rom

under the skin and make skin sof t . A total ly relaxing and ref reshing

experience.

Durat ion: 10-15 minutes

 

Netra Tarpana: Medicated ghee is retained for prescribed t ime over the

eyes. St rengthens opt ic nerve. Prevents eye diseases and gives a cooling

ef fect to the eye. Very good to rel ieve eyestrain for those who work wi th

computers.

Durat ion: 40-45 minutes