What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma which means Five Actions is an Ayurvedic treatment procedure that eliminates toxins from the body by relying on the five basic activities that control our bodies. These are vomiting, purgation, enema, blood purification and cleansing through the nose. Medicated oils are used in Panchakarma to eliminate impurities from the human body.

Vamanam

In Vamanam or emesis therapy, the patient is given inside and outside oleation and fomentation treatment. This includes therapies and administering of ayurvedic medicines. After the toxins in the body melt and accumulate in the upper cavities of body, emetic decoctions are given. This enables vomiting and helps purge the poisons from the body tissues. This treatment is suggested basically for conditions arising from kapha, such as weight gain, asthma and hyperacidity.

Virechanam

Virechanam or purgation therapy purges the toxins in the body through the clearing of the bowels. The patient is given inside and outside oleation and fomentation treatment and then a natural purgative to facilitate the clearing of the guts in order to purify the body of toxins. This treatment is suggested for conditions arising from pitta, such as jaundice, colitis and celiac infection.

Vasti

Vasti or enema therapy is great for treating convoluted and chronic diseases. Home-grown decoctions, oils, ghee or milk are managed into the rectum to bring about positive results. This treatment is suggested for conditions dominated by vata such as arthritis, piles and constipation.

Nasya

In Nasyam or the therapy in which medicated oil is administered through the nostrils, excess humours accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas are eliminated. The head and shoulders are given a delicate massage and fomentation and the patient is made to perspire. Herbal medicine is poured into the nostrils as the patient inhales. This helps relieve cerebral pain, headache, hair issues, sleep disorder, neurological disorders, sinusitis , chronic rhinitis and respiratory ailments.

Rakthamoksham

Rakthamoksham or blood cleaning therapy is useful for cleaning of blood and helps ward off ailments caused due to impure blood. It can be done in a particular area or for the whole body. This treatment is recommended for different skin infections, such as psoriasis, dermatitis , and local lesions such as abscesses and pigmentation.