Panchakarma is a classical form of detoxification practised throughout the ages in India.

In order to stay healthy and fit one should carry out Panchakarma methods as a way of cleansing and servicing the body. The greatest benefit of this system is preventing possible serious illness due to ‘Srothas Avarodha’ obstruction of channels or ducts. ‘Panchakarma’ means five activities. They are:

• Niruha Vasthi - Herbal Enema Therapy
• Vireka - Herbal Purgative Therapy
• Vamana - Emesis Therapy      
• Nasya - Herbal Inhalation Therapy
• Anuvasana Vasthi - Herbal Oil Enema Therapy

There are some additional treatments called ‘Purvakarma’ also given prior  to ‘Panchakarma’ Therapy according to the need of the patient. They are:

• Sneha Karma - Herbal oil application (external, oral, rectal)
• Sweda Karma - Herbal diaphoretic Therapy (steam bath)
• Shirodhara - special oil for head

History

Ayurvedic medicine is the oldest healing system in the world, originating in the ancient civilizations of India some 3,000–5000 years ago. Ayurveda means knowledge of life in Sanskrit. Panchakarma is based on central concepts of Ayurveda, which state that disease is caused by the build-up of toxic substances in the body and by imbalances in the body and mind.

Today, Ayurvedic medicine is used by millions of people, including 80% of the population of India. Ayurveda has become an increasingly accepted alternative medical treatment in America during the last couple of decades, aided by the efforts of Deepak Chopra, a conventionally trained M.D. who has written several bestsellers based on Ayurvedic principles. Several Ayurvedic institutes and health clinics have been established in America that perform panchakarma and research on its healing effects.

The ideas behind panchakarma have influenced other alternative treatments. Environmental medicine studies how the accumulation of environmental substances in the body may cause disease, and detoxification therapy utilizes cleansing the body as its central treatment.

Panchakarma can help the following conditions:

• Detoxification - Digestive Disorders, Respiratory conditions
• Circulation Problems - Skin Conditions, Stress, Muscle Tension, Fluid retention, Sexual Dysfunction, Chronic Fatigue, Rejuvenation, Aphrodisiac Effect, Degenerative Conditions

Panchakarma treatment has three main stages:

• Poorva karma includes preparatory measures such as the administration of oleation and fomentation before the main specific, treatment Pradhana karma is the main treatment

• Paschata karma describes the measures employed after the main treatment, such as diet, medicines and daily routine

The importance of poorva, pradhana and paschata karmas in the prevention and cure of diseases has been recognised and emphatically stated in the Ayurvedic texts. Any attempt to administer panchakarma without proper preparation of the patient may not give the desired response and may also harm the body. Poorva, pradhana and paschata karmas are essential in improving the body’s own natural mechanisms. In all three stages, the patient must continue with the full treatment and not miss even a single day. The tendency to skip a part of the treatment due to inconvenience will reduce efficacy and can be harmful in serious conditions.

Source of information: www.haleclinic.com | www.healthline.com | www.unifiedherbal.com