FAQ

The term Panchkarma is part of the Ayurvedic lexicon. It is a cleansing and rejuvenation program for the body that involves five-fold detox or bio-purification therapies. The word ‘pancha’ means five and ‘karma’ means action. Panchakarma refers to the five procedures mentioned in the Wellness and Illness category of ancient Vedic texts.

The 5 therapeutic treatments in Panchakarma are:

1. Vamana (therapeutic emetic)
2. Virechana (therapeutic purgative)
3. Basti (therapeutic enema)
4. Nasya (nasal errhines)
5. Rakta mokshana (therapeutic blood-letting using leech therapy or phlebotomy)

The 5 therapies can be performed sequentially or any one of them can be opted for on its own, depending on the individual requirement.

Panchakarma promotes well-being in healthy individuals and assists in the reversal and remission of diseases in those who suffer from health problems.

Ancient Vedic texts designate Panchakarma as a ‘Shodhana Karma’ that purifies the morbid channels of the body.  Once the channels are cleansed of all toxins, they carry healthy nourishment to the body tissues and aid in the renewal and maintenance of immune system and overall health.

It should be noted that when the aforesaid cleansing process occurs in an individual’s body – which is already affected by disease – it speeds up the process of reverse pathogenesis and accelerates the disease reversal. It is one of the fundamental principles of disease management in Ayurveda.

The air you breathe, the water you drink, and the food you eat are all ridden with multiple toxins. There is enough evidence to show that all lifestyle disorders have a precursor of environmental toxins as the cause.

Predominantly, the aetiology of all autoimmune disorders including Hypothyroidism, Obesity, Diabetes, Cancer, PCOS, GERD, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS etc., are based in toxins, otherwise known as Ama (endotoxins) in Ayurveda.

There are two type of toxins – water-soluble and fat-soluble. The water-soluble toxins are flushed out of the body either through the urine or sweat. The residue which remains in the cells are the fat-soluble toxins.

Specially treated ghee and oils used in Panchakarma circulate through the cells and combine with these fat-soluble toxins. Through a series of massages, circulation is rerouted to the gut and the toxins are eliminated either through purgatives or emetics.

Eventually, the fat-soluble toxins are completely eradicated from the cells, and individuals successfully achieve and experience bio-purification at a molecular level.

In a nutshell, the effect of Panchakarma is essentially to scrub and cleanse the insides of your body to ensure its smooth functioning, and consequently of the mind.

Panchakarma is a dual-affective process because it focuses on ailment remission and wellbeing.

1. Panchakarma aids in the elimination of bodily toxins as a result of which the body’s aging process slows down considerably. When the body is biologically purified and cleansed, the physiology is restored optimally and pathology is reversed.
2. Panchakarma promotes tissue nourishment in the body; the nutrients reach their desired destinations and their bio availability is enhanced.
3. Panchakarma restores the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – they are the three vital humors of the body.

Panchakarma optimizes body metabolism and digestion and improves natural immunity against ailments.

In a nutshell, the effect of Panchakarma is essentially to scrub and cleanse the insides of your body to ensure its smooth functioning, and consequently of the mind.

Vamana is the therapeutic emetic process useful in ailments where there is predominance of “Kapha”. Ailments of the chest cavity like chronic cough, allergic bronchitis, indigestion, hyper acidity, tumors, sinusitis etc. are treated using this procedure.

Virechana is the therapeutic purgative treatment but different from Sankh Prakshalan & enema. Metabolic disorders caused by the predominance of “Pitta”, like diabetes, obesity, PCOS, autoimmune disorders, reproductive issues, hormonal imbalance, anemia etc. are treated using Virechana.

Basti is the therapeutic enema procedure. It helps in alleviating ailments where there is predominance of “Vata” and in rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, flatulence, constipation, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hemorrhoids, duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis etc.

Nasya is the nasal errhines treatment that cures diseases in all areas of the head and neck. ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) disorders such as cervical spondylitis, stiffness of the jawbone, eye diseases, headache, frozen shoulder, facial paralysis, goiter etc. also find relief through Nasya. Medicated oils or herbal powders are administered through the nostrils to facilitate bio-availability of these herbs in all the target organs of head and neck.

Rakta Mokshana is also known as bloodletting therapy. By withdrawing blood from the body, it treats different types of blood disorders, chronic wounds, ulcers, psoriasis, dermatitis and all skin disorders.

Panchakarma treatment starts with Deepana and Panchana where the gut is cleansed. After the cleansing, you move to Snehapana and the dietary restrictions begin. Then comes Abhyanga and steam which is the massage and sauna procedure.

Cold, raw, and processed foods are not allowed. Only hot water should be consumed, not water from the fridge. This allows the gut to rest, and not become overworked during the processes of digestion and metabolism

Only easy to digest foods like rice gruel, moong dal and rice khichdi (stewed rice) are recommended during the treatment.

Panchakarma is not recommended if you suffer from any of the following conditions.

• Chronic constipation
• Anxiety disorders
• Rectal prolapse
• Chronic hemorrhoids
• Post-surgery, or less than 1 year after a C-section delivery
• Bleeding disorders
• Heart diseases

Panchakarma is not suitable for pregnant women, children, or those above 60 years of age either.

Sharad Ritu (autumn) which falls after mid-September till the onset of winter in December, is the best time for Virechana treatment.

Basti is ideally performed during Varsha Ritu (rainiy season) because Vata increases during rains and Basti is the best way to balance Vata in the body.

But broadly speaking, you can opt for the treatment any time of the year. Rather than wait for the right season, start the treatment at your earliest convenience so you can bring your weight under control before it triggers serious lifestyle disorders.

While you can do Panchakarma treatments at home, it is recommended that you do it in a controlled environment where it is easy for you to adhere to the strict diet regimen and other restrictions. During the treatment, you must also regularly be in touch with the physician. If you are confident that all requirements can be properly adhered to, you may organize the treatment at home.

It is recommended that you consult an Ayurveda specialist, and conduct the Panchakarma for weight loss program at a health and wellness center, under his/her watch so that optimal guidance and results can be achieved.

Self-administration of Panchakarma therapies is not advisable, regardless of whether you have a previous track-record of having undergone the therapies in the past.