Panchakarma
(Penta Bio Purificatory Therapies)
It is a unique detoxification therapy for body and mind, depending on clinical evaluation, cleansing will usually have five internal process (Antah Parimarjana Chikitsa) and different external therapies (Bahi Parimarjana Chikitsa).
Internal Therapies (Antah Parimarjana Chikitsa)
The five internal biopurificatory therapies are as follows-
Vamana or Therapeutic Emesis:
Vamana or Therapeutic Emesis is herbally induced vomiting, which cleanses the upper gastro system and has a positive effect on other systems too. This brings balance to the kapha dosha in the body.
Virechana or Therapeutic Purgation:
Virechana or Therapeutic Purgation cleanses the stomach, the intestines and the liver and has other systemic benefits too. This brings balance to the pitta dosha in the body.
Vasthi/ Basti or Therapeutic Enemas:
Vasthi/ Basti or Therapeutic Enemas is done with herbal decoctions or with oils, which is usually done multiple times. It has a deep cleansing effect on the large intestine and with different combination of medicines become the basis for cleansing and rejuvenation process. It has wide range benefits in multiple organ systems of body. No wonder why vasthi is considered as almost half of the treatment in Ayurveda.
Nasya or Nasal Application of Medicines:
Nasya or Nasal Application of Medicines is usually done to clear the sinuses and area above the clavicle. Nasya gives strength to the sense organs in the head, clarity in thought process, better management of stress, neck and shoulder health and many systemic benefits.
Rakta Moksha:
Rakta Moksha or bloodletting therapies are used only in some specific clinical condition and are not a mandatory therapy. Some scholars consider this also among Panchakarma.
External Therapies (Bahi Parimarjana Chikitsa)
There are different varieties of external therapies done after the consultation with the doctor. These vary from patient to patient. Some of the external therapies include-
Abhyanga:
ABHYANGA or Ayurvedic massages use synchronised massages to increase blood circulation. The herbs in the medicated oils rejuvenate the tissue and play a vital role in the elimination of toxins and bring a feeling of wellbeing. The lukewarm herbal oil used in Ayurvedic massage stimulates nerve endings and also improves peripheral blood circulation. The specific long flowing strokes improve the lymphatic flow and promote early elimination of toxins from the body. This can be done either Sarvanga (Full body massage) or Ekanga (Localised massage). The benefits include-
- Improves blood circulation and facilitates the removal of toxins from the tissues.
- Relieves physical and mental fatigue.
- Reduces muscle stiffness and pain. Lubricates the joints and thus reduces pain and inflammation of joints.
- Abhyanga also reduces stiffness, tightness and spasm in the muscle and increases the blood circulation to the muscle.
- Increases mental relaxation and promotes better sleep.
- Nourishes the skin and improves its texture.
Sweda (Herbal Steam):
SWEDA (Herbal Steam) Abhyanga is generally followed by application of medicated steam on the body which induces sweating and thereby eliminating the toxins. It can be done by Nadi (through a tube) or inside the steam box.
Shirodhara:
Shirodhara involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead followed by oscillatory movements. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shirah (head) and dhara (stream). The liquids used in Shirodhara depend on what condition is being treated, but can include medicated oils, milk, buttermilk, or even plain water depending on the condition of the patient. There are specialized forms of Shirodhara called Ksheeradhara (with milk), Thakradhara (with buttermilk), Tailadhara (with oils) and Jaladhara (with water). Pouring of warm oils used stimulates and soothes the hypothalamus, thereby regulating the functions of the pituitary gland and inducing sleep. Shirodhara stimulates Marma’s or Vital Points in the head and improves circulation. The warm oils used for Shirodhara also cause vasodilatation of all the channels and thereby improve the blood circulation of the brain. Shirodhara also reduces the level of stress hormones such as Adrenaline and Noradrenaline and thus relaxes the mind. The benefits include-
- Relaxes mind
- Reduces memory problems
- Promotes better Sleep
- Improves Concentration
- Nourishes hair and scalp
- Reduces anxiety and fear
Kizhi or Pottali Massages / Massages made of Different Boluses:
Kizhi or Pottali massages / massages made of different boluses are a type of massage performed using boluses containing herbal powders, herbs, rice or sand. Depending upon the type of material used, Kizhi is classified as Podi Kizhi that uses dry powdered herbs, Ela Kizhi that uses raw herbs mainly leaves and roots, Navara Kizhi that uses special Navara Rice and Manal Kizhi that uses sand particles. Kizhi is useful Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis, spondylosis, muscular cramps, obesity, swelling, diabetes and low back pain.
Kati Basti:
Kati Basti specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside a well created using black gram paste or whole wheat flour. The healing properties of herbal oil improves circulation, helps strengthen the musculature and lubricate the joint. Kati Basti is helpful in lower back conditions like lumbar spondylosis, inter-vertebral disc prolepses, lumbago (low back ache) and sciatica.
Janu Vasthi:
Janu Vasthi Janu Sandhi means the knee joint. Janu Basti involves pouring of specially prepared warm herbal oil over the knee. The oil is retained inside a well created using black gram paste or whole wheat flour on the knees. The herbal oil used in the procedure restores the lubricating fluid in the joint and maintains integrity of the structures involved in the joint. It also improves the mobility of the knee joints. Janu Basti treatment is mainly used in Pain Management in conditions such as osteo arthritis of knee joints, osteoporosis and Arthritis of knee joints and chronic pain of the knee joints. It reduces the pain and stiffness in knee joints and thus helps to improve mobility.