Panchakarma in Ayurveda is the complete cleansing and detoxification of the body and thereby the mind. Pancha means five. Karma means procedures or processes. Toxins are destabilized from their pathological site and are eliminated through the nearest natural orifice. Thus, health is restored. Panchakarma is preceded by five stages Deepana-correcting the appetite, Paachana-correcting the digestion, Rookshana-dehydrating the guts and other tissue systems, Snehana-internal and external oleation therapy, and Swedana-sudation therapy. These stages are known as Poorvakarma or pre-elimination therapy. Following this, the final elimination of the toxins is done through the nearest natural orifice. Stamina, endurance, mental strength, health condition, age, season, and other factors are to be evaluated before deciding to perform Panchakarma for a person. Indications and contraindications are to be considered. Panchakarma should be performed only by a qualified and trained medical team that is always continuously monitoring the procedure
The 5 Panchakarma therapies and their purposes are
Induced emesis is indicated mainly for the diseases of upper body part above the chest region in which KaphaDosha is in its pathological state. Slow metabolism, Chronic indigestion, Acute, and chronic poisoning, Asthma, Sinusitis, High cholesterol, Severe Psychiatric diseases, Skin diseases, Gland enlargements in the neck region including goiter, Urinary disorders, Diabetes mellitus, Piles, Anaemia, and Chronic inflammations are some of the indications of Vamana. For the prevention of diseases, the therapy is indicated in spring.
Induced purgation is having action over the middle part of the body where the digestive fire exists, and it is mainly indicated for Pitta Dosha in its pathological state. Weight reduction, Skin diseases, Fever, Urinary disorders, Diabetes mellitus, Fistula in ano, Abdominal disorders, Piles, Inguinal lymphadenopathy, Splenic disorders, Tumours, Goiter, Eruptive diseases, Headache, Flatulence, burning in eyes and feet, Cardiac disorders, Epilepsy, Gout, Gynecological disorders, Male and female Infertility, Sexual dysfunctions, Indigestion, Vomiting, Oedema, and Leucorrhea are some of the indications of Virechana. For the prevention of diseases, the therapy is indicated in autumn.
Enema with medicated decoctions and oil in a systematic scientific way for a duration of 8 days is called Yoga Vasthi. It is mainly acting in the lower part of the body and having strong impact over VataDosha. Medicated oil or fat enema for lower backache, gout, rheumatism, spinal disorders, low immunity, Musculo-skeletal-neuro diseases, and Paralysis, for prevention of diseases. It improves immunity and enhances metabolism. Medicated decoctions are used along with honey, oil, rock salt, etc. Disorders affecting the whole body like Multiple Sclerosis, Paraplegia, Muscle wasting, Abdominal disorders, Infertility, Neurological Disorders, Arthritis, Obesity, and many other diseases are treated with Specific Yoga Vasthi combinations. The medicines used vary according to condition. The therapy is considered a supreme treatment procedure and referred to as King of Panchakarma. The therapy is indicated mainly in the rainy season.
Nose is considered as the direct access to brain. Nasal instillation of medicine with specific dose and duration is called Nasya. It acts on the vital points of head where nerve stimulation and vascular absorption of the active ingredients happens. Indicated for the Diseases of the head, neck, and sense organs, Stiffness of the neck, Throat spasm, Lockjaw, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Cataracts, Facial paralysis, Epilepsy, Toothache, Gum diseases, eye infections, Voice and speech problems, Spondylitis, Brain disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Neurological problems, and other ENT-eye-neuro disorders. For the prevention of diseases, the therapy is indicated any season under the observation of the physician.
Rakta means blood. Mokshana means letting. The therapy is letting vitiated blood out from an affected area through means. Leech therapy is one of the commonest methods of Rakthamokshana. The therapy is useful in Pain management, Skin diseases, Psoriasis, Leukoderma, Varicose veins, Gout, Chronic wounds, Jaundice, Swellings, Abscesses, and other similar conditions are treated through Rakthamokshana. Leech Therapy, Venesection, Vacuum suction, and Needling are a few effective Raktamokshana techniques in practice.