Panchakarma –Is it the magic wand to Aarogya?

Panchakarma is a bio-cleansing regimen which facilitates body symptoms for better bio-availability of pharmacological therapies.

It also increases the acceptability of the body to various dietary regimens and use of Rejuvenation Therapy. These therapies help in the elimination of disease-causing factors and maintain the equilibrium of body tissues (dhatus) and Humors(Doshas). Ashtang Ayurveda which comprises of eight parallels or areas of study for complete understanding and care of all aspects of health; Kaya Chikitsa(Medicine)is definitely of prime importance. Panchakarma is a path to good health and strong rejuvenated body & mind as a vertical of Kaya Chikitsa. It is indeed appropriate to classify Panchakarma as a separate and unique branch of specialization of treatment In Ayurveda. Panchakarma stands for FIVE Procedures which clean the body utilizing the natural orifices and channels of the body. These procedures are a deep cleanse; yet not invasive. The results are so far-reaching and sustainable that the magical touch never ceases to amaze. Thus totally reiterating and establishing that Ayurveda is so much about the preservation of good health and prevention of diseases.

Advantages of Panchakarma:

-Detoxification

-Functional optimization of Enzymatic Complex

-Immuno-modulation

-Rejuvenation

-Elimination of Metabolic wastes & toxins and unwanted substances from the body

-Cleanse of Micro &Macro channels of the body

-Aids repair of tissues, improve nourishment and improve function

-Prevents early ageing

-Relaxes body and mind

Panchakarma procedures are namely as follows:

Vaman-planned & guided vomiting –Directs at cleansing & detoxifying in the conditions that arise due to imbalance and accumulation of KAFA

Virechan-planned & guided purgation—Directs at cleansing & detoxifying the conditions that arise due to imbalance and accumulation of PITTA

Vasti–Cleanse via intestinal absorption –Directs at cleansing & detoxifying the conditions that arise due to imbalance and accumulation of VATA

Nasya–  Cleanse via nasal route—Directed at Cleansing & Detoxifying the conditions that are related to the area of body above the Clavicular area (above the neck, head)

Raktamokshan-Blood letting—Directed towards RAKTAJ conditions (relating to blood)

I believe that Panchakarma is a Para-surgical treatment without being invasive to the body.

 Panchakarma utilizes the nearest outlet for flushing out the toxins; hence these five routes are recognized, accepted as most suitable one to detoxify & cleanse; so also preserve the good health attained as an after effect.

Panchakarma; the protocol comprises of treatments of 3 categories or steps when followed:

1-Purva Karma(Preparation)-

2-Pradhan Karma (Main Procedure)

3- Paschaat Karma (Post Treatment Protocol)

There is popularly known term Kerala Therapy or Kerala Ayurveda which most people are aware of globally. It is but the customized and popularized version of Panchakarma with an element of luxury added to the Authentic Traditional Protocols as described in the texts for complete SHODHANA of the body. Over the decades, Vaidya s in Kerala have upheld and followed Panchakarma as the first line of treatment for many ailments. They have developed patterns &protocols which cater beautifully to the LIFESTYLE issues and various chronic ailments affecting the world today.

The popular and well-known treatments like Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Potli Massage etc are just a part of the PURRVAKARMAS. These, as stand-alone procedures or in combinations with other PURVAKARMAS are the curing and healing that a patient may need. Hence these are the ways that Panchakarma paves to a path of Long-Lasting state of good health-Aarogya!!

Hence I say it is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more below the surface-as you dive deep to Panchakarma Shodhan Chikitsa.

Panchakarma becomes a vast subject as it encompasses the guidelines to the usage of not only the protocols & procedures of Panchakarma but also the information on how and what to use, the steps of Purva-Pradhaan-Paschaat karma to the smaller ingredients and elements involved in using them. There is a description about Do’s and Don’ts, Drugs of choice, permutations & combinations possible, creating an effective prescription in absence of Drugs-of Choice, understanding the signs when the treatment is just enough, customizing the prescription, Indications and contraindications.

It is not just about relaxing and luxury with oils. Every single parameter has an effect or consequence on the body and mind. The food regimen followed is an interesting mix as well. And it is not always insipid or unattractive. The herbs cooked with food are an amazing example of food used as medicine

A diseased person is eligible for taking up Panchakarma but a healthy individual is as eligible for it too. The beauty treatments & weight management are a part of it all as well. The SPA treatments are just a fraction of the derivatives of Panchakarma procedures.

Panchakarma is successfully applied these days in cases of Fertility issues and even cancer treatments.

In short, Panchakarma is not just a combination of five procedures but is a path to the rediscovery of the wonderful dynamic creation –The HUMAN BODY!! 

BAMS(DU),MD(AM),PGPPanchakarma(Pune University),PGDMLS(Symbiosis)
General Ayurveda Practice & at Traditional Panchakarma Centres, Consultant at Weight Management Centres & Spas, Health Care centres in small pockets of urban floating population and R&D work for the development of Wellness Products. Worked across the cities of Delhi Mumbai, Pune and now in Gurgaon; thus had wide exposure across varied socio-cultural& economic backgrounds Treating patients with authentic Ayurveda for Ashima Gulati Sardana. Ayurvedic doctor with 19+ years of post-qualification experience varying from the management of chronic, recurrent & Lifestyle related health issues with Ayurveda, Panchakarma Treatments and Aromatherapy in the contemporary context of Lifestyle management & Wellness. The approach is holistic for easy adaptations of Ayurveda Fundamentals in daily life thereby preserving good health and targeting the prevention of diseases.