Panchakarma is a comprehensive detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda, involving five primary procedures designed for internal purification of the body through the nearest possible route. Such purification allows the biological s c 23e4 /
ystem to return to homeostasis and to rejuvenate rapidly and also facilitate the desired pharmaco-therapeutic effect of medicines administered thereafter
- Pancha means five and karma means action or therapy, so panchakarma means five actions or therapies
- Five purificatory therapies include Vamana karma (Emesis therapy) Virechana karma (Purgation therapy)
- Basti karma (Enema therapy) Nasya karma (Errhine therapy) and rakta mokshana (Bloodletting therapy)
Types of Panchakarma
Vamana karma (Emesis Therapy)
Vamana karma is specifically designed for the elimination of excess Kapha Dosha from the body through therapeutic vomiting it is primarily indicated in Kapha-related disorders in the Respiratory and digestive system like chronic cough and cold, Asthma and bronchitis, allergy, sinusitis and other respiratory tract infections also it is beneficial in certain type of diabetes mellitus (Kapha type), Obesity due to Kapha accumulation and skin diseases such as Psoriasis, Eczema
Virechana
- When excess pitta Dosha accumulates in the koshta (digestive tract or gastrointestinal system), virechana is performed to expel the aggravated pitta and restore balance. it involves controlled induction of purgation (loose motion) with the help of specific Ayurveda medicines
- Pitta primarily resides in the stomach, small intestine, liver and gallbladder. When excess pitta accumulates it tends to result in gastritis, GERD, inflammation, Skin rashes and boils, excessive thirst and hunger, irritability, anger etc.
Basti Karma (Enema therapy)
- Basti is the most effective treatment for Vata disorders. The enema involves introducing a mixture of specific herbal concoctions into the rectum. These herbal mixtures are carefully prepared using various ingredients, such as rock salt, medicated oil or ghee, herbal paste, etc. Each ingredient has a unique role in facilitating detoxification and balancing doshas.
- It is highly beneficial in constipation, distension, joint pain and arthritis, lower back pain or sciatica, Neurological disorders etc.
Nasya karma
- The nasal administration of medicine is called nasya. The nose is the gateway to the brain.
- It is an essential treatment for head-related diseases, including conditions affecting the nose, throat, sinus and brain. Nasya is greatly beneficial in CNS disorders, facial palsy, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, alopecia, migraine headache, convulsions, eye diseases and ear diseases
Rakta mokshana karma (Bloodletting therapy)
- According to Ayurveda, when blood (rakta dhatu) is vitiated due to intake of amla, lavana, katu, vidahi etc ahara and excessive exposure to sunlight, wind, cold breeze etc, it causes repeated attacks of skin disorders such as Urticaria rashes, herpes, eczema, acne, leukoderma, chronic itching etc. In such conditions, bloodletting is indicated
- Purification allows the biological system to return to normalcy and to rejuvenate rapidly and also facilitates the desired pharmaco kinetic effect of therapeutic remedies administered later. It eliminates toxins and stagnated malas and metabolites from the body, cleans the macro and microchannels, maximizes the absorptions and metabolism of nutrients and drugs and helps in minimizing their dose and toxicity
- Panchakarma should always be performed under strict medical supervision by a qualified Ayurveda practitioner, each therapy is individualized based on the patient's constitution, Dosha imbalance, health condition and strength
BY Dr. Nimisha BAMS, PGCPK, YIC
