Panchakarma Therapy
As the name suggests, Pancha in Sanskrit stands for Five and Karma are the therapeutic measures, therefore Panchakarma means five types of therapeutic measures. These are undertaken for the purification of the body and Ayurveda considers it necessary before the start of any other therapy. The logic being that as a cloth needs to be purified or cleaned of impurities and dust before it can be permeated with a new color, similarly the body needs to be purified before it can be permeated with new colors of youthfulness, health and vigor etc.
Panchakarma is a very special Ayurveda treatment requiring proper guidance from a highly trained and skillful Ayurveda practitioner. One should consult with an Ayurveda physician, not just someone with a modest amount of training prior to deciding on these cleansing procedures.The treatment requires close observation and supervision.The Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda is comprised of following five basic types of advanced treatment
Vaman
“Effective in Kapha rogas and some skin diseases like leukoderma etc.” In this therapy we removes excessively increased ‘Kapha’ from our body through emesis. It cures anorexia, fatigue, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, cough, skin diseases, like leukoderma (vitiligo), also hyperacidity, digestion problems mental disorders, asthma etc. It helps to manage diabetes and psoriasis, Also in healthy individuals this treatment is useful to avoid above diseases. (Usually in month of March or April)
Virechana
“Almost all types of skin diseases and chronic rheumatic problems will be relieved by this.” Virechan is the second among the five karmas of Pancha karma. Virechan karma is to address pitta induced diseases. If Vamana therapy is not needed, Virechana can be administered directly after Purvakarma. It is medically induced purgation which cleanses the lower digestive tract.
Raktamokshan
“Blood letting Mainly very useful in skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis.” Snehana and Swedana dont have to precede raktamokshana. On the day of treatment, the patient simply lies on a table and a small amount of blood is withdrawn intravenously. This procedure should always be performed under qualified medical supervision. The venipuncture is sealed by medicated gauze and a pressure bandage is applied for a short time. After approximately, one hour, the patient can get up and leave.
Nasya
“Highly effective for all kinds of headaches, paralysis, depression, stress, pain around the neck and shoulders, eye diseases etc.” Nasya therapy is a process wherein the drug (herbalized oils and liquid medicines) is administered through the nostrils. Since nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head, if it is performed systematically. The therapy cleanses and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation (prana), which has a direct influence on the functioning of brain.
Basti
“It is administered to lower conditions occurred due to the aggravation of vata or vata dosha. It uses medicated enemas” It is useful in all types of joint pains, constipation, flatulence(gases), fatigue, worms, cachexia, tremors low/more weight, tremors, high blood pressure, sciatica, paralysis, facial palsy, fissures, osteoporosis changes in any age, dysmenorrheal (painful periods), sex related problems, urinary stones, trigeminal neuralgia, cervical/lumbar Spondylosis, disc prolapsed, some skin problems, gouty arthritis.