What is a Panchakarma Cleanse?
One of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments in India is Panchakarma, with its basic principle of purification of the body through five actions or pancha-karma, aiming to cleanse the body and rejuvenate both body and mind. Through this procedure, the body is said to release all toxins that are left by diseases, poor nutrition, and environmental impurities, thereby helping to cleanse the body.
Our bodies are not meant to be toxic but improper digestion, high levels of stress, and pollution of the environment, water, and food continuously create toxins in the body. If not flushed out effectively and regularly, a toxic build-up can eventually manifest as a disorder.
Ayurveda, India's millennia-old science of longevity, stresses the importance of preventative care far more than disease management. Health is improved by maintaining harmony in the basic building blocks of our body, the bio-energies, crucial in Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.of:
Pitta
Kapha
Panchakarma restores the dosha balance of Vata, Pitta, Kapha biological forces in the body. Once these energies are in balance many patients report partial to complete restoration of full health (depending on how chronic their condition was), a strong sense of self and a pleasant state of mind. Ayurveda physicians apply Panchakarma cleanse therapies to help the body reconnect to it's natural Sattvic intelligence, to heal and bring the body back to vibrant health.
This is a sub-section of ayurveda, which entails five different types of activities aimed at detoxification mainly for the prevention and control of diseases. They are:-
Virechana (Purgation Therapy)-
Bastis (classified as Niruna and Anuvasana), Herbal and/or oil decoction enemas-
Vamana (Emesis Therapy)-
Nasya (Inhalation)-
Rakta Moksha (Bloodletting)
Detox programs, including Ayurvedic panchakarma, are recommended once every season for most people, as a way of preparing the body and respiratory system for the next season; thus aiding the preventive aspect of this healing system.Panchakarma is a highly personalized treatment plan and no two patients may receive the same treatment even though they may both be experiencing a "Panchakarma".
What are the steps in a Panchakarma cleanse?
While the specific steps of panchakarma differs for each individual ,these are few typical steps involved
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT/ POORVA KARMA
in preparation for Ayurvedic panchakarma focuses on evaluating the individual's digestive and overall health condition.
· Like consulting with practitioner on your overall health ,medical hisory etc
· Determine your prakruthi and vikruthi
· Life style management advises
PREPARATORY ASSESSMENTS/ POORVA KARMA
· Which involves series of therapeutic treatments to remove toxins and restore balance to doshas .The specific steps involves
· Snehana /oleation therapy
· Swedana /fomentation therapy
MAIN PROCEDURES /PRADHANA KARMA
· Vamana
· Virachana
· Basthy
· Nasya
· Raktha mokshana, an Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment method, involves purification and cleansing of the blood.
POST CLEANSE PHASE/ PAKSHAT KARMA
Which involves
· Dietary an life style recommendations
· Rasayana /rejuvenatory therapies
FOLLOW UP CONSULTATIONS
What do you eat during Panchakarma?
You should always prefer
· Light and easily digestible food
· Warm and freshly prepared meals
· Plant based foods
· Avoid heavy, oily foods
· Stay hydrated
· Moderate portion
It's crucial to follow the dietary recommendations provided by your experienced Ayurvedic practitioners during the cleansing process
Is Panchakarma cleanse safe?
Panchakarma cleanse or ayurvedic cleanse, when done under proper guidance is safe. However, it's essential to understand that it's not generalized and it may vary according to different factors like the individual's nervous system health.
· Intensity of diseases
· Personalisation in Ayurvedic panchakarma is crucial to cater to individual health needs and ensure the balance of body and mind.
· Potential side effects
· Post panchakarma care
It's always essential to prioritize safety, personalisation, and proper supervision under experts before anyone undergoes Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.
What is the correct sequence for Panchakarma?
Based on the individual needs,prakruthi and imbalances of doshas ,the therapy may vary
Poorva karma/preparatory procedures
Like snehana /oleation
Swedanam /fomentation
Pradhana karma
Like Vamana (induced vomiting), virechana ,basthy ,nasya (nasal administration) , Raksha moksha(Blood Letting)
Paschat karma ./post cleanse
Like dietary advice and life style recommendations
Rasayana /rejuvenation
Can I eat chicken during Panchakarma?
As per traditional science, it's generally recommended to avoid consuming meat. During the whole procedure they emphasize consuming light , easily digestible, warm food that supports digestion and removes toxins
Eating meat may hamper the goals of panchakarma
What should we eat during Basti treatment?
During the enema procedures
It's advised to stick to porridge made of rice which is warm or dhal kitchari which would be light for digestion.It equally promotes colon cleansing too
Can I drink tea during Panchakarma?
It's always preferable to drink herbal tea like cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, coriander, ginger, yeast etc which can boost immunity and cleanse
Avoid caffeinated drinks like black tea, and coffee to maintain the balance of the nervous system.
Avoid using sweeteners
Is there any side effects of Panchakarma?
When done under the proper guidance of a Ayurvedic practitioner ,usually its considered safe but its important to be aware of the potential side effects too like
Aggravation of symptoms
In a few cases, there may be a flare-up initially of existing symptoms which is a natural response of the body to release the stored toxins to balance the doshas.
Some physical symptoms
Like fatigue ,headache,changes in bowel movements, etc which are considered as a part of the detox process
Imbalance of fluids /feels exhausted if not hydrated properly
Low energy levels
Emotional ups and downs etc
Who should not do Panchakarma?
Though panchakarma can offer various benefits there are a few categories of patients like those with severe digestive issues who need to proceed with caution.
· Pregnant ladies/breastfeeding ladies
· Persons with acute illness like fever
· Persons with chronic illnesses like severe heart diseases, kidney disorders, etc
· Recent surgeries
· Physical trauma like accidents
· Very elderly age
· Persons with weak stamina
· Mensturating ladies
· Persons with erratic emotional stress etc are not eligible to undergo the therapy
Can a healthy person do Panchakarma?
Yes,a healthy person can undergo the therapy because it not only offers detoxification but also rejuvenates and balances the doshas for overall well-being.
Does panchakarma help lose weight and improve the digestive system?
Some of the treatments like udvarthana ,lekhana vasthy can particularly help in losing weight
And as a long run since panchakarma helps to detoxify,mimprove the digestion,balance the doshas, advises on awareness on eating and lifestyle,it can be a healthier package for weight loss
How to do a panchakarma cleanse at home?
You may need to get proper advise from a practitioner to get a cleanse at home
Preparatory phases like light food,well hydration,avoiding processed food have to be practiced a few days before the cleanse
You can adopt a self-massage with medicated oils based on your constitution,
Undergo swedana/ fomentation therapy like herbal steam, herbal hot water bath, etc., which helps in cleansing the body and mind through the principles of Ayurvedic panchakarma.
Purgation techniques can be followed after a proper consultation with a practitioner
How frequently should one undergo Panchakarma Cleaning?
The frequency of Panchakarma detoxification therapies is based on the individual needs,constitution , dosa imbalance, etc
But certain factors to be taken into consideration like
· Dosa imbalance
· Seasonal variations
· Life style factors
· Health status
· Individual goals