|
Panchakarma an Ayurvedic
therapy got its name from Sanskrit where
Pancha stands for five and Karma for the
therapeutic measures, therefore Panchakarma
means five types of therapeutic measures
that are undertaken for the purification of
the body. It is a deep cleansing process,
unique to Ayurveda, which basically denotes
to detoxification or elimination of toxins
from the body. It is recommended for healthy
persons and also as a preventive treatment
to keep one physically and mentally fit and
energetic.
The prominent five therapies used in
Panchakarma are:
Vaman
Vaman means therapeutic vomiting or emesis.
It is used to eliminate Kapha toxins
collected in the body and the respiratory
tract. This therapy is highly beneficial for
people with high Kapha imbalance. Various
health ailments that can be cured
effectively with this treatment include
Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay
Fever, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic
Indigestion, Nasal Congestion, Edema,
Obesity, Psychological disorders and Skin
disorders.
Virechan
The term Virechana stands for Purgation.
This therapy is applied to remove Pitta
toxins from the body that accumulate in the
liver and gallbladder. It helps to clean the
gastro-intestinal tract and considered a
safe procedure without any side effects. It
is helpful in treatment of Chronic Fever,
Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders, Joint
disorders, Digestive disorders,
Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo,
Psoriasis, Headaches, Elephantiasis and
Gynecological disorders.
Basti
Basti or enema is considered the most
important treatment of Panchakarma as it
cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the
three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through
the colon. It is used as detoxification and
rejuvenating treatment. This therapy is
highly useful in diseases like Hemiplegia,
Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical
Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache
& Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly,
Obesity, Piles, Sexual Debility &
Infertility.
Nasya
Nasya means administration of medicated oils
through the nose to cleanse Kapha toxins
accumulated in sinus, throat, nose or head
areas. There are different types of nasya
treatments that are given to the patien
according to the ailments to be treated.
This treatment is useful in Improving memory
& eye sight, Elimination of excess Mucus,
Hyper pigmentation in the face, Pre-mature
graying of hair, clarity to voice, Headaches
of various origin, Hemiplegia, Loss of smell
and taste, Frozen shoulder, Migraine,
Stiffness of the neck, Nasal Allergies Nasal
Polyp, Neurological dysfunctions,
Paraplegiar, Sinusitis.
Rakta moksha
Raktamoksha or blood letting is the
traditional Ayurvedic method for
purification and cleansing of the blood.
This treatment is useful in detoxifying the
blood and the ailments related to blood
impurity such as chronic skin disorders. It
is also helpful treatment for liver and
spleen ailments. This treatment is usually
not included in regular panchkarma
procedure, as certain precautions are needed
for it.
Traditionally, three of the five actions are
designed for the three different body types.
For Vata, generally the smaller-framed
person, the cleansing method suggested is
the medicated enema (Basti). For Pitta,
generally the medium-framed person,
purgation with special herbs is suggested (Virechana).
For Kapha, generally the larger-framed
person, emesis (Vamana) is recommended. The
remaining two traditional cleansing methods
are therapeutic release of toxic blood, and
medicated nasal therapy (Nasya).
The main benefits derived from Panchakarma
therapy are:
Increased digestion, improved
absorption and assimilation of all nutrients
at the physical, mental and spiritual
levels.
Deeper and more restful sleep.
Elimination of all toxins, poisons and
memory of disease.
Rebuilding body tissues, promoting
rejuvenation and longevity.
Normalization of the menstrual cycle.
Increased awareness and increased emotional
and mental clarity.
Increased physical flexibility.
Deeper and more insightful meditation - by
teaching us how to discover the seat of
divinity in the most embryonic form, thus
creating a balance in all the different
bodies. |
