Panchakarma (five actions) is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. It is known for its beneficial effects on overall health, wellness and self-healing.

Panchakarma is etymologically, five actions, but as the purification therapy expounded in Ayurveda Panchakarma is perhaps the most misunderstood of all the practices. Often perceived as just another system of oil massage it is more than that. Oil massage (Sanskrit: abhyanga) is an important treatment in Ayurveda. While a person may perform massage on his own as part of his daily routine, trained masseurs are required to perform this therapy when it is used for disease management. As part of the treatment, medicated oil is massaged all over the body. A massage that is part of the daily routine lasts for five to15 minutes. But when it is performed for treating diseases it may take about 45 minutes. This is Panchakarma.

Answered by Jitendra , an ibibo Master, at 3:50 AM on October 06, 2008

Panchakarma is the ultimate mind body detoxifying experience. Panchakarma is for the person that wants to detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. It is recommended on a seasonal basis and when an individual feels out of balance, or is experiencing a particular illness.

Answered by Shishir , an ibibo Master, at 10:36 PM on October 03, 2008

Panchakarma (five actions) is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. It is known for its beneficial effects on overall health, wellness and self-healing.

Our Natural State

According to Ayurveda, our natural state is one of health, happiness and an inner sense of well-being. Health is defined as the body being clear of toxins, the mind is at peace, emotions are calm and happy, wastes are efficiently eliminated and organs are functioning normally. In a busy, stressful and toxic world, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins causing deterioration in bodily functioning. This eventually weakens our systems, which opens the door for chronic, degenerative, and non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health and wellness.

Panchakarma can help by reversing these negative effects of daily living. It can restore your natural state of health and wellness by cleansing your body of toxins, bringing balance into your system and improving bodily function. It can also help you sustain this process by making positive changes in lifestyle.

The Panchakarma therapeutic process appears quite simple in its application. However, its effects are powerful and effective. Panchakarma is a unique, natural, holistic, health-giving series of therapeutic treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues of toxins, open the subtle channels, bring life-enhancing energy thereby increasing vitality, inner peace, confidence and well-being.

Panchakarma is the five different procedures described by the Ayurveda texts for purification of the body and is one of the two systems for treatment. One is to pacify the aggravated Doshas by using appropriate diet, natural herbs and minerals; and the other is to purify the body, by eliminating the increased Doshas from the body.

Panchakarma is etymologically, five actions, but as the purification therapy expounded in Ayurveda Panchakarma is perhaps the most misunderstood of all the practices. Often perceived as just another system of oil massage it is more than that. Oil massage (Sanskrit: abhyanga) is an important treatment in Ayurveda. While a person may perform massage on his own as part of his daily routine, trained masseurs are required to perform this therapy when it is used for disease management. As part of the treatment, medicated oil is massaged all over the body. A massage that is part of the daily routine lasts for five to15 minutes. But when it is performed for treating diseases it may take about 45 minutes. This is Panchakarma.

Treatment massages can be effectively done with two therapists working on either side of the patient who lies on a wooden bed called droni in Sanskrit. The patient is made to lie on the bed while undergoing the treatment. Since the feet are considered sensitive, special care is taken for foot massages. The nerve nodal points (called Marmas in Sanskrit) on the soles of the feet are closely related to certain internal organs. The sole of the right foot is massaged with clockwise movement and the left foot with anti-clockwise strokes.

During the treatment the patient is made to recline in seven standard positions. This begins with the person seated in an upright position, supine or flat on the back, turning to the right side, supine again, turning to the left side, supine once again, and finally sitting as in the beginning, Sometimes the position of lying face down is also adopted.

Panchakarma is a holistic rejuvenation therapy and is not just an oil massage, as it is widely believed. The rejuvenation therapy of Panchakarma grew and flourished in Kerala, though there are regional variations in therapy procedures as well as in the equipment used. Practice of this therapy should always be done under the guidance of qualified and competent physicians and trained attendants.

The word

Answered by Rajani , an ibibo Citizen, at 5:06 PM on October 03, 2008

Panchakarma (five actions) is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. It is known for its beneficial effects on overall health, wellness and self-healing.

According to Ayurveda, our natural state is one of health, happiness and an inner sense of well-being. Health is defined as the body being clear of toxins, the mind is at peace, emotions are calm and happy, wastes are efficiently eliminated and organs are functioning normally. In a busy, stressful and toxic world, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins causing deterioration in bodily functioning. This eventually weakens our systems, which opens the door for chronic, degenerative, and non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health and wellness.

Panchakarma can help by reversing these negative effects of daily living. It can restore your natural state of health and wellness by cleansing your body of toxins, bringing balance into your system and improving bodily function. It can also help you sustain this process by making positive changes in lifestyle.

The Panchakarma therapeutic process appears quite simple in its application. However, its effects are powerful and effective. Panchakarma is a unique, natural, holistic, health-giving series of therapeutic treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues of toxins, open the subtle channels, bring life-enhancing energy thereby increasing vitality, inner peace, confidence and well-being.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 8:39 PM on October 02, 2008

Panchakarma is Ayurveda's primary purification and detoxification treatment. Panchakarma means the "five therapies". These 5 therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body are Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamoskshana. This series of five therapies help remove deep rooted stress and illness causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas (energies that govern all biological functions).

Answered by Anju Singh , an ibibo Master, at 1:59 AM on October 02, 2008

Panchakarma is a classical form of detoxification practised throughout the ages in India routinely for prevention and treatment.

In order to stay healthy and fit one should carry out Panchakarma methods as a way of cleansing and servicing the body. The greatest benefit of this system is preventing possible illness due to accumulation of doshas or toxins which may cause obstruction of channels or ducts.

'Panchakarma' means five activates. They are:

I. Niruha Vasthi - Herbal Enema Therapy

2. Vireka - Herball Purgative Therapy

3. Vamana - Emesis Therapy

4. Nasya - Herbal Inhalation Therapy

5. Anuvasana Vasthi - Herbal Oil Enema Therapy

Selection from the above is recommended according to the need of the patient.

There are sonic additional treatments called 'Purvakarma' also given as a part of Panchakarma therapy. They are:

Sneha Karma - Herbal Oil application (external, oral, rectal)

Sweda Karma - Herbal diaphoretic therapy (steam bath)

Shirodhara - Special oil drip for the head.

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Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 3:41 PM on October 01, 2008

Ayurveda has two systems of treatment. One is to pacify the aggravated Doshas by using appropriate diet, natural herbs and minerals; and the other is to purify the body, by eliminating the increased Doshas from the body. For purification of the body five different procedures have been described by the Ayurveda texts.

Answered by Vipan Thapar , an ibibo Master, at 1:03 PM on October 01, 2008

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. In fact, most of the time, Panchakarma is an end in itself rather than a prelude to other therapeutic measures.

The Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda is comprised of five basic types of advanced treatment for the evacuation of vitiated Dosha (toxic materials) from the body. One can consider this as a body de-tox program. There are so many subtypes of this therapy and different types of herbal massages, fomentation's such as steam, external oil treatments, Basti (medicated enemas), Virechana (purgation through herbs), Vamana (emesis through herbs), Nasya (nasal administration of oils) etc. are also incorporated. These practices are extremely helpful in relieving deep seated diseases as well as being beneficial for maintaining and improving physical and mental health.

Purvakarma: Pre-purification Measures for Panchakarma
Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the release of toxins. The two procedures are Snehana and Swedana.

Snehana (Abhyangam) is the oil massage. Oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of massage which helps the toxins to move towards the gastro-intestinal tract. Oil massage also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and to nourish the nervous system. Snehana is given daily for three to seven days, as indicated.

Swedana is sudation or sweating and is given every day immediately following the Snehana. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further loosen the toxins from the individual. Swedana liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastro-intestinal tract.

Pradhanakarma: Main Purification measures of Panchakarma

Vamana: Emesis Therapy
When there is congestion in the lungs causing repeated attacks of bronchitis, colds, cough or asthma, the Ayurvedic treatment is therapeutic vomiting - Vamana, to eliminate the Kapha whic is causing the excess mucus.

Virechana: Purgation Therapy
When excess bile, Pitta, is secreted and accumulated in the gall bladder, liver and small intestine, it tends to result in rashes, skin inflammation, acne, chronic attacks of fever, vomiting, nausea and jaundice. Ayurvedic literature suggests in these conditions the administration of therapeutic purgation or a therapeutic laxative.

Nasya: Nasal Administration
The nose is the doorway to the brain and it is also the doorway to consciousness. The nasal administration of medication is called Nasya. An excess of bodily humors accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas is eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.

Basti: Enema Therapy
Vata's predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic Basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal concoctions of sesame oil, and certain herbal preparations in a liquid medium. Basti, is the most effective treatment of Vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. It relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti. Basti therapy is divided in two main types - Anuvasana Basti - medicated oil enemas

Answered by Arle Rambabu , an ibibo Master, at 12:28 PM on October 01, 2008

Panchakarma (five actions) is a cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. It is known for its beneficial effects on overall health, wellness and self-healing.
According to Ayurveda, our natural state is one of health, happiness and an inner sense of well-being. Health is defined as the body being clear of toxins, the mind is at peace, emotions are calm and happy, wastes are efficiently eliminated and organs are functioning normally. In a busy, stressful and toxic world, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins causing deterioration in bodily functioning. This eventually weakens our systems, which opens the door for chronic, degenerative, and non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health and wellness.

Panchakarma can help by reversing these negative effects of daily living. It can restore your natural state of health and wellness by cleansing your body of toxins, bringing balance into your system and improving bodily function. It can also help you sustain this process by making positive changes in lifestyle.

The Panchakarma therapeutic process appears quite simple in its application. However, its effects are powerful and effective. Panchakarma is a unique, natural, holistic, health-giving series of therapeutic treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues of toxins, open the subtle channels, bring life-enhancing energy thereby increasing vitality, inner peace, confidence and well-being.
source:: http://www.ayurveda.com/panchakarma /index.html

Answered by Tingtong , an ibibo Master, at 8:17 AM on October 01, 2008

Panch Karma includes five types of treatment which are as follows:

Vamana - Use of Emetics
Virecana - Use of laxatives
Basti - Medicated Enema
Nasya - Nasal administration
Rakta Mokshana - Blood letting

Most of these treatments are used in chronic and deep rooted diseases. Before actually doing the Panch Karma some preparatory treatments are done. These are called the purva karma. These include:

Snehan :
It is the olation therapy. It is of two kinds:

Internal Snehan : In this treatment medicated oils and ghee (clarified butter) etc. are given for internal use. These sneha are so subtle that they can enter into minute pores of cell membrane. They have a tendency of pushing or mobilising the impurities from there so that their elimination becomes easy. Ghee (clarified butter) prepared from cow's butter is best for this use.

External Snehan : This comprises of different kinds of massage. Medicated oils are applied on the body and different methods are used for that. These massage techniques are many times used in the treatment of muscular fatigue, loss of motor functions, arithritis, paralysis, migraine, spondylitis and bodyache. They also induce sound sleep by relaxing the nervous system, increase immunity of the body and are beneficial to increase skin's lustre.

Swedana :
It is the second purva karma. It means fomentation or heating therapy. Different types of fomentations like steam bath and poultices are used on specific parts of the body. Many kinds of warm medicated oils, water, milk and herbal decoctions are also used. They are either used in a bath tub or are poured on the body. These types of fomentation treatments are very beneficial in diseases like pains in the joints, neck, lumbago, hemiplegia, urinary disorders, renal diseases, muscular dystrophy, common cold, asthma and loss of muscle functions. Swedana or fomentation liquifies or digests the doshas and opens the mouth of blocked channels and pores of cell membrane. This makes the elimination of wastes easy when the actual Panch Karma are performed. So after doing these purva karma or preparatory treatments the main karmas (panch karma) are done.

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Paschat Karma :
After doing the Panch Karma, it is normally followed by:

1. Samsarjan Karma : After the Panch Karma treatments are done the patient feels light and the digestive power becomes weak. A special diet and life style are prescribed for about two weeks. Thus in this therapy the digestive power and strength of the person is restored by starting a light diet and gradually going towards a heavy diet. The patient need not be admitted for this karma. Shamana In this part internal medicinal treatment is given for the disease for which panch karma was done. This is to give permanent relief from the disease. So in case some cause of the disease is left in the body even after the cleaning process, it is finished by giving internal medicines.

2. Rasayana : This means rejuvenating therapy. The best results of rejuvenation can be achieved if it is taken after doing the Panch Karma If rejuvenation therapy or Rasayana are taken without cleaning the body we may not get best results because the effect of the Rasayana is reduced due to the presence of toxins or wastes in the body. It has been observed by clinical research that Panch Karma treatment is very effective in diseases like hemiplegia, polio, rheumatoid arithritis, skin diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension, cardiac problems, intestinal diseases, peptic and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis and asthma. Besides this, it produces immunity and increases youthfulness of our body.

Answered by Ashish Yadav , an ibibo Wizard, at 7:37 AM on October 01, 2008