Panchakarma

Panchakarma is unique to Ayurveda and is a programme of deep cleansing, detoxification, purification and rejuvenation treatments.

If you really care about your car you have it serviced every six months.  If not, you do service it at least each year for sure!  So why not treat your self to your own grease and oil change plus new tyres, and most importantly an engine overhaul with Panchakarma!

Like your car, over time we accumulate grit and grime in the vital organs that keep us functioning in a healthy state. If you failed to service your car regularly it would eventually break down or struggle to function.

The object of Panchakarma is to service the human body, which opposed to the car runs 24 hours a day. Just like the grit and grime buildup in our cars, the human body accumulates various types of toxins that prevent its peak performance, like metabolic waste products and biological excreta, which can cause kidney and heart artery blockages, liver, spleen and gall bladder dysfunction, brain signalling and nerve transmission malfunction etc.  In Ayurveda these toxins are called ama (minute toxic matter) and malla (gross toxic matter).

Panchakarma is helpful for both the healthy and the sick, and ideally a treatment course should be done once a year. Prior to commencing this treatment, a consultation is required. 

Usually this treatment plan is completed within a seven day period (ie  two hours per day), otherwise depending  on  the patient’s condition a suitable programme can be arranged.

What does a Treatment Programme involve?

Preparatory Processes

Each treatment plan begins with Snehana ( oleation ) and Swedana (sweating) in preparation for the main detoxification processes.  These treatments enable the body to release excess doshas and toxins, drawing them into the gut where they are expelled through the appropriate detoxification process.

Snehana  involves Abhynga, a relaxing Ayurvedic massage using medicated oils based on your constitutional type. This elimination process liquefies the ama which is trapped within the organs and channels.

Swedana (sweating) is in a sauna using medicated steam, which passes through the body causing the ama to further liquefy within the organs and channels to be eliminated through the sweat.

Detoxification Processes

After the preparatory phase, some or all of the detoxification processes may be used:

Vamana (emesis) In this process a medicated decoction is consumed which liquefies the toxic substances in the upper digestive tract.  After approximately 20-30 minutes the patient will feel the sensation to expel the accumulated ama. 

Virechana (purgation).  In this cleansing process medicated herbs are ingested and after some hours the sensation to go to the toilet will occur and continues for 4-6 times depending on the intensity of the accumulated malla and ama. This process detoxifies the lower digestive tract and also removes parasites (if any).

Basti (medicated enema).  In this cleansing method various types of medicated decoctions and medicated oil are introduced into the anus using an enema bag and tube. The patient withholds the decoction for a certain period of time.(depending on the individual’s condition). Then the sensation to evacuate the bowels occurs cleansing the toxic ama and faecal matter from the large intestine.   This process is helpful in the treatment of such ailments as:- Chron’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Candidiasis, Ghiardia, Diverticulitus etc.

This process is carried out over a period of days.

Shirovirechana ( head cleansing). Different types of medicated nasal oil and nasal snuffs are introduced by drops into the nostril, cleansing the nasal passages, thereby opening the brain channels, eliminating any  trapped/congested/toxic mucous or aggravated kapha.  The benefits of this treatment are:- focused mind, good memory, sound sleep, enhanced memory recall and retention.  Also beneficial for the following conditions:- sinusitis, asthma, rhinitus, hayfever, etc.

Shirovirechana also includes the following steps: ear candling, netti (nasal cleansing), medicated eyewash and Shirodhara.