Panchakarma – Detox Your Body Naturally

Anyone who owns a car knows the importance of regular maintenance – without it, parts break down unexpectedly and there is steady slow deterioration. Just like a car, our body also needs servicing, and in Ayurveda it is understood that our body becomes an ideal environment for disease to develop if we do not get rid of our bodily toxins on a regular basis.

Although our body has innate detoxification processes, they can be overwhelmed when poor nutrition and stress, in addition to the toxic environmental load of modern civilization, result in weakened agni (digestive fire). The residue from incomplete digestion, ama is waste material that accumulates in our organs, eventually solidifying and becoming part of the organs itself, impeding correct function, resulting in various health problems. Ama has great similarity with the end products of free radical reactions which accumulate over time and interfere with cell function. Cells are damaged and age more quickly, and if the waste material is accumulated in the lymphatic system then the problem will occur in the lymphatic system, if the waste material is accumulated in the lungs then the problem will occur in our lungs and so on.

What is Panchakarma?

Ayurveda, thousands of years ago, innately understood the cell biology and chemistry of the bodily functions and described a comprehensive process to cleanse the various systems of the body but without disturbing the alkaline levels and important functions of our organs. A panchakarma treatment encourages our body to expel all the toxins through various channels, allowing for optimum functioning.

With Ayurveda’s growing popularity in the West as a safe and natural system for maintaining good health, interest in Panchakarma treatment has also increased. Panchakarma is unique in providing deep cleansing, purification and rejuvenation which improves digestion, strengthening the immune system. Treatment involves multiple processes including different types of massage and herbal therapy, and as the ama is loosened and flushed from your body, you will feel an all over glow on your face and body.

Purva Karma (preliminary practices) stimulate the loosening or liquefying of ama in preparation for removal.   They are divided into two categories – snehana (internal and external oleation) and swedana (sweating).

Pradhana Karma (main treatments) eliminate the ama that has reached the digestive tract. They can include Nasya (nasal cleansing), Basti (therapeutic enemas), Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (therapeutic purgation).

Paschat Karma are the activities which you need to do after the panchakarma session. These include what to eat, what not to eat, how much to sleep, moderating activity levels, taking of herbs and more.

Prior to commencing treatment, an Ayurvedic assessment will be completed and an appropriate customized treatment plan devised.

Some of the natural detoxification methods which we practice at Yatan Ayurvedic Holistic Centre to detox your body include:

Herbal Steaming – medicinal steam in our spa chambers is created by the addition of Ayurvedic herbs.  With the help of the steam, the medicinal properties of the herbs enter your skin and dilate the channels in your body, facilitating movement of toxins towards the digestive tract.

 Herbal Decoction – we prepare  herbal decoction  which cleanse your body in the areas like the colon, stomach, respiratory organs, etc. Herbal  decoction  is used in the Basti (enema) stage of Panchakarma. There are also various  types of decoction  used for cleansing your ears, eyes, and nasal passages.

Lubrication of the body through massage (abhyanga) and internal oleation (medicated ghee) is very important to balance the alkaline levels of joints, muscles and other organs – that is why at Yatan Ayurvedic Holistic Centre, various types of  medicated  oils  are used in the Panchakarma treatment.

Patients completing a Panchakarma program at our clinic have experienced very positive health benefits.  A thorough Panchakarma treatment encourages the body to rejuvenate.  Elimination of ama allows your cells and organs to function correctly, leading to an increase in energy and wellbeing.  In addition to improved health, more energy will provide you motivation and confidence to embrace your life fully.

That is why Panchakarma is recommended once a year, every year – truly a treatment for you to “Heal and Bloom”! I f you would  like more information about Panchkarma please call on 1300 552 260.