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 The Sanskrit word “Panchakarma” literally means “five actions”, which in this case refer to “five treatment methods”. Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment is the age old treatment based on the principles of Ayurveda to solve all sorts of health-related problems. This in-house treatment is administered as a preventive measure for unhealthy and healthy individuals to keep themselves physically and mentally fit. However, it is not recommended for children less than 7 years of age and individuals above 80 years of age.
As the name suggests, Panchakarma treatment includes five basic types of advanced therapeutic treatment procedures. According to Ayurvedic texts, Panchakarma therapies evacuate body toxins and balance the bio-energies. Using the normal modes of elimination such as urinary tracts, intestines, sweat glands, the “tridoshas” (the presence of which causes physical ailments) such as Vata (ether plus air), Kapha (water plus earth) and Pitta (fire plus water) are eliminated.
The Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment includes:
Purvakarma - the pre purification measure, which helps the body toxins to move out of the body and nourishes the nervous system by making the body tissues soft and supple. This procedure includes Abhyanga/external snehana (internal consumption and external oil massage) and Swedna (steam added with herbal decoction).
Pradhankarma is the main purification measure, which includes various preventative and healing therapies. The Vaman (Emesis therapy), Nasyam (Nasal administration), Virechana (purgation therapy), Asthapana Vasti/Niruha Vasti (Enema of decoction) and Anuvasan Vasti (Medicated Oil Enemas) are done to treat diseases such as bronchitis, cold-cough, asthma, sinusitis, migraine, skin problems, headaches, allergic condition, arthritis, muscle spasm, sexual problems, joint pains, neurological disorders, distention, constipation, rheumatism, etc. In addition to these therapies, Sirodhara, Kati-Vasti, Pinda Sweda, Nadisweda, Shirovasti, Pizhichil, Shasti-Shali Pindasweda, Janu vasti, Uttara vasti, Udwartanam and Tarpanam are done to get rid of disease-causing doshas and toxins and overcome the pain of any disease.
Along with the various methods of rejuvenation and purification, the Panchakarma therapy measures help to achieve the status of body, mind and consciousness by improving energy flow in the body, strengthening the immune system and creating deep relaxation. This five-fold treatment thereby enlivens the body’s self-healing powers and helps in maintaining health in the long term.
The Ayurveda Panchakarma treatment is one of most significant Ayurvedic practices gaining acceptance worldwide. |
