Why Should I Undergo Panchakarma Treatment?

Stress, environmental pollutants and poor lifestyle choices create a toxic load on the body that—if left in the tissues and bloodstream—results in poor health. Human body is like a machine. As the machine needs cleaning and lubrication from time to time to improve the efficiency and quality, our body also needs cleansing from time to time.

Modern life is full of tensions and turmoil. Our lifestyle is so fast and hectic, that there is very limited scope for relaxation. Lack of physical activity, consumption of unhealthy foods, too much mental stress, and habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol are responsible for increasing toxin levels in the body.

Build-up of toxin in the body is a precursor to several chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart diseases, and even cancer. To prevent the risk of these illnesses we need to regularly eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma is one of the best natural Ayurvedic therapy for detoxification that expels body toxins through different therapies.

As your Panchakarma treatments progresses, you will be given a special diet combined with certain herbs and essential Medicines to use at home. These will help stimulate your liver and digestive organs, helping them to purge toxins.

Panchakarma is the most essential part of Ayurvedic treatments. What are purpose and benefits?

Panchakarma is the process in which systematic cleansing of the body takes place without damaging the tissues. In other words, it can be defined as a bio-purification or “detox” of the body.

The purpose of these Panchakarma procedures is to remove toxic substances and waste products from the body.Here are 3 major purposes:

•  Preventive – vamana in spring, virechana in autumn, basti in rainy season
•  Curative – emesis for skin diseases, basti in paralysis or neurological disorders, purgation in liver disorders or pitta disorders.
•  Rejuvenation – rasayana treatments will be more effective after panchakarma and before a pregnancy for a healthy progeny.

Concerning its benefits, it radically removes the morbific factors of disease from body including, the gross channels (GIT, respiratory tract) up to the subtlest level (like cells, tissues, cell membranes etc.).

Such purification permits the biological system to return to normal, to rejuvenate spontaneously and also facilitates the desired therapeutic effects to treatment administrated thereafter. It eliminates toxins and metabolites from the body, cleans the macro and micro channels and maximizes the absorption of nutrients and drugs.

Panchakarma accesses the most profound levels of our body, mind & soul. How should a patient prepare bodily tissues adequately before they are cleansed?

Before Panchakarma, a restricted/light diet is consumed. Often patients shift to green gram soup, which is advised to remove Ama, toxins, from the body and to ignite Agni, the digestive power.

Drinking of hot water is advised usually for this purpose.

Food which is heavy to digest, not cooked freshly, cold, or causes constipation is prohibited. Moreover, sex, overeating, late nights, excess physical or mental work, strong exposure to sun, wind, cold weather is also not advisable during Panchakarma.

Are there any side effects when undergoing a Panchakarma? After how many days can we feel the benefits of it ?

For scientific and authentic procedures, there are no side effects. However, for the procedure to be successful, its success depends on physician as well as the patient.

There is a list of Do’s and Dont’s in Panchakarama, which has to be followed strictly. If the patient does not follow the instructions, then he or she may face problems or unpleasant effects. If the procedure goes smoothly, then patients do not have to suffer.

The benefits of Panchakarma are long lasting with some do’s and don’ts s which patients have to follow.

The lasting effects of Panchakarma are minimum 1-2 years. It may last for more than 2 years if the patient follows the Pathya-pathaya(Do’s and Dont’s), after treatment.

Who Should Undergo Panchakarma?

Our body has a specific way of notifying that the level of toxins has gone to an undesirable level. Constant tiredness, fatigue, headache, acne breakouts, skin problems or even problems related to fertility indicates that you need to undergo body detoxification. So, anyone who notices such symptoms can take panchakarma therapy.

Who Should Avoid Panchakarma

There is no specific reason to avoid panchkarma by anyone. It can be administered to healthy persons (Swastha) and as well as diseased persons (Atura). However, extra precautions are taken while offering Panchkarma therapy to people who are above 70 and children below age of 7, as some of the therapies could make them uncomfortable. When done through skilled hands, panchkarma can be administered safety to people of any age.

It is also important to note that although panchakarma term is suggestive of five therapies, the type and number of therapy offeref to every individual may differ. In simple words, based on your health status you may be offere d only 2-3 therapies under panchakarma.

Where Should You Take Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is one of the most effective methods of eliminating toxins from the body. However, it is important to look for a professional Ayurvedic clinic that offers Panchakarma therapy through skilled therapist who are experienced and have sufficient knowledge of the techniques. Panchakarma includes therapies that induce vomiting or purgation and hence need to be performed in hygienic rooms.

What is the Cost of Panchakarma Treatment?

The cost for Panchakarma Treatment varies for each person as the treatment needs to be customized as per health needs. The therapy duration and cost for Panchakarma can be obtained during your consultation.

How often should a Panchakarma be done ?

It depends. In general a healthy person should undergo Panchakarma at least once a year. For a diseased person (according to conditions), it may vary: twice a year for skin disease or possibly more, depending on the severity. Continuously, for at least 3 months, for paralysis and other renowned neurological conditions and on a regular basis for treatment of obesity.

What about children? Can Panchakarma be practiced at any age?

There are no age restrictions. For acute conditions, such as cerebral palsy, a basti, massage, nasya, or shiropichu can be done at 6 months or 1 year of age.

In General, 18- 60 years old is the age criteria for Panchakarma.Virechana or vamanaare is usually not practiced after 60 years old. Basti can be done after 80s. Many of the Panchakarma treatments, like Shirodhara, Pichu, Matrabasti, can be performed at any age.A daily massage should be done on a healthy baby with specific medicated oils.

There are a variety of procedures to do on babies. Nasya to enhance IQ. Shiropichuto reduce ADHD. Oil massage to increase weight. Dry powder massage to reduce weight

Some procedures are very helpful for autism, asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, neuro-muscular diseases and psychological disorders of children.

Is there an equivalent procedure to Panchakarma in Modern medicine?

No. To the best of my knowledge, no therapy in any other type of medicine is similar to Panchakarma. It’s a unique scientific and natural way of biopurification or detox of the body.

Stomach wash has a different effect than vamana. Diarrhea is not so similar to virechana. Enema is a different concept than basti. Nasal drops are not as effective as nasya. Panchakarma has different concept, medicines, pharmacodynamic, kinetic and effects.

What is the point of view of conventional medicine on Panchakarma?

Recently, followers or practitioners of conventional medicine have started to accept Panchakarma. This is due to extensive research and clinical evidence on the benefits of Panchakarma. Many specialists on medicine are referring the patients for Panchakarma.

What Can I Expect?

The Panchakarma cleansing process affects the whole person. Thus, during the program, you may notice changes on mental, physical and emotional levels. Many of our patients experience a “healing crisis.” This is a normal part of the healing process, and may be seen as a beneficial step toward optimal health.

What Should I Do At Home?

During the first stage of your Panchakarma therapy, when you are undergoing daily massage and steam baths, there are several things you can do to facilitate your body’s internal cleansing.

•  Drink plenty of pure water, soothing herbal teas (be sure they are caffeine-free) and fresh, organic fruit and vegetable juices.
•  Eat light foods in moderate amounts, and increase your daily rest.
•  Be gentle and nurturing to yourself.
•  Completing the Panchakarma Cycle.

To complete your Panchakarma treatment, you will do a mild fast and special liver purge followed by a specialized rejuvenation program. You will be amazed at your increased energy level and renewed vitality. Periodic PK treatments, in addition to your individual dietary and exercise routines, will help to prevent disease and maintain optimal health.