Panchakarma is the Ayurveda term used for five purification procedures operated for cleansing and detoxification the body. These procedures have great importance in the Ayurveda system of medicine and are applied in almost all diseases – as discussed in the Ayurveda classics.

 Panchakarma treatment has three main stages:

Poorva Karma:

This includes the preparatory measures such as the administration of oleation and fomentation (snehana and swedana) before the main specific treatment. Poorva Karma is done during the course of five, seven or ten days, sometimes a little longer if the healing of a long-term problem is being attempted.

Nirama: Ayurveda Detoxification

The range of Ayurveda detoxification therapies includes an herbal oil massage or heat treatments or a combination of both, along with elimination programmes to cleanse the body internally. The actual cleansing therapies will vary from person to person depending on their body type. In the Ayurveda system, every individual falls into one of three dominant body types known as prakriti. One of the most important detoxification procedures is a massage with warm oil infused with herbs. Warm oil massage and sweat therapies increase circulation in order to purify blood and prepare the body to eliminate the toxic residuals from their respective tissues and vessels. This approach is unique as it ensures that the underlying tissues are not damaged by the elimination procedures mentioned above. A massage is the best Ayurveda treatment as it treats conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, hypertension and psychiatric problems. It also aims to cure paralysis, senile dementia, and other neurological disorders. It is essential that the body becomes receptive to absorbing healing properties and assimilate when accumulated wastes and toxins are eliminated. Ayurveda recommends detoxification programmes once every season as a way of preparing the body for the next season, reflecting the preventative aspect of this healing system. Also, one should continue and update the outcomes of such detoxification therapy to gain and maintain optimal health benefits.

Pradhana Karma: 

The main treatment containing the 5 cleansing procedures mentioned below,

·  Virechana – purgation therapy

·  Vasti – herbal / oil decoction enemas

·  Vamana – emesis therapy

·  Nasya – inhalation

·  Rakta Moksha – blood letting

Paschata Karma: 

Measures taken after the main treatment, such as diet, medicine, & daily routine

* Any attempt to administer Panchakarma without proper consultation by a doctor is not advisable.