Panchakarma Demystified

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic Therapy which cleanses and detoxifies the human body. Although Panchakarma is being practiced for a very long time in India, but its popularity has increased manifold in recent times. There are various Ayurveda Packages in India, which offer Panchkarma theraphy.This therapy is carried on in five stages or phases and thus it is named as Panchakarma (Panch means five & Karma means Action). These five stages do cleansing of blood, administering enemas, cleansing of sinuses, inducing vomiting and taking laxatives. In this therapy a lot of emphasis is given on food. Food to be consumed before and after Panchakarma includes vegetables, some types of beverages, whole grains and medicinal herbs. After completing the therapy of Panchakarma, the person is considered to be cleansed both physically and spiritually.
Panchakarma is a part of holistic medical practice, popularly called Ayurveda (The Science of Longevity). Ayurveda makes the body free spiritually, mentally and physically from all “doshas” (defects). Human body is exposed to stress and toxins which weakens the immune system and body. Ayurveda, explains how with this therapy called Panchakarma, human body can be cleansed physically and spiritually. Before Panchakarma, there is phase a for preparing the body for it, known as Purna Karma. This phase is basically for changing the food habit from processed food to natural food without toxins. All types of foods or drinks having caffeine along with processed food and high sugar are prohibited in the diet for 5 to 20 days. The person undergoing treatment has to follow the diet prescribed by the Ayurveda doctor. Also during this process of Purna Karma, medication and relaxation is important. Closeness to nature is encouraged or suggested during this time period in order to reduce stress along with natural detoxifications.
Various institutes, doctors or Ayurveda centers have differences in their process of Panchakarma. There might be differences in certain phases depending on the centre, doctor or city where the therapy is done. But there are certain common phases which cannot be changed or altered – they are enemas, nasal cleansing and laxatives. Some people also keep fasting during Panchakarma, where they have to only drink warm herbal beverage made with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and ginger during the day.
Purgation or Virechana is first phase of Panchakarma. In this process the person has to keep fast. Fasting does not mean starving. Special kind of food and liquids have to be taken. Fasting and laxatives helps in cleansing of gastro-intestinal tract from toxins along with liver and gall bladder.
The second phase is called Basti where Enemas is given daily for a number of days. This phase helps in providing relief from back pain, cures digestive disorders and increases sexual life of the person.
Now comes the third phase, which is known as Nasya. This phase is named Nasya because nose is called Nasya in Hindi and consists of nasal cleansing. This phase is also spread over a number of days. Nasya along with nasal cleansing also improves memory, eye sight and voice clarity. It also prevents premature graying of hair, body stiffness and sinus disorders.
Forth phase includes Vamana & Raktakmoshana. Vamana includes Emesis (inducing vomiting), which focuses to remove toxins. This phase cleanses respiratory tract and induces proper digestion, helps reducing obesity and cures various other ailments. Raktakmoshana includes blood cleansing.
Finally after all these phases are over, comes the rejuvenation phase where the person is asked to have vegetables and whole grains in diet. Rejuvenation helps in physical and emotional healing of the human body and completes the process of Panchakarma.
After the process of Panchkarma is complete, one feels completely rejuvenated and ready to face the challenges of life with a new perspective.