Panchakarma Methods

Panchakarma translated from Sanskrit means ‘five cleansing procedures’. This ancient method has a powerful therapeutic effect, as it removes toxins and cleanses the body at both a physical and emotional level. These procedures include five actions: — enemas with herbal decoctions mixed with oil; — therapeutic vomiting induced with herbal preparations; — a laxative treatment; — cleansing of the nasal cavity with an instillation of herbs mixed with oil and — bloodletting using a needle or medicinal leeches. Of course, these procedures are not prescribed to everyone, practitioners take into account the physical condition and requirements of their patients.

First, the patient is prepared for the removal of toxins. There are two Ayurvedic procedures for this: an oil therapy applied internally and externally, and a steam therapy involving saunas and hot herbal baths.

Not many people enjoy the first procedure with oil, it is generally unpleasant, sometimes even a painful internal or external application of bitter herbs mixed with vegetable oils.

However, the list of illnesses that can be tackled with this treatment is a long one. It includes bronchial asthma and bronchitis, diabetes, anemia, gastritis and colitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, heart diseases, vascular disorders, illnesses of liver, urinary system, skin diseases, gynecological diseases and other acute and chronic illnesses. Panchakarma is often recommended to sportsmen as part of their preparations to compete or rehabilitation after a psychoemotional stress or trauma.

Ayurveda does not offer a quick recovery, but a measured one. It stresses the importance of gradually abolishing bad habits in preference to a shock therapy for the immune system. As the bad habits are slowly removed, the toxins gradually leave the body. To take all the toxins out in one go would throw the body and brain out of balance leaving a person feeling at odds with themselves, and anyway, the body usually resists any attempt to speed up the