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As the name suggests, panchakarma stands for five &karma are therapeutic measures, thereby meaning five types of therapeutic measures. These are undertaken for purification of the body. Ayurveda is the only system of medicine which proposes the need of undertaking the purification of biological systems form gross channels up to molecular level aiming to clean the entire organism to render it suitable for self recover & therapeutic responsiveness.
Classical Panchkarma
The process of panchkarma is carried out in three stages
A. Preparatory measures, (poorva karma) which includes
1. Pachan (digestion)
2. Snehan (internal & external oleation)
3. Swedan (herbal fomentation)
B. Principal measures (pradhan karma)
1. Vaman (induced vomiting)
2. Virechan (induced purgation)
3. Basti (medicated enema)
4. Nasya (nasal insufflations)
5. Raktamokshan (therapeutic bloodletting)
C. Post-therapeutic measure (Paschat karma)
This includes special dietary regimen- Samsarjan karma.
Oelation Therapy
Includes saturation of the body with herbal & medicated oil via external & internal oelation to make it soft and disintegrate the doshas.
The medium used is of 4 types - vegetable oils (for external oelation), medicated ghee (for internal oelation)
Fomentation Therapy
Oleation is followed by fomentation & it is induced by heat from different sources. It brings sweat on the skin through hair follicles by opening the pores of the skin. Due to fomentation the agni is increased and the fatty tissue gets mobilised. While throwing out waste as ama (toxins) through the skin it also helps liquefy aggravated doshas, dilating all body channels for the cleansing.
Emesis Therapy
Vamana is one therapy among 'Panchakarma'- the five fold Ayurvedic detoxification procedures. This process will induce therapeutic vomiting. Prior to this procedure the individual's body will be prepared by proper Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). This is a very beneficial therapy for Kapha predominating disorders such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and skin disorders.
Purgation Therapy
This therapy is one among Panchakarma which eleminates excess Pitta from the body. Virechana is performed by administering Virechak Aushdhi (purgative medicine) in milk or warm water preparation after proper preparation of the individual through Poorvakarmas. This therapy is extremely beneficial in Pitta disorders such as dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn, jaundice, etc
Enema Therapy
Considered the best treatment for a deranged vata, it purifies and rejuvenates the colon, then nourishes the entire body and helps to gain control of the disease process before it goes into a migratory phase. Classified into Oily Enema, Decoction Enema, and Enema therapies, it is administered through the anal passage or vagina.
Because vata is the force behind retention or elimination of all items, its imbalance is the root cause of diseases related to tissues and organs of the body. This therapy thus proves effective for nearly all types of diseases. Helps to rejuvenate the body and providing strength and long life.
Vasti is essentially of two types: Nirooha that cleanses toxins from the dhatus and removes naturally accumulated malas (body waste) from the colon, and Anuwasana that which is meant to be retained in the body for a longer period of time in order to have its intended effect.
Nasal Administration
Use of medicated oils taken through the nostrils, it is used to assist emesis therapy in dislodging toxins and excess kapha from the throat, nose, sinus & other organs. It is effective for diseases in the head, ears, nose, throat, teeth and improving connections between the senses & respective organs.
Bloodletting
Elimination and purification of the blood is carried out by this therapy. Thus his therapy is very good in case of all imbalance of blood and pitta disorders as stubborn skin diseases, tumours, gout, excessive drowsiness, alopecia, hallucinations and enlarged liver & spleen.
Synchronised Massage (Abhyanga)
This full body massage is done with medicated herbal oils for 45 minutes. According to classical texts, this massage is indicated daily to prevent ageing and degeneration process. This therapy will treat the whole body physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free. This stimulating treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes, while providing relief to diseases such as anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders, rheumatic and arthritic problems, backaches and injuries.
Synchronized massage is also beneficial in preventing wrinkles and scales, curing Spondylosis, Sleep disorders, Paralysis, improving physical consistency, inducing sound sleep, increasing general sense of well being and life span. It improves the complexion and texture of the skin.
Pizhichil (Thailadhara)
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is subjected to streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage.
Uses: This therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, neurological disorders, blood pressure, and nervous weakness and helps to arrest the aging process.
Njavarakizhi
A massage to the body with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara rice after a liberal application of medicated oil over the whole body. The rice is cooked in cow's milk and herbal decoction. The boluses are dipped in the same mixture of cow's milk and herbal decoction and applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat).
Uses: This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin, employed in neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.
Elakizhi (Pathrapotala Sweda)
This therapy begins with the application of suitable medicated oil to the entire body. The body is then subjected to exude profusely through a massage with boluses of chopped and fried leaves of some specific medicinal herbs after dipping in particular medicated oils.
Use: This therapy is effective for various kinds of arthritis, Spondylosis, back pain, sports injuries and for all other soft tissue inflammations especially join pains.
Thakradhara
Takra means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring. This therapy calms the individual down by using medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the forehead to relieve insomnia, depression and other stress related problems. It prevents greying of the hair, reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the affected area to have a curative effect.
Nethratharpana
Medicated ghee is retained in a reservoir made over the eyes with black gram paste. This therapy will have a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. This relieves eyestrain, improves eyesight and other eye related problems.
Head & Face Massage
Using Ayurvedic techniques and special medicated oil, this concentrated massage on head and face relieves stress and strain related problems, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and improves the texture and complexion of face.
Upanaham
This therapy is well-known for its property to relieve pain, swelling and to nourish the tissues. It is done by application of herbal paste over the affected area, covering the applied paste with medicinal herbal leaves and bandaging over that with cotton cloth. This application will be removed after few hours as per the requirement. This therapy is very effective in Osteo-arthritis, joint injuries and localized pain and swelling. al problems and improve the texture and complexion of face.
Lepam
This is the application of herbal paste externally over the affected area. The herbal powder and the medium to make the paste are selected as per the condition. This therapy is having a wide range of usage from cosmetic purpose to severe skin conditions. Very effective in Psoriasis, Pimples, Marks on skin, pigmentation, Arthritis with swelling & pain, injuries and skin infections.
Udwarthanam
This is a typical deep and dry massage using herbal powders. This massage stimulates hair follicles and subcutaneous fat tissue to break down subcutaneous fat storage. The dry powder massage reduces blood cholesterol, obesity, skin problems, imparts mobility to the joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body. The most promising effect is the slimming of the body.
Choorna Swedam (Podikkizhi)
The body is subjected to exude profusely after a thorough massage with warm boluses of herbal powders tied up in cotton cloth. This therapy helps in curing 'Kapha Vata' predominant conditions of arthritis, back pain, paralysis, muscular pains etc.
Sirodhara
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead, while receiving a gentle massage on the head. Sirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind. This therapy relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hypertention and other neurological malfunctions. It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and calms the body and mind. Sirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical constitution of the individual.
Ksheeradhara
Same relaxing treatment as Sirodhara but instead of herbal oil, herbal milk is poured over the forehead or over the whole body. Great therapy for people suffering from headaches from Vata and Pitta predominance, Insomnia and mental tension.
Kativasthy
Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Kativasthi alleviates lower back conditions like Lumber Spondylosis, Inter vertebral disc prolepses, Lumbago (low back ache), and Sciatica.
Urovasthy
A mixture specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside an herbal paste boundary for 30 to 45 minutes. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this massage enriches the blood and builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues. A stimulating and therapeutic treatment for muscular chest pain
Greevavasthy
Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Greevavasthi alleviates neck and upper back conditions like Cervical Spondylosis, stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc.
Herbal Steam Bath
A gentle application of warm herbal oil is first done over the body. Next the individual is made to sit, keeping the head out, inside a steam chamber that lets out herbal steam from medicinal herbs makes the individual perspire profusely that promote cohesion between cells. The steam will open up the very small pores of the skin thereby removing all wastes and pacifying the three doshas. A great therapy for toning the skin and giving it a special glow.
Sirovasthy
Luke warm medicinal herbal oil is poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day. Great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia, depression, etc.
Thakradhara
Takra means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring. This therapy calms the individual down by using medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the forehead to relieve insomnia, depression and other stress related problems. It prevents greying of the hair, reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the affected area to have a curative effect.
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