समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रियाः।प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थइतिअभिधीयते॥
Ayurveda, an ancient medicinal practice originating in India over 3,000 years ago, derives its name from the Sanskrit words "ayur" meaning life and "veda" meaning science or knowledge. Translating to "knowledge of life," Ayurveda is grounded in the belief that disease stems from imbalances or stresses within an individual's consciousness. It advocates for specific lifestyle interventions and natural therapies aimed at restoring harmony among the body, mind, spirit, and environment.
Panchakarma is a rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. The Pancha (Five) Karma (Action) approach to disease prevention is a combination of five tried-and-tested treatment techniques that revitalizes patients by restoring their physical and mental equilibrium.
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves gentle pouring of medicinal oil over the forehead to stimulate the pituitary gland.
Abhyagam is a popular massage in Ayurveda that is done by using warm oil. As oil is the main component of this massage, it is applied all over the body of a person starting from his scalp to the soles of his feet.
Swedana is the process of inducing sweat with the help of steam, generated from medicated herbal decoctions.
Basti is one of the most powerful of the main five procedures of Panchakarma. Charaka, as well as many other Ayurvedic scholars, have unanimously praised the features of Basti. Basti is said to be equal to half of all Ayurvedic treatments.
Vamana termed therapeutic vomiting or emesis is a procedure in which the toxins are eliminated through the upper route. As purificatory or detoxifying therapy, wherein the accumulated toxins are expelled through a process of medicated emesis/vomiting.
Virechan is one of the karma from panchkarma therapies where in purgation is induced by drugs . It specifically aims at the elimination of excessive pitaa dosha from the body. It eliminates the metabolic toxins through the anal canal.
Nasya means administration of ayurvedic medication (oil/ ghee/churna) by the route of nasal cavity. It helps in balancing tridoshas.
1. Sinusitis
2. Allergic rhinitis
3. Headache
4. Nasal polyp
5. Hair disorder
6. Insomnia
7. In psychological disorders
Raktamokshana, or bloodletting, it is an important part of the clinical therapeutic use of Panchakarma in the management of several important disease conditions.
Raktamokshana is an effective blood purification therapy, in which carefully controlled removal of small quantities of impure blood is conducted to neutralise accumulated toxins.
when excess toxicity of rakta and pitta has occurred so much so that it cannot be cured by herbs or any other procedure, raktamokshan comes to rescue.
Although Raktamokshana is the most limited of the five major procedures, it provides a rapid and sometimes dramatic reduction of symptoms in certain acute disorders where there is no time for the various phases of Panchakarma like Purvakarma (Preparation for Panchakarma), etc. Raktamokshana can be helpful.
Panchakarma can help with various health issues, including digestive disorders, Autoimmune disorders, Chronic diseases, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. in Ayurveda literally means five actions. The term purging is also often used to describe it. The benefits of Panchakarma which is an ancient and entirely natural detox method are still being reaped today this therapy is based on that illness is caused by the build-up of toxins in the body and through imbalances in both the mind and body.
A quote from the Charaka Samhita, one of the oldest classical texts of Ayurveda describes the essentials of this powerful detox tool:
In a person whose digestive system has been cleansed and purified the metabolism is stimulated, disease is reduced, and normal health is maintained. Sense organs, mind, intellect, and complexion are improved; strength, good nourishment, healthy progeny and potency are the result. Symptoms of aging do not appear so easily, and the person lives long and free from disorders. For this reason, elimination therapy should be carried out correctly and at the right time.
Unique about Áyurvedic approach is that it is used not only for healing but also for prevention and rejuvenation (Regeneration). It is said that by undergoing samshodhana treatments, diseases will not recur.
The Panchakarma treatments are planned to be done in a careful order, not in isolation which may sound as a tedious procedure nowadays given the hectic lifestyles. However, at each stage and step, physiologically, supports the next. This is one sign of “authentic” Panchakarma therapy: the treatments are performed as prescribed by the texts — in an authentic manner — allowing maximum benefits to be derived.