Table of Contents
Panchakarma| Wellness
WHAT IS PANCHAKARMA?
Pancha in Sanskrit means “five,” and karma means “action” and refers to five different purifying and rejuvenating procedures in Ayurveda. It is a detoxification program which aims to eliminate built up impurities from the mind-body physiology. This is highly beneficial with many people facing improper diet and, high-level of stress faced daily. the program takes place over the course of several days which can last from 3 to 28 days of hands-on treatment (four hours per day). It can also be expensive, but for those that are able to access the program- it can be incredibly healing.
Your first time doing Panchakarma is a crash course in Ayurvedic well-being. You come out with a better understanding your dosha, the elements, and what lifestyle is the best fit for you. Ayurveda works with the balance of five elements—air, fire, earth, water, and ether—in the body. These elements also make up the three Ayurvedic body types, or doshas: Vata is shaped by ether and air, pitta by fire and water, and kapha by water and earth.
Panchakarma therapy was traditionally written as:
- Basti: Herbalized oil enemas
- Nasya: Nasal irrigation
- Vamana: Therapeutic vomiting
- Virechana: Purgation
- Raktamokshana: Bloodletting
For obvious reasons, some of these treatments have been modified. A panchakarma program today will usually include the following:
- Herbal oil massages
- Steam baths
- Cleansing enemas
- Nasal administration
- Gentle laxatives (senna)
- Specialised diet
Depending on what someone needs from their Panchakarma cleanse, here are some of the treatments that you can expect to be offered.
Nasya
For the respiratory system which involves a deep, vigorous massage for your head, neck, and shoulders. A practitioner applies herbal oils or in some cases thick collagen cream which is worked into the skin with their fingers and specialty tools. Then you breathe in botanical steam—it might use foraged eucalyptus and peppermint oil.
Abhyanga
A light-pressure lymphatic massage done by two practitioners at the same time. Oil is applied to the skin and sweeped across the body with their hands. The oils used in abhyanga are blended according to each person’s specific imbalances.
Udvartana
To energize the body, rejuvenate the skin, and promote circulation and detox udvartana is used which is an herbal scrub with green coffee, sugar, herbs, and botanical oils.
Pizhichil
Pizhichil is often suggested for people who struggle with anxiety, sleep troubles, or other nervous disorders. This lasts around two hours which includes two practitioners continuously pour gently warmed oil over the body, collecting what trickles off to pour it again.
Netra Tarpana
For those suffering with dry eyes and floaters, this treatment involves herb-infused ghee poured over open eyes.
Basti
Basti, or enemas, are an essential piece of Panchakarma. After using ghee and castor oil to move ama out of the digestive system, basti helps sweep out whatever’s left over
Shirodhara
During the treatment, you lie on a table while a practitioner pours oil over your third eye. It’s deeply meditative
