Panchakarma: A natural detoxification method

Team Udayavani, May 2, 2020, 6:27 PM IST

Panchakarma means ‘five detox processes’ in Sanskrit. It is a total mind-body rejuvenation experience that comprises of herbal oil massages, steam baths, cleansing enemas, a healing kitchari diet and other purifying practices.

Benefits of Panchakarma

1.Eliminates toxins and toxic conditions from your body and mind.

2.Boosts metabolism

3.Acts as a stress reliever

4.Disease prevention as it strengthens your immune system

5.Helps follow a healthy diet and reduce weight

6.Bring about deep relaxation and sense of well-being

Treatments in Panchakarma

1.Nasya: It removes Ama from the nasal passages, ears and eyes, and cleanses and opens the channels of the head, improving oxygenation of the brain.

2.Vamana: This procedure cleanses Digestive System, by medically induced vomiting.

3.Virechana: It is a natural, herb-induced purging process that mainly cleanses the small intestine and Pitta-related organs.

4.Basti: It consists of introducing medicated oily substances into the colon to be retained and absorbed by the whole body.

5.Rakta Mochana: This procedure includes cleansing of Blood, with the help of leeches.

However, practices like vomiting and blood cleansing are no longer practiced today and have been replaced with more relaxing, mild therapies such as oil-massages and gentle therapies.

Panchakarma Diet

In order to make Panchakarma effective, one must be on a strict diet of just kitchari, which is basmati rice and lentils cooked in medicinal spices and herbs.

One must not drink coffee or juice instead can have tea and also must avoid junk foods.

Although, everyone can benefit from a panchakarma procedure because the body is constantly creating toxins, certain Panchakarma procedures are not suitable for certain health problems and it must be avoided by children, pregnant women, and the elderly.