Panchakarma
Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma as a seasonal treatment for maintaining mental and physical health. Panchakarma Ayurvedic treatment is a five-fold therapy; it is highly individualised based on the needs of the individual depending on the Ayurvedic constitutional type, imbalance in doshas, age, digestive strength, immune status, and many other factors.
The scope of Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments is well known for its preventive, curative, and rejuvenation action. Ayurveda classics have mentioned multidimensional steps like removing toxins from the body, helping to treat disease conditions, improving metabolism, and nourishing the body. If taken regularly in a proper way, it helps to increase the lifespan of an individual.
Three-Phases of Panchakarma Treatment
Shathayu performs Panchakarma treatments in 3 phases
Pre-Panchakarma Phase
The preparatory phase of panchakarma procedures involves examining an individual’s body constitution and condition, providing counseling, correcting the digestive fire, planning the diet and lifestyle support for the treatment, and administering Snehana (Oleation therapy) and Swedana (Fomentation).
Panchakarma - The Main Phase
The phase involves performing the actual panchakarma procedures under the supervision of Ayurveda experts. It consists of administering medicines and enemas and guiding individuals in purgation to ensure they are not facing any threatening difficulties.
Post-Panchakarma Phase
This phase involves monitoring the individual for post-treatment symptoms and advising diet based on the intensity of detoxification.
Diet starts with liquids like rice gruel, gradually changing to semi-solid and then to the regular diet. This phase is as crucial as the main phase.
Therapies Included in Panchakarma
Vamana Karma
- Therapeutically induced vomiting.
- Promotes respiratory and digestive tract health by eliminating excessive mucus and toxins.
- Treats Hypothyroidism, Joint disorders, Gynecological disorders, Chronic Fever, Headaches, Asthma, Skin disorders, Diabetes, and Digestive disorders
Virechana Karma
- Therapeutically induced purgation using Ayurvedic herbs
- Improves bowel movements
- Treats digestive issues, Infertility, Metabolic diseases , heart pains, backache, joint pains, muscle spasms, headaches, Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Obesity
Basti Karma
- Cleansing colon using medicated enemas, including decoction and oil enema
- Cleanses and improves the large intestine.
- Treats Musculoskeletal disorders ,chronic pains ,Spondylitis arthritis , Infertility, Metabolic diseases, muscle spasms,, Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Obesity
Nasya Karma
- Administration of nasal drops.
- Removes toxins from the sinuses and respiratory system
- Treats insomnia, pigmentation, premature greying of hair, migraine, neck stiffness, nasal allergies, and sinusitis. bronchial asthma, chronic allergies, and nasal congestion
Raktamokshana
- Jalauka (Leech) Therapy:Conditions related to impure blood, skin diseases, localized inflammation, varicose veins, and certain joint disorders.
- Siravyadha (Venesection) Therapy: Used for conditions associated with impure blood, inflammation, and pitta disorders.
- Raktamokshana, and the decision to perform this procedure should be made by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner .
Benefits of Panchakarma Retreat
Strengthening the Immune System
Panchakarma retreats focus on detoxifying the body & balancing the doshas (body energies in Ayurveda). This cleansing process is believed to enhance the body’s natural defence mechanisms, making it more resistant to illnesses.
Reducing Dependence on Drugs & Medicine
By focusing on the root causes of health issues & not just the symptoms, Panchakarma treatments aim to bring lasting health improvements. This holistic approach can lead to reduced dependence on conventional drugs & medicines.
Slowing the Aging Process
One of the core principles of Panchakarma is the elimination of toxins and the rejuvenation of body tissues. It improves overall health and is thought to slow down the ageing process.
Promoting Deep Relaxation & Well-being
The retreats often include practices like meditation, yoga & Pranayama. This holistic approach helps in reducing stress & anxiety and promotes a profound sense of well-being, impacting both mental & emotional health positively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Panchakarma Treat Specific Health Conditions?
Yes. The Panchakarma retreat can focus on participants’ specific health conditions. It involves replacing general medications used for therapies with herbs and extracts that specifically alleviate health conditions.
What are the Preparations Needed Before Starting Panchakarma Treatment?
We at Shathayu Retreat have, Preliminary Consultation with doctor,dietary changes, or lifestyle adjustments to prepare the body for the intensive cleansing process. Before undergoing Panchakarma treatment
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks Associated with Panchakarma?
During Panchakarma, the practitioners ensure that all the care is taken to prepare the participants to avoid risks. In addition, the participants receive counselling and instructions on measures to avoid side effects
How Often Should One Undergo Panchakarma Treatment?
The frequency of Panchakarma treatments varies from person to person. For some its Annual Panchakarma sessions, while others with chronic conditions might require more frequent treatments.
Can Panchakarma Help in Weight Management?
Panchakarma removes harmful biochemicals that interfere with the fat-burning process and eliminates waste from the calorie-burning process.
Is Panchakarma Suitable for Everyone, Including Children and the Elderly?
While Panchakarma is a powerful and beneficial Ayurvedic therapy, some of them like Children below 10 years, Elderly above 80 ,and Pregnant women may not be suitable for all types of Panchakarma. A senior Ayurveda physician can decide and plan panchakarma in these cases.