Panchakarma: Deep Detox for Rejuvenation

The Ayurvedic treatment protocol aims at removing toxins from the system and, at the same time, nourishing and energising the cells and tissues so that they may repair themselves, and it is easily possible through Panchakarma. Panchakarma incorporates treatments of varying intensity that detox, de-stress, rejuvenate and support the natural rhythms of the body. Panchakarma therapies are customised according to one’s body type and health needs, and the Panchakarma treatment program includes external therapies, oral intake of Ayurveda herbs, diet and lifestyle counselling.  

Panchakarma 

Panchakarma is a process is deep detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda, which gets to the root cause of the problem and re-establishes the essential balance of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in the body. Panchakarma is not only good for alleviating disease but is also a useful tool in maintaining excellent health by improving the digestion and metabolic processes. Panchakarma procedures help in complete detoxification, which cleanses the body systems at the cellular level. There are three steps in carrying out Panchakarma in the classical way. They are as follows.

1. Purvakarma (Preparatory procedures) – Preparing the patient for getting the full effects of Panchakarma. This includes administration of oral Dipana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestives) herbs, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (fomentation).  

• Dipana – Pachana (Appetizer and digestive) 

Dipana-Pachana are administered for a period of 3 – 5 days to improve the functioning of Agni (digestive fire) and to digest and metabolise the Ama or toxins that are accumulated in the body.  

Benefits: Stimulates appetite, improves taste perception, creates a feeling of lightness by reducing heaviness and sluggishness, breaks down toxic substances, cleanses the digestive tract. Herbs such as ginger, black pepper, and long pepper are used for this purpose.  

• Snehana (Oleation)  

1. Bahya Snehana (External oleation) – The body is massaged using warm medicated oils, and this procedure is known as Abhyanga in Ayurveda.  

2. Abhyantara Snehana (Internal oleation) – Medicated ghee or oils are given orally in increased dose for a period of 3 – 7 days, which is decided based on the status of Agni, nature of the alimentary tract and age of the patient. 

Benefits: Snehana helps to lubricate and nourish the tissues of the body, soften/loosen the deep-seated fat-soluble toxins, helping them move into the gastrointestinal tract for removal through the main detoxification procedures. They also promote softness, improve flexibility, counteract dryness in the body and improve the skin quality.  

• Swedana (Fomentation)  

Swedana is an Ayurveda procedure that induces sweat through various procedures like steam bath, warm poultices, hot showers, etc. This is usually carried out after Abhyanga / Bahya Snehana.  

Swedana procedures include Vashpa Swedana (Herbal steam bath), Pinda Swedana (Bolus fomentation), Nadi Swedana (Tube fomentation), Upanaha Swedana (Hot poultice), Avagaha Swedana (Tub fomentation), etc, and they are decided based on the patient’s health needs.  

Benefits: Swedana causes sweating, thereby helping liquefy the toxins and open the channels. They also help relieve pain and stiffness, promote relaxation, improve circulation and open the skin pores, leading to softer and radiant skin.  

 
2. Panchakarma (Main Panchakarma procedures) – Vamana (Emesis therapy), Virechana (Therapeutic purgation), Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Nasal medication), Raktamokshana (Blood letting) are the five Panchakarma procedures. Out of these, one or more main procedures are suitable for the person’s constitution and conducive to the disorder are administered to the patient. 

• Vamana therapy helps remove excess Kapha from the body, especially from the upper respiratory tract and stomach, thus alleviating chronic illnesses such as asthma, etc. Following massage, steam and oral administration of medicinal fats for 3 – 7 days, herbal medicines and warm milk are administered to induce vomiting. This is again followed by a special diet for a specific period of time.  

• Virechana helps cleanse excess Pitta from the liver, gallbladder and intestines this improving digestion, metabolism and skin health. It is done in the same way as Vamana, but here, herbal medicines in the form of decoction and castor oil are administered to induce purgation. The follow-up diet is similar to Vamana as well.  

• Basti Panchakarma primarily aims at balancing Vata Dosha, detoxifying the colon and modulating the gut microbiome. Herbal oils and concoctions are administered through the anus following massage and steam. A light diet is recommended during Basti. This procedure is recommended for 7 / 15 / 30 days.  

• Nasya cleanses the sinuses and channels in the head, treating migraine, sinusitis and leading to mental clarity as well. Following a local massage and steam on the head and face, medicinal oil/ghee is administered in the nostrils. This is then inhaled, and the medicine, along with mucus, is spit out when it reaches the throat. This is followed by a warm saline gargle and inhalation of herbal smoke. This treatment is recommended for 3 – 7 days.  

• Raktamokshana purifies the blood, benefiting skin conditions and blood-related problems. The body part where the bloodletting is going to be done is massaged first and then applied with steam. Now, bloodletting is done using a leech or venesection.   

Panchakarma treatments are always customised as per the person's therapeutic requirements and needs. They are always carried out with utmost care by well-experienced therapists under the guidance of Ayurveda physicians as some Panchakarma procedures are unsuitable for some individuals.  

 
3. Paschatkarma (Post-treatment procedures) – This mainly focuses on diet and lifestyle after the main Panchakarma procedures are carried out. Gradual dietary plan known as Samsarjana and mild strengthening therapies known as Samvahana are carried out along with herbal supplements for Rasayana or rejuvenation benefits and lifestyle adjustments to help the body transition back to its normal state after Panchakarma smoothly.  

• Special diet regimen to reintroduce normal food that will help restore the functioning of Agni. 

• Rasayana herbs to revitalise the body.  

• Lifestyle management by maintaining calmness and avoiding excess physical and mental activities to support recovery.  

• Certain other procedures like Gandusha (Oil pulling), Dhumapana (Herbal smoke inhalation), are performed after Nasya therapy to improve healing.  

Diet 

It is the digestive system that is the ultimate cause of sicknesses and diseases in the body. And the basic norms of the treatment comprise changes in the diet and the lifestyle of a person, practice yoga and exercises, and meditation, which aid in both mental and physical relaxation. Ayurvedic diet is sattvic in nature and strengthens immunity, thereby helping in physical and mental well-being. There is no hard-and-fast rule on following a diet according to Ayurveda. An Ayurveda diet has all the necessary nutrients needed for good health of the body. Naturally grown and fresh vegetables are rich in 'Prana' or the life force, and Food, freshly cooked, is always rich in Prana. 

Lifestyle

As modern humans, we also have an understanding that the quality of our health is affected by the negative impacts, such as air pollution, water, food and lifestyle is not healthy. Ayurveda is not about creating lists of dos and don’ts; instead, it is about integrating healthy principles into your daily life to nurture and maintain a vigour that may have been unavailable to you. 

Counselling

A distinct feature of the hospital is that it combines Ayurvedic treatment with psychological counselling, thereby ensuring that each patient leaves the hospital with a healthy body & a stress free mind. You will receive one-to-one counselling after the Panchakarma treatments, to adjust lifestyle patterns and mental-emotional patterns that contribute to illness and learn techniques to foster deep, lasting transformation.