Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing believes in being in tune with nature to cure the body and restore its health. According to Ayurveda, a complete wellness includes mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being, and with Ayurveda treatments, these are attainable. Ayurveda is the medical side of the Yoga, and in India’s tradition, the art of healing system has been in practice for thousands of years.
Ayurveda is a pranic system of medication that works to balance the body’s energy or constitution (Dosha) Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Diet, massages, and therapies are essential parts of Ayurveda and Panchakarma is a primary treatment.
What is Panchakarma?
Panchkarma is the best Ayurveda rejuvenating and detoxification treatment that removes the accumulated toxins in the body in various ways. Panchkarma is a Sanskrit word in which ‘Panch’ means ‘five’ and ‘Karma’ means ‘treatment’. The treatment is designed to intensely cleanse and purify the body and bring both internal and external benefits.
Basic Principles of Panchkarma: Preparatory Therapies
Oleation (Snehana) in which oil is applied to the whole body, as oil is an effective medium to reach the deeper tissues. Herbal medicated oil for the external use and clarified butter for the internal.
Fomentation (Swedana) is the next step, where you will be given a steam bath with herbs or herbal oil infusion. Oleation loosens the deep-rooted toxins and Fomentation flushes them out.
How to Apply these Principles?
Abhyanga- Body massage is done on the entire body or at a specific body part with medicated or herbal oil.
Shirodhara- The therapy aims at relieving ailments of the head region where a stream of warm oil is poured on the forehead for about 40-45 minutes.
Pizhichil- During the therapy, warm, medicated, or herbal oil is poured on the body followed by a soft hand massage.
Kizhi- Also called potli massage, where special bags are made and induced with medicinal herbs or other Ayurvedic. The potli is then heated in warm oil followed by a body massage.
The Five Treatments – Panchkarma
Vama
For the few days, the Snehana and Swedana therapies are given to the patient. When the toxins get to loosen up and gather in the body’s upper cavities then the patient is given decoction and emetic medicines. The therapy is great for Kapha conditions.
Virechan
The flushing out of the toxins from the body takes place through the bowels in this one. The patient is given internal and external Snehana and Swedana and then a herbal laxative is given for the bowel evacuation. The treatment is great for Pitta conditions.
Basti
The treatment is great for treating chronic diseases where medicated substance induces through the enema. As per the disease, herb decoction takes place, and milk, oil, or clarified butter is administered into the rectum. The therapy is great for Vata conditions.
Nasya
Nasya is designed to clear the head region, where, in the beginning, the masseuse gives a gentle massage to the head and shoulders. Then they pour nasal drops in the nostrils that relieve a headache, migraine, sinus, sleep disorder, hair problems, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, etc.
Raktamokshan
The therapy is amazing when it comes to purifying and cleansing the blood. It can be done both on the entire body or a specific body area. Works wonders for those with skin issues.
Panchkarma in India
India is the land of Vedic origin which makes the country an ideal place to undergo authentic Panchakarma treatment. It is advised to undergo the treatment after consultation. In India, you can seek experienced traditional Ayurveda practitioners to help. The therapy should be avoided during pregnancy, fever, and injuries while monsoon is the best season to undergo Panchkarma treatment in India.
Being the Ayurvedic land, there are many places in India renowned for Ayurveda. But Kerala is the most visited place for the traditional Ayurveda courses in India. Apart from Kerala, you can also visit Goa, Rishikesh, or Himachal Pradesh.
