Panchakarma treatment — the different aspects of the Ayurvedic treatment

Here is all you need to know about panchakarma treatment.

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Published: July 22, 2014 12:23 pm

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that is based on the theories of how the body works. First practiced in India this form of treatment is quickly becoming the go-to form of therapy for those who want to avoid the ill-effects of other forms of medicines. As is the case with any other form of healing however, Ayurveda also has a number of treatment modalities, and one such aspect is panchakarma. Also Read - World Cancer Day 2019: Can Ayurveda help with cancer treatment?

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We spoke to Dr.Swapnil Bhanushali, Ayurvedacharya about panchakarma and what this form of treatment entails. Also Read - Effective ayurvedic treatments to control cholesterol levels

What is panchakarma?

Panchakarma includes 5 therapeutic procedures that are indicated to the person suffering from different types of diseases. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine. Our human body is made up of doshas (functional elements), dhatus (structural elements) and malas (waste products). There are three doshas in our body, namely vata, pitta and kaph. These three doshas have specific functions to be carried out in our body and their balance is responsible for our health, while a loss of balance is known to cause diseases. The panchakarma procedures bring these doshas to their normal balance thus restoring complete health. The practice revolves around 5 therapies, they are:

Vamana – induced vomiting (for disturbed kaph dosha)
Virechana – induced purgation (for disturbed pitta dosha)
Basti – Medicated enema (for disturbed vata dosha)
Nasya – for diseases of the head
Raktamokshan – Bloodletting (for doshas disturbing blood)

Apart from these main procedures there are different ancillary procedures like Abhyangam (body massage with Ayurvedic oil), Swedanam (causing sweating), Shirodhara (medicated oil pouring on head) and Pinda sweda (sweating done by medicated bolus).

What is this type of treatment used for?

Diseases are the outcome of disturbed doshas, and thus panchakarma treatment is used for all types of diseases. Some of the diseases that are commonly treated are:

Vamana for kaph predominant diseases like obesity, thyroid, diabetes, asthma, PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) and skin diseases.
Virechana for pitta predominant diseases like hyperacidity, skin diseases and menstrual disorders.
Basti for vata predominant diseases like arthritis, spondylitis, paralysis, etc.
Nasya for migraine headache, sinusitis, hair fall, premature graying of hair, frozen shoulder, cervical spondylitis, sleeplessness, allergies, etc.
Raktamokshana for gouty arthritis, boils, skin diseases, etc.
Shirodhara for sleeplessness, headache, dandruff, psychological diseases, etc.
Abhyangam for relaxation and frequent body pain.

Can only people with certain diseases get the therapy, or can healthy individuals also get it for their general health?

While panchakarma is used in the treatment of a particular disease, this form of therapy can be used for people who are predisposed to particular conditions like obesity, heart disease, diabetes etc. In a healthy individual panchakarma is used more as a tool to prevent the onset of diseases to maintain one’s overall health.

What precautions should people take while on the treatment?

While on panchakarma therapy, a patient must remember that only if they follow the prescribed regime properly (as being advised by the Ayurvedic doctor) and make changes in their lifestyle as per instruction, will the treatment work to the optimum level.

Are there any side-effects of the treatment?

Yes, if not done properly there can be side effects. That is why it is essential that people go to the right Ayurvedic practitioner and get appropriate treatment. Don’t go to quacks or people who simply say they are Ayurvedic doctors. Ayurveda is a medical science and not anyone can gain this expertise.

Image source: Getty images

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Published : July 22, 2014 12:23 pm

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