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Panchakarma
An Ancient Ayurveda Tradition
Ayurveda is an ancient tradition of holistic healing that involves the body, spirit and mind. In order to remain healthy and live a balanced life we need to filter, from our minds and bodies, all negative and unhealthy toxins. According to Ayurvedic tradition, when an individuals is in an unbalanced physical, emotional or spiritual state it can negatively impact the individuals overall health and well-being. An imbalance of the body and mind can lead to lethargy, depression, illness and disease.
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic cleansing process aimed at releasing toxins to restore balance and for the treatment and prevention of illness or disease. Panchakarma is a natural and holistic series of treatments aimed at eliminating toxins from the body, clearing the mind, rejuvenating the spirit, and boosting the immune system.
The five step cleansing process can incorporates various treatments including a cleansing diet, warm-oil massage therapy, full body steam treatments and a variety of herbal based enemas. Each cleansing step is referred to as an action. The word Panchakarma translates to “the five actions” in Sanskrit. Each action is meant to focus on one area of the body. They include: cleansing of the colon, small intestines, stomach, lungs and blood. Panchakarma treatments are unique to the individual receiving treatment. The type of imbalance will determine the treatment and cleansing an individual will receive.
The Panchakarma process begins with oleation cleansing. Oleation cleansing involves the application and ingestion of specific herbs and essential oils as well as a series of cleansing massage treatments. The herbs and oils work together to break up and loosen toxins in the body.
As the toxins are loosened and mobilized various treatments are added to encourage the release of the toxins from the body. Steam treatments and warm oil massage therapies are incorporated to stimulate the circulatory system and move the toxins through the body allowing for their elimination through the sweat glands. Other daily therapies include medicated essential oils and herbal remedies in the form of enemas to clear and cleanse the colon.
The next stage of the cleansing Panchakarma treatment involves treatments for the cleansing and toxin elimination of the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. Herbs and oils are used to clear the lungs and facilitate the flow of oxygen and life energy into all parts of the body.
The final treatments are considered to nourishing and rejuvenating processes that replenish the body, spirit and mind. The ultimate goal is to create harmony and balance in a holistic manner. In order to achieve a balanced state the body must be replenished with natural foods, holistic herbs and revitalizing therapies including massage, yoga and meditation.
Panchakarma is an ancient Indian tradition used around the world to facilitate holistic healing. The treatments can be done at any time of year, however, many people who practice the art and science of Ayruveda choose to complete the treatments with the changing of the seasons.
For more on Panchakarma, check out the Ayurveda Institute's in-depth explanation.
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