Panchakarma Therapy

The Five Main Therapies of Panchakarma, each targeting different aspects of detoxification and rejuvenation:

1. Vamana (Emesis Therapy): The primary purpose of Vamana is to expel excess mucus and toxins (ama) from the body, which are believed to cause various health issues.

Here are some benefits:

• • Detoxification: Helps in cleansing the body of accumulated toxins.
  • Improved Digestion: Enhances the digestive fire (Agni) and boosts metabolism.
  • Respiratory Health: Beneficial for respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic cough.
  • Skin Health: Aids in treating skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema.
  • Mental Clarity: Promotes mental clarity and reduces lethargy and heaviness.

This is achieved through:

• • Preparation: Before undergoing Vamana, proper preparation is essential, which includes:-
  • Dietary Regulation: Patients are advised to follow a Kapha-pacifying diet, avoiding heavy and oily foods.
  • Internal Oleation: Consumption of medicated ghee to prepare the body for detoxification.
  • External Oleation: Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (steam therapy) are performed to loosen toxins.
  • Induction of Emesis-Preliminary Measures: The patient is given a specific diet and herbal decoctions to induce vomiting.
  • Administration of Emetics: Medicated drinks are administered to stimulate the emetic process.
  • Emesis: Under supervision, vomiting is induced to expel toxins.
  • Post-Procedure Care: Rest, light diet, and specific herbal remedies are recommended to aid recovery.
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2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy): It involves the administration of certain natural substances that induce controlled purgation, flushing out toxins from the small intestine, liver, and gallbladder. This process not only eliminates physical toxins(ama) but also alleviates mental and emotional stress, Dosha Balance (It helps in balancing the Pitta dosha, reducing symptoms like acidity, skin disorders, and inflammation). Boosting Immunity (By eliminating toxins, Virechana enhances the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections) thus promotes the overall well- being.

The treatment starts with Pre-Treatment Phase which includes

• • Purvakarma: This preparatory phase involves snehana (internal and external oleation) and swedana (fomentation) to loosen toxins in the body. Dietary
  • Regulations: A specific diet is followed to aid the digestion and absorption of the medicated substances used in the procedure.
  • Pradhanakarma: Administration of Purgatives: Herbal preparations such as castor oil, senna, or triphala are administered to induce purgation. The choice of purgative depends on the individual’s constitution and health condition.
  • Monitoring: The patient’s response to the treatment is closely monitored by a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Post-Treatment Phase i.e Pashat Karma which includes

• • Samsarjana Karma: A special post-treatment diet is followed to gradually bring the digestive system back to normal function.
  • Lifestyle Recommendations: Guidelines on diet, exercise, and lifestyle are provided to maintain the benefits of the treatment. With Benefits like-Improved
    Digestion: By cleansing the digestive tract, Virechana enhances digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption.
  • Healthy Skin: It helps treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis by purifying the blood.
  • Hormonal Balance: The treatment can aid in balancing hormones and alleviating menstrual disorders. Weight Management: By boosting metabolism and eliminating toxins, Virechana can assist in weight management.

3. Basti (Enema Therapy): Basti involves the administration of herbal substances into the colon through the rectum. It is similar to an enema but uses Ayurvedic herbal preparations. The treatment is renowned for its ability to cleanse the colon, remove toxins, and improve overall health.

There are mainly two types of Basti treatments:

1. Anuvasana Basti: This type involves the use of oil-based substances. It is nourishing and is used to lubricate and strengthen the body.Benefits: It helps in reducing dryness, improving joint health, and enhancing the nervous system’s function.
2. Niruha Basti: This involves the use of decoctions, primarily water-based, combined with honey, rock salt, and herbs.

Benefits: It is cleansing and helps in expelling toxins, improving digestion, and enhancing metabolic processes, helps in Joint and Muscle Support (Provides relief from conditions like arthritis and muscle stiffness), Rejuvenation (Enhances vitality and helps in the rejuvenation of tissues).

Procedure of Basti involves

• • Preparation: Diet- Patients are advised to follow a light diet before the treatment, avoiding heavy or processed foods.
  • Lifestyle: Stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation are encouraged.
  • Administration: Initial Assessment: The practitioner assesses the patient’s health and determines the type of Basti required.
  • Oil Massage: An oil massage (Abhyanga) is typically administered before the Basti to relax the body.
  • Basti Delivery: The herbal preparation is administered into the rectum using a specially designed instrument.
  • Rest: The patient is advised to rest and allow the body to absorb the herbs.

Basti treatment is a time-honored Ayurvedic therapy with numerous health benefits, particularly for those with Vata imbalances. It is essential to undergo this treatment under professional guidance to ensure safety and efficacy. As with any medical procedure, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine its suitability for your specific needs.

4. Nasya (Nasal Administration): Administration of herbal oils or juices, or powders through the nasal passage to clear sinus congestion with an aimed at cleansing and rejuvenating the body and mind. Nasya is believed to be particularly effective in treating ailments related to the head, neck, and shoulders and improve mental clarity.

We choose the variety of nasya according to individual needs like

• • Virechana Nasya (Cleansing): Used for detoxification and purification, this type involves the use of strong herbal extracts to cleanse the nasal
    passages.
  • Brimhana Nasya (Nourishing): This type involves the use of nourishing oils and herbs to strengthen and rejuvenate tissues.
  • Shamana Nasya (Pacifying): This type is used to balance the doshas, particularly targeting conditions like sinusitis and allergies.

The procedure goes with

• • Preparation: The patient is usually advised to avoid heavy meals and cold water before the treatment. A gentle face and neck massage may also be performed to relax the muscles.
  • Application: The patient lies down with the head tilted backward. A few drops of medicated oil or herbal concoction are administered into each
    nostril.
  • Post-Procedure: The patient is usually advised to rest for a few minutes to allow the treatment to take effect. Gentle breathing exercises may be recommended to aid in the absorption of the medicine.

5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy): Bloodletting is traditional Ayurvedic therapy aimed at balancing the dosha, particularly when there is an excess of Pitta (the fire element) in the blood. It involves the removal of small quantities of blood to purify the blood and treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis by purifying the blood, Joint Pain Relief (Alleviates symptoms of arthritis and gout), Improved Circulation (Enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues).

There are several techniques used in Rakta Mokshana, each tailored to specific conditions and patient needs:-

• • Siravyadha: Venesection or opening of a vein, commonly used for conditions like varicose veins and thrombosis.
  • Leech Therapy (Jalaukavacharan): Utilizes medicinal leeches to draw out impure blood, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
  • Shringa: The use of horns to create suction and draw out blood, primarily used for localized ailments.
  • Alabu: Involves the use of gourds for suction, similar to cupping therapy.
  • Ghati Yantra: A technique using a hollow vessel to draw out blood. While doing the procedure we take Precautions like Professional Supervision(Should only be performed by trained Ayurvedic practitioners), Patient Suitability (Not suitable for individuals with anemia, low blood pressure, or certain other medical conditions), Sterility (Ensuring sterile equipment is crucial to prevent infection).
  • Post-Treatment Care: Proper rest, along with wound management and a balanced diet are recommended after the procedure.

Upakarma (Sub-Therapeutic Procedures)

Our Panchakarma therapies are performed under the expert supervision of experienced Ayurvedic physicians and skilled Kerala-trained therapists. Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s condition and delivered in a holistic and patient-centered manner. Separate Panchakarma treatment sections are available for both male and female patients across General and Special Categories. Treatments are provided in both Outpatient (OPD) and Inpatient (IPD) settings as required.

1. Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage)
   Abhyanga involves the gentle application of medicated oils using rhythmic strokes and minimal pressure. This deeply nourishing therapy enhances circulation, tones muscles, calms the nervous system, lubricates joints, improves mental alertness, and supports the elimination of toxins. It promotes soft, supple skin, sustained energy levels throughout the day, and restful sleep at night. 
2. Udwartana (Herbal Powder Massage)
   A specialized massage using aromatic medicated powders, Udwartana aims to reduce subcutaneous fat, enhance body contour, and detoxify the skin. It invigorates circulation, exfoliates the skin, and provides a refreshing experience. The therapy is typically performed over 7 to 14 days.
3. Shirodhara (Medicated Liquid Stream Therapy)
   Shirodhara involves the continuous pouring of medicated oils or decoctions on the forehead using a traditional Dhara Yantra. This deeply calming treatment helps reduce stress, stabilize blood pressure, and manage conditions such as insomnia, psoriasis, and certain psychiatric disorders. The therapy is recommended for a duration of 7 to 14 days.
4. Bhaspa Sweda (Herbal Steam Therapy):
   Bhaspa Sweda, or steam therapy, is generally administered after Abhyanga. It induces perspiration to relieve pain, stiffness, and heaviness in the body. Especially effective in sprains, muscular strains, and joint stiffness, it imparts a sense of lightness and well-being.
5. Kati, Janu, Greeva Basti (Localized Oil Retention Therapies):
   These are localized therapies involving the retention of warm medicated oils over the lower back (Kati), knees (Janu), or neck (Greeva) to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness. They offer both immediate relief and long-term strengthening of joints. Typically administered over 7 to 14 days depending on the condition.
6. Pinda Sweda (Bolus Fomentation Therapy):
   Pinda Sweda involves the application of warm medicated poultices after Abhyanga. It is beneficial for managing arthritis, spondylitis, muscle wasting, delayed milestones in children, and related disorders. Variants practiced include:
   • Patra Pinda Sweda (herbal leaves)
   • Jambheera Pinda Sweda (lemon-based)
   • Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (rice-based)
   • Valuka Sweda (sand-based)

Duration ranges from 7 to 14 days, tailored to the patient’s condition.

7. Parisheka (Medicated Drip Therapy)
In this procedure, warm medicated oil or decoction is poured in a continuous stream over the affected body part. It is effective in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, muscular dystrophy, diabetic wounds, and burning sensation in the feet. The duration varies from 7 to 14 days as per clinical requirements.