What Are the Five Therapies Included in Panchakarma?


Panchakarma treatment in Ayurveda refers to five therapeutic measures (Karmas) to be undertaken for complete Detoxification of body.



VANAM

It is a procedure where toxins in the upper part of the body (till the diaphragm and respiratory tract) are removed by medicated emesis.

What to expect: Vaman is a treatment that starts with oral intake of medicated ghee in ascending doses for a period of 3 to 7 days and includes a full body Abhyangam massage. This continues for a few days and ends with therapeutic vomiting.

Benefits of Vaman : Ayurvedic Vaman treatment is beneficial in Kapha predominant disorders e.g. asthma, cough and Psoriasis.

VIRECHANA

Virechana therapy is a type of Panchakarma treatment. Here, person is made to undergo controlled purgation for a specific amount of time. It is designed to flush out body toxins. Some of the modern popular therapies such as liver detox and colon detox procedures are the derivatives of Virechana Ayurveda therapy.

What to expect : Virechanam starts with oral intake of medicated ghee in ascending doses for a period of 3 to 7 days and includes a full body Abhyangam massage. This continues for a few days and ends with therapeutic purgation (excretion).

Benefits of Virechanam : It is extremely beneficial in Pitta disorders such as dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn, jaundice, etc.

NASYAM

Nasyam is an ayurvedic detox therapy in which medications in the form of oils, decoctions or powders are instilled through the nose.

As per ayurveda nasal route is the best way to reach the brain. Hence any disorders occuring in these regions can be tackled more appropriately by installation of drugs through this route.

What to expect : In Nasyam, herbal juices, medicated oils, herbal powder etc. are passed through the nasal cavity according to the underlying condition being treated.

Benefits of Nasyam : Nasyam Ayurvedic treatment provides remedy for congestion, allergies, Sinusitis, headaches, Migraine, cervical Spondylosis, hair fall, premature greying of hair, rhinitis and other nasal infections. It cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe fully and easily again.

SNEHA VASTI

Sneha Vasti is one among the five classical detoxification programme (Panchakarma) and indicated in Vata disorders. Medicated oils or ghritams are used to administer an oil enema, which nourishes and lubricates the body.

The main position of Vata dosha is Pakwashaya (large intestine), so sneha vasti is the main therapy for all vata disorders such as constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, urinary & bowel incontinence,flatulence, lower backache, sciatica, arthritis, gout, and rheumatism etc.

What to expect : Sneha Vasti involves enema using medicated oil.

Benefits of Sneha Vasti : It is used to treat constipation, neurological ailments, Paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism.

KASHAYA VASTI

Kashaya Vasti is one type of vasti in which heat is applied to specific portion of the body by retaining warm medicated oils. A dam of herbal dough is built on the affected area, poured with oil and then left to rest. As a result, it helps in rejuvenating your body by relieving pain, tension and swelling. This Ayurvedic therapy helps to get rid from chronic and acute back pain, prolapsed disc, lumbar spondylitis, sciatica and osteoporosis.

What to expect : Kashaya Vasti involves enema using medicated decoction.

Benefits : Kashaya Vasti is used to treat constipation, neurological ailments, Paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism.