Panchakarma Therapy

Additional Details

The different Panchakarma Therapy :

Vamana (Emesis)

This karma is indicated for expelling the vitiated kapha. The procedure will be conducted in early morning. Person who has already undergone the poorva karma will be stopped when the symptoms of perfect vamana are observed.

Virechanam (Purgation)

Virechana is done mainly for expelling vitiated pitta. Medicine will be administered in late morning. Person has to remain indoor. The procedure is continued until the proper symptoms are observed.

Kashaya vasthi (Enema Foe - Expelling doshas)

This karma is indicated mainly in the vitiation of vata. Along with the sneha vasti, kashaya vasti imparts much more benefits to the body. The procedure is to be done between 10 am and 12 noons. Person must undergo all the preliminary procedures. The medicine for vasti is a combination of decoction, medicated oil, pastes, etc. This will be administered through the anal route using a special instrument. The person will be observed throughout the procedure. After some time he develops the urge to evacuate. Hot water bath and special diet will be given after complete evacuation. A combination of 3 kashaya vasti and 5 sneha vasti or 6 kashaya vasti and 9 sneha vasti or 12 kashaya vasti and 18 sneha vasti is advocated depending upon the condition.

Sneha vasti (Retention Enema)

This karma is indicated in the vitiation of vata. Oil processed with various medicines is administered through the anal route using a special instrument. This imparts moisturizing and nourishment apart from curing the disease. The procedure is to be done immediately after the noon/evening meals. Sneha vasti along with kashaya vasti is administered in numbers of 8, 15 or 30.

Nasyam (Nasal Instillation of Medicine)

This karma is indicated for enhancing the strength and functioning of parts above the neck. Also it is advocated in most of the disorders like headaches, sinusitis, neuralgia, disturbance of sensory faculties, etc. Person must undergo the mandatory poorvakarma. Medicines in various forms like oil, juice, etc. is administered into the nostrils. The karma is done either in the morning or in the evening according to the condition and must be repeated for minimum seven days.

These procedures are done in 4 stages:

Poorvakarmas - Pre-Operative Measures

These are the procedures to be done before doing the Panchakarmas for smooth removal of doshas (body humors) from the deeper tissues to the koshta (gastrointestinal tract) so that they can be expelled by Panchakarmas. E. g. – Snehapana (internal administration of unctuous drugs like ghee) for a specific period followed by fomentation are the poorvakarmas for Vamana and Virechana. Application of oil in the face, head, neck and shoulders followed by fomentation are the poorvakarmas for Nasyam and so on.