It is said “Old is Gold” for a reason. Our age-old rich culture and traditions continue to bestow their goodness on us. One such is Panchakarma treatment. One of the best-kept secrets of the good ol’ golden times, Panchkarma is being revived and practiced lately to enhance the functioning of the body. Considered the most versatile and sought-after treatment, Panchakarma is more than just a treatment, it is an experience. The therapy gets the body purified and rejuvenated whilst aiding detoxification. Let’s explore Panchakarma treatment further.

Meaning of Panchakarma 

As per its Sanskrit meaning, Panchakarma is a five-action or a five-step treatment for deep cleansing of the body. It helps the body get rid of toxins or Ama. In Ayurveda, Ama is the waste material that is supposed to be extracted from the body to make the body pure and rejuvenated. It corrects the body’s imbalances in the three energies or doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 

The Panchakarma treatment involves 5 steps to balance the body doshas, thereby enriching it. The treatment not only detoxifies the body but also rejuvenates the mind. It assists the mind to rejuvenate through attaining a distinctly balanced state of mind. Thus, Panchakarma is the most befitting technique to achieve bodily health as well as peace of mind. 

Need & Importance of Panchakarma 

In Ayurveda, our health is defined as a condition where the body is clear of all toxins, the organs function normally, and the mind is at peace with calm, peaceful and happy emotions. 

The world we live in is a toxic and stressful place that has its own adverse effects on our physical and mental well-being. Not most of us realize it, but it is when these toxins accumulate that they cause both our body and mind to deteriorate. Moreover, they further lead to the development of chronic, degenerative, and non-specific diseases, causing ultimate damage to an individual’s health. 

For this condition, the Panchakarma is the most accurate and ultimate treatment. Panchakarma holds a very special place in Ayurveda. It is a crucial way of helping the body to release unwanted materials, especially from the lungs, sweat glands, bladder, stomach, and intestines. 

Therapies involved in Panchakarma 

Panchakarma is a comprehensive treatment that comprises highly individualized therapies based on the Ayurvedic constitution type. Depending on an individual’s needs across the digestive fire, immunity, age, health conditions, and other factors, a Panchakarma practitioner may utilize all or a part of the treatment. Panchakarma treatment comprises of the following therapies:

• Vamana: Treats Kapha dominated bodies such as obesity and asthma
• Virechana: Treats conditions such as jaundice and colitis
• Nasya: Helps clear the head region with a light massage over the head and shoulder areas
• Basti: Helps treat complex and chronic disorders
• Raktamokshana: Best suitable to treat a particular area of the body or the entire body
• Swedana: Herbalized individual steam bath

Panchakarma benefits 

Apart from rejuvenating the mind and correcting the bodily balance, the Panchakarma treatment also offers various benefits as below:

• Helps in metabolic restoration
• Helps the body to eliminate toxins and strengthen tissues 
• Reduces stress
• Improves tolerance and aids relaxation
• Balances all the three doshas
• Slows the aging process
• Enhances the immune system
• Improves health and wellness
• Cleanses the body thoroughly
• Opens all the blocked channels in the body
• Enhances the secretion of digestive juices
• Promotes weight loss

Preparing for a Panchakarma therapy

Panchakarma experts suggest that before going for a session, one must follow a few practices in order to make the most of the therapy. Before a Panchakarma treatment, one should avoid physical exercises, loud music, television, late nights, and other arousing activities that interfere with a pleasant state of mind.

Additionally, the body must be protected from wind and excessive sunlight and must be kept warm naturally. Treatment seekers are advised to have a nutrition-rich but light food such as steamed vegetables. 

The art of Panchakarma treatment can be learned at any leading Ayurveda or Panchakarma center. It is a very beneficial course to opt for as it provides students with ample opportunities to work with doctors in hospitals.