‘We are living in an era of excess!’
Our increasing vulnerability and disease-causing external and internal influences have taken over our lives as we struggle through life’s daily chores and routines. While many of us turn to western medicine and over-the-counter medication to fight infections, it is ideal to build our immune system from within to combat illnesses. This is where the healing wisdom of Ayurveda comes in, through dietary modifications and wellness treatments.
Panchkarma is a Sanskrit term that means “five actions” or “five treatments”. A renowned process of cleansing and rejuvenation, Panchkarma is a detoxification process that restores youth and helps in balancing the three doshas: Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha. As per the “Charaka Samhita”, this ancient treatment has been practiced in Kerala for several centuries to strengthen the immune system.
The term can be divided into “Panch” and “Karma” which means “Five Procedures”. This treatment is an amalgamation of five methods of purification that release stress and toxins and encourage the body to absorb the maximum benefits of exercise and nutrition. Medicated oil massage and herbal remedies are used to eliminate the various impurities from the body in the right manner.
Procedures Involved
Repeated indiscretions in diet, lifestyle patterns, exercise, and genetic and metabolic factors lead to poor immunity and disorganization of the body’s internal functioning. This results in the accumulation of disease-causing toxins, which are referred to as ‘Ama’ in Ayurveda. Panchkarma evacuates “ama” from the body and corrects the body’s natural balance. It includes five procedures that are:
Vamana
You May Also Like
This highly supervised procedure is used to flush out Kapha from the body which causes several chronic diseases. The patient is provided ayurvedic medication and outside oleation which helps in therapeutic vomiting and eliminates cough and toxins from the body tissues.
Virechana
It’s a purgative technique in which the release of toxins is done through the disposal of bowels. The body is deeply purified through oleation, and the intake of organic purgatives. This step is done to detoxify the intestines from the poisonous Pitta.
Nasya
This procedure includes inhalation of carefully chosen herbal oil drops through the nasal passage, which effectively cleanses the cerebral area. The step is incorporated into the treatment to combat the dryness and allergies in the respiratory system, which may lead to hair loss, headaches, and various neurological disorders if left unattended.
Swedana
It is a unique steam bath in which the heart and head of the patient are kept cool while the rest of the body is heated to remove deep-seated impurities. The whole process is extremely calming and drains out all the toxins without causing stress to the body.
Basti
This is the last step of the Panchkarma therapy and is used to pull out the impurities from the lower colon. It consists of natural decoctions such as ghee, milk, or medicated oils that are given to the patient as an enema to help deal with the issues related to Vatta.
Nowadays, intense practices like therapeutic vomiting are replaced with gentler treatments like oil baths and massages.
Panchakarma for Immunity
The Panchakarma treatment has a number of benefits that result in the overall well-being of the body, mind, and soul. The five therapies work in tandem to restore the internal organs and boost immunity. Here are some of the benefits of Panchakarma Ayurveda that pave the path to a powerful immune system.
- Releases the poisonous toxins and impurities (Ama).
- Balances the three doshas (Vatta, Pitta, Kapha)
- Restores metabolism (Agni)
- Reduces mental stress, and anxiety and provides calmness
- Improves digestive strength
- Helps in managing healthy lifestyle choices
Certified experts of the Ayurvedic centers in Kerala will supervise the entire procedure and recommend an adequate degree of intensity of these natural therapies according to your body’s requirements. They provide a thorough consultation and a personalized plan for each individual. Plan a trip to the calming tropical paradise of Kerala this year with HI Tours and reap the goodness of this novel therapy!