Panchakarma

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing, and rejuvenation treatment designed to restore balance in the body and mind and consciousness. It is based on Ayurvedic principles – every human is a unique phenomenon manifested through the five basic elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

The combination of these elements are three doshas (tridosha): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and their balance is unique to each individual. When this doshic balance is disturbed, it creates disorder resulting in disease.

Panchakarma is tailored to each person with their constitution and imbalances in mind and requires close observation and overseeing.

Purvakarma:
Pre-purification Measures

Before the actual purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body with prescribed methods to encourage it to let go of the toxins. These two practices are snehan and svedana.

Snehan

Snehan is an oil massage. Oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of massage that helps the toxins to move toward the gastrointestinal tract.

Oil massage also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and nourish the nervous system. Snehan is given daily for three to seven days as indicated.

Svedana

Svedana is sudation or sweating and is given every day following the snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further loosen the toxins from the individual. Svedana liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastrointestinal tract.

After three to seven days of snehan and svedana, the doshas become well “ripened.” A particular panchakarma method is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder, prakriti and vikruti, respectively.

The word “Panchakarma” means “five actions” or “five treatments”, referring to the five therapeutic procedures used to remove toxins and restore health. These are vamana (emesis therapy), virechan (purgation therapy), basti (enema therapy), nasya (nasal administration) and rakta moksha (cleansing of the blood – **Note: This treatment is not a part of treatments at Sacred Life Ayurveda).

The specifics of your panchakarma week will be laid out for you by the experienced practitioners at Sacred Life Ayurveda, allowing you to let go, relax and enjoy the time away from your everyday living.

Here’s a simplified way to understand Panchakarma:

Cleansing the Body
Panchakarma is like a deep cleaning for your body. Over time, our bodies accumulate toxins from the environment, food and stress. These toxins can make us feel tired, sick or out of balance. Panchakarma helps to flush out these harmful substances and clears the way for better health.
Personalized Treatment
Not everyone needs the same kind of cleansing. Panchakarma is tailored to your unique body type and health needs. At Sacred Life Ayurveda, we will take the time to understand your needs, assess your current state and recommend specific therapies.
Five Key Therapies
The five main techniques involved might include things like oil massages, herbal steams and gentle laxatives to cleanse the digestive system. The aim is to cleanse the different parts of your body – your skin, your gut, and even your mind.
Holistic Approach
Panchakarma isn’t just about the physical body. It also focuses on the mind and emotions. Along with the physical treatments, you might follow a special diet, practice meditation, and take herbal supplements to support your overall well-being.
Rejuvenation and Healing
After the cleansing, Panchakarma includes steps to help your body heal and strengthen. This could involve nourishing therapies, rest, and a balanced diet to rejuvenate your system.

In essence, Panchakarma is a natural way to reset your body, mind, and spirit, helping you feel more balanced, healthy, and energized.

Panchakarma is not recommended for the very young or elderly.

For good health and to age with ease, Panchakarma is best done once a year.

Main Panchakarma Benefits

  • Eliminate toxins and toxic conditions from your body and mind.
  • Restore your constitutional balance improving health and wellness.
  • Strengthen your immune system and become more resistant to illness.
  • Reverse the negative effects of stress on your body and mind thereby slowing the aging process.
  • Bring about deep relaxation and a sense of well-being.

If you’re new to our practice, please schedule an Initial Consultation prior to scheduling Panchakarma.