Panchakarma

(Sanskrit: पंचकर्म‌, literally meaning "five actions") is the word for the five different procedures used in Ayurveda which are believed to purify the body.

This is done in two ways:

• Pacifying the aggravated Doshas by using appropriate diet, natural herbs and minerals.
• Eliminating the increased Doshas from the body.

According to the science of the Ayurveda- Our body functions are control by the three dynamic force of life which are call Tridosha- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The imbalance of these three properties (Tridosha) leads to disease condition and balancing of Tridosha is the treatment. The process of treatment to balance the Tridosha is done in various ways. Panchakarma is also one part of balancing the Tridosha. Panchakarma is a purifying therapy to enhance the metabolic process through food and herbal medicines. It is used in deep rooted chronic disease as well as seasonal imbalance of tri-Doshas. As the wastes are eliminated from the body the person becomes healthy. So Panchakarma means five types of actions or techniques or treatment. These types of therapeutics are based on elimination therapy.

In order to stay healthy and fit one should carry out Panchakarma methods as a way of cleansing and servicing the body. The greatest benefit of this system is preventing possible serious illness due to 'SrothasAvarodha' obstruction of channels or ducts.

Five actions

Panchakarma (meaning "five actions") developed in India, though there are regional variations in therapeutic procedure as well as in the equipment used. According to Charaka, the five actions are

Vamana (Emesis or Vomiting)

To clean stomach and upper elementary system.

Virechana (Purging)

Cleansing of colon through the herbal medication.

Vasti (Therapeutic Enema)

NiroohaVasti and SnehaVasti. Herbal decoctions are used for NiroohaVasti and herbal oils for SnehaVasti.

Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

To clean upper respiratory tract specially nostril.

Rakta Mokshan (Letting of blood)

To purify the blood and remove the congestion of blood Circulation This five major procedures in Panchakarma, is meant to purify the whole body by eliminating the accumulated toxins from it.