Panchakarma

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma: Panchakarma (PK) in Sanskrit means “five treatments or actions. Therefore, the process is a five-fold individualized therapy to ultimately detoxify the body, rejuvenate the tissues, strengthen the immune system, and restore balance, health, and well-being. Ayurveda believes that the body has an innate ability to detoxify and rejuvenate itself and heal. However, factors such as poor lifestyle choices, diet, and genetic predisposition make it difficult for the body to do what it is designed to do. In PK, the tissues are detoxified very deeply to remove accumulated toxins. These toxins are sticky, bad-smelling, and harmful waste matter in the body responsible for the formation of diseases. Panchakarma removes them from the organ systems to protect the body from disease formation or clearing accumulations of the doshas out the stomach, intestines, lungs, bladder, sweat glands, kidney, liver, joints, heart, and other organs or bodily systems. It also clears painful emotions or memories held in the subconscious.

WHY IS PANCHAKARAMA NEEDED?
Toxins or ama are the results of undigested food deposited within the organs, and the channels because of improper lifestyle, long-standing emotions such as lingering sadness, anger, guilt, fear, and worries can be more debilitating than it is for people with physical problems. When the toxins accumulate in the body, they block the flow of energy, nourishment, and information. According to Ayurveda, build up toxins are the underlying cause of all diseases if they are not eliminated through detoxification and purification, commonly seen in metabolic disorders, high cholesterol, and obesity. Panchakarma is the best natural therapy that detoxifies, nourishes, and restores the body’s inner/outer equilibrium and vitality to maintain good health and well-being.
WHO NEEDS PANCHAKARMA?
Panchakarma therapy is for everyone! To maintain good health and balance, the human body needs the same attention that we give to our cars: frequent maintenance check, oil change and tune up to improve performance, and maintain the inner and the outer beauty of the vehicle. The purification process of panchakarma is a way of cleansing and purifying the body from internal toxins and improving cellular function. When the body is out of balance, the following changes may be noted: tiredness, or extreme fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, depression, emotional stress, migraine/headache, skin problems/acne, acid reflux, aches/pain, weight gain, and other symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms or have specific health conditions, then Panchakarma is right for you!
BENEFITS OF PANCHAKARMA
It helps restore digestive and metabolic power (AGNI), eliminate toxins, and strengthen body tissues. It balances all three body constitutions or Doshas, slows the aging process, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, removes the root cause of disease, and increases immunity. It improves vitality and ability to relax, and mental clarity. It improves skin complexion and luster, increases joint mobility, and promotes weight loss.
WHO SHOULD AVOID PANCHAKARMA?
Everyone should undergo panchakarma, and it benefits both healthy or unhealthy individuals. Should you experience the following conditions: pregnancy, active infectious disease, postoperative, post-chemotherapy, during lactation, anorexia or morbidly obese, congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, and certain cancers, and debilitated panchakarma may not be best suited for you due to the intensity of some treatments.
POST-PANCHAKARMA ROUTINE & DIET
During post-PK, standard instructions include following a light and easily digestible diet, preferably vegetarian. Avoid heavy creamy, greasy, preserved, processed foods, and carbonated beverages so that your body is not overwhelmed. It is essential to rest frequently to allow the body to recover from the detoxification.

The first two weeks after the PK is the most important for reaping all the benefits. As you transition into your routine, make sure you remember to do the following:

  • Continue a vegetarian diet for at least a week after Panchakarma. The longer you can go, the greater is the benefit.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Take it slow and easy to go back into your regular schedule routine.

After Panchakarma, it is the best time to incorporate a healthier lifestyle for those who didn’t have one prior to the treatment. Make time for yoga, meditation, taichi/qigong and do not indulge into heavy eating habits. This will help the body by regulating the circadian rhythm and the biological clock.

HOW OFTEN CAN I UNDERGO PANCHAKARMA?
The number of Panchakarma treatments one can do depends on their overall health. The body can benefit from one treatment for up to two years. However, a person with severe skin conditions should do Panchakarma twice a year. Those with paralysis or neurological conditions might undergo a customized treatment for three continuous months, and a person with decent health may be able to handle one Panchakarma per calendar year.
Who Needs Panchakarma?

Panchakarma therapy is for everyone! To maintain good health and balance, the human body needs the same attention that we give to our cars: frequent maintenance check, oil change and tune up to improve performance, and maintain the inner and the outer beauty of the vehicle. The purification process of panchakarma is a way of cleansing and purifying the body from internal toxins and improving cellular function. When the body is out of balance, the following changes may be noted: tiredness, or extreme fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, depression, emotional stress, migraine/headache, skin problems/acne, acid reflux, aches/pain, weight gain, and other symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms or have specific health conditions, then Panchakarma is right for you!

Benefits of Panchakarma

It helps restore digestive and metabolic power (AGNI), eliminate toxins, and strengthen body tissues. It balances all three body constitutions or Doshas, slows the aging process, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, removes the root cause of disease, and increases immunity. It improves vitality and ability to relax, and mental clarity. It improves skin complexion and luster, increases joint mobility, and promotes weight loss.

Who Should Avoid Panchakarma?

Everyone should undergo panchakarma, and it benefits both healthy or unhealthy individuals. Should you experience the following conditions: pregnancy, active infectious disease, postoperative, post-chemotherapy, during lactation, anorexia or morbidly obese, congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, and certain cancers, and debilitated panchakarma may not be best suited for you due to the intensity of some treatments.

Post-Panchakarma Routine & Diet

During post-PK, standard instructions include following a light and easily digestible diet, preferably vegetarian. Avoid heavy creamy, greasy, preserved, processed foods, and carbonated beverages so that your body is not overwhelmed. It is essential to rest frequently to allow the body to recover from the detoxification.

The first two weeks after the PK is the most important for reaping all the benefits. As you transition into your routine, make sure you remember to do the following:

  • Continue a vegetarian diet for at least a week after Panchakarma. The longer you can go, the greater is the benefit.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Take it slow and easy to go back into your regular schedule routine.

After Panchakarma, it is the best time to incorporate a healthier lifestyle for those who didn’t have one prior to the treatment. Make time for yoga, meditation, taichi/qigong and do not indulge into heavy eating habits. This will help the body by regulating the circadian rhythm and the biological clock.

How Often Can I Undergo Panchakarma?

The number of Panchakarma treatments one can do depends on their overall health. The body can benefit from one treatment for up to two years. However, a person with severe skin conditions should do Panchakarma twice a year. Those with paralysis or neurological conditions might undergo a customized treatment for three continuous months, and a person with decent health may be able to handle one Panchakarma per calendar year.

DOSHA QUIZ