AYURVEDA

Is detoxification or servicing of the human body. It aims to rid the body of unspecified “toxins” – substances that proponents claim have accumulated in the body and have undesirable short-term or long-term effects on individual health. All the elements of the universe are made up of five mahabhutas

• Prithvi (Earth)
• Aap (Water)
• Tej (Fire)
• Vayu (Air)
• Akash(space)

That’s why daily regime or eating habits of the person affects the human body , hence ayurveda suggests panchakarma to cleanse the body and bring all the mahabhutas, dosha and dhatus in equilibrium.

Panchakarma is done in following three steps: 

1. Purva Karma (Pre procedure) – Snehapanam, Snehan & Swedana
2. Pradhan Karma (Main Procedure) – Five Karmas
3. Pashyat Karma (Post procedure) – Dhoompan & Sansrjan Kram 

Purva Karma

It decreases the power of disease & vitilated dosha due to which during the pradhan karma toxins should easily be removed from the human body.
Has following 3 procedures
Snehapanam
– Medicated ghee / sesame oil / herbal oil is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 7 to 14 days
Snehan
– Special types of oil massage in which strokes are given corresponding to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 7 to 14 days.
Swedan
– Swedana means to perspire, also known as steam therapy for 45 minutes per day for 7 to 14 days.
– It predominantly reduces body fats.

Pradhan Karma

Vaman / Emesis
– It is the process in which toxins from the upper part of the body are removed by induced vomiting. 
– In this, the patient undergoes proper oleation and fomentation treatment for 7 to 8 days and then vomiting is induced through ayurvedic emetics on the 9th / 10th day.
– This procedure is generally carried out for kaph dominated conditions like Asthma , Acid Peptic Disorders, Skin Disorders, Allergy, Psoriasis, Thyroid Disorders, Obesity, – Migraine, Infertility, Lifestyle Disorders, Chronic sinusitis & respiratory problems. 
– Procedure also carried out for the healthy individuals during Vasant Rutu (Spring) Mid- March to Mid-May

Virechan / Purgation
– Removing the vitiated doshas through faeces is called virechana
– In this, the patient undergoes proper oleation and fomentation treatment for 7 to 8 days and then Virechana is induced through ayurvedic laxatives on the 9th / 10th day.
– This procedure is generally carried out for Pitta dominating diseases & conditions.

Basti / Vasti / Medicated enema
– Removing the vitiated doshas through anus is called basti.
– Certain herbal oils ,herbal extras etc , are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 7 to 28 days 
– Basti is predominantly used to cure disease occurring due to vata predominance like Arthritis, paralysis , Hemiplegia , Numbness , gastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation 
The main types of basti are:
1. ANUVASAN BASTI: Basti of sesame oil/oil enhanced with medicinal herbs / ghee .
2. NIRUHA BASTI: Basti of decoction mixed with honey, rock salt, oil etc .
3. UTTARA BASTI: This is a different type of basti, where the basti fluids are given through penis in men and through vagina in females. Usually carried out for sexual & reproductive systems problems.

Nasya / Nasal medication
– Putting drops of medicated oils/ghee/churna in both nostrils is called Nasya.
– Herbal juices, medicated oils etc are applied through the nose for 7 to 14 days.
– Nasya helps to cure diseases located above the sternum like Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, and some types of Skin Diseases 
– Doing Nasya on a daily basis prevents you from any kind of bacteria or virus causing influenza.

Rakstmokshan / Bloodletting
– Removal of vitiated blood from the body.
– It is usually done for pitta and rakta dosha vitiated diseases.Rakta mokshana is done with the help of a needle or leech worm.

Pachat Karma

Post cleansing regimen for Vaman & Virechana

Sansarjan Krama
– Since Vaman (emesis) and Virechan (purgation), tend to leave an impact on the internal lining of some parts of the digestive tract, a special dietary regimen is advised for 7 to 14 days after completion of the main procedures. This specific diet is known as Sansarjan Krama.
– During these days, warm water should be drunk, along with food. 
– From the seventh day onwards, the patient is gradually allowed to resume his normal diet.

Post cleansing regimen for Nasya & Raktamokshana
Dhoompan – After proper completion of these two procedures, medicated cigars prepared from medicinal powders are usually smoked; this procedure is known as Dhoomapan

Post cleansing regimen for Basti 
– All the spicy,pungent and fried, oily, stale foods, and excessive eating should be avoided during medicated enema therapy. 
– Immediately after taking Niruha Basti, the patient should take a warm bath and rest. 
– A light diet of boiled lentils and grams should be eaten and a routine for a specific period, known as Parihara Kaala.
– During this period it is advisable to avoid all physical as well as emotional tensions & Sunbathing.
– Anuvasan Basti is given in order to retain the enema material in the body. Therefore, sleeping for 7-8 hours in lateral position after anuvasan is advised, so as to allow the medicated oil or Ghrita to be absorbed in the body channels.

There are many other procedures carried out at Ayurva apart from the main panchakarma procedures on the basis of nature of the disease. These are as below.

Pizhichil

– Lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body.
– Useful for diseases like Arthritis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Sexual disorders, Nervous Disorder etc

Njavarakizhi

– Medical packs applied externally in the form boluses tied up in muslin bags over whole body or any specific part of body to perspire the application
– Useful for all types of rheumatism, joint pain, emaciation of limbs, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Shirodhara

– Gently pouring liquids like medicated oil / ghee / milk / butter milk over the forehead is shirodhara.
– Gives sudden relief from chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension, hysteria, hallucination and insanity etc.

Utavartan

– Massage with herbal powders
– Useful for diseases like Hemiplegia, Paralysis & Obesity.

Yoni Prakshalam

Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. 
This treatment is used for gynecological disorders & purification of genital organs.

Pinda Pottali Swedan

– Is swedana using a bolus which is prepared by combination of different medicinal herbs
– Useful for Vat disorders.

Patra Pinda Swedan

– Is a swedana using a bolus which is prepared by leaves 
– Useful for Vat disorders like rheumatic disorders

Stanic Basti

A specific organ / part of the body is filled with oil/ ghee etc for curing the vitiated dosha of specific region
Base on location over the body it labelled as 
Shiro Basti 
– Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cup fitted on the head
– These treatments are highly effective for Facial Paralysis, Dryness of nostrils-mouth-throat, severe headaches & other vatha originated diseases.
Netra Basti
– Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cup fitted on the both eyes 
– This treatments highly effective for eye problems
Kati Basti 
– Warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary
– It is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.
Janu Basti 
– Warm medicated oil is kept over the knees with herbal paste boundary 
– It is good for knee joint problems.
Manya Basti
– Warm medicated oil is kept over the neck with herbal paste boundary 
– It is good for knee joint problems.
Prusta Basti 
– Warm medicated oil is kept over the spine with herbal paste boundary
– It is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.
Hruday / Uro Basti
– Warm medicated oil is kept over the chest
– This is an effective treatment for Asthma, Respiratory problem, Heart Diseases and Muscular Chest Pain.

Karnapuran

– This is a process of medicated fumes or medicated oil applied to the ears 
– This process helps to clean the ears and avoids ailments associated with the ear.