Friday, July 27, 2012

Panchakarma Treatments



Panchakarma - Ayurvedic Complete Detoxification and Cleansing

Panchakarma is Ayurveda's primary purification and detoxification treatment. 
Panchakarma means the "five therapies". These 5  therapeutic means of 
eliminating toxins from the body are Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and 
Raktamoskshana. This series of five therapies help remove deep-rooted 
stress and illness-causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas
  (energies that govern all biological functions).


Panchakarma Diet

Panchakarma is ineffective if special detoxification diet is not given along with the 
treatments. We at Ayurveda Retreat are very aware of this and every individual 
undergoing Panchakarma receives special diet which is monitored every day by
 the doctor. Additional treatments may be recommended by doctor but there will 
be no extra charge.


Vamana

Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the 

body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. 
Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally 
eliminate them.
Benefits of Vamana: Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, 
Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity,
 Psychological disorders, Skin disorders.

Virechana (Purgation)


Virechana is medicated purgation therapy which removes Pitta toxins from the body 

that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it completely cleanses the
 gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects. Benefits of 
Virechana help root out Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders 
such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders,
 Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Headaches, Elephantiasis and
 Gynaecological disorders.

Basti (Enema or Colonic Irrigation)


Basti (Enema) is considered the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since 

it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, 
through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment. 
Medicated oil or ghee and a herbal decoction is given as an enema to clean
 the colon and increase muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied 
for 8 to 30 days, based on a person's medical condition. Benefits Hemiplegia, 
Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel 
Syndrome Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, 
Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly, Obesity, Piles, Sexual Debility & Infertility.

Nasya (Nose Cleaning)


Nasya involves the administration of medicated oil through the nose to cleanse

 accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region. Based on the medical 
condition of a person, it can be given up to 30 days. Nasya benefits include
 Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bel's Palsy, Improves memory & eye sight, Insomnia, 
Elimination of excess Mucus Hyperpigmentation in the face, Pre-mature 
greying of hair, clarity to voice, Headaches of various origins Hemiplegia, 
Loss of smell and taste, Frozen shoulder, Migraine, Stiffness of the neck, 
Nasal Allergies, Nasal Polyp, Neurological dysfunctions, Paraplegiar, Sinusitis.

Raktamokshana

Raktamokshana is the procedure to cleanse blood and is advised only in very rare

 conditions. It is not advisable during general Panchakarma. Most Ayurveda Centers
 , including ours do not offer Raktamokshana due to the high risk of infection involved
 in blood cleansing. 
Ayurvedic purification procedures

It has now been scientifically shown that a natural purification treatment 
can successfully eliminate environmentally toxic substances such as 
polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB's) and pesticides from the body, without
 damaging side effects.

A study at the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy at Maharishi 
University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa in collaboration with a special
 laboratory at Colorado University demonstrated that classical Panchakarma
 treatment eliminated up to 50% of the detectable toxins in the blood.

Chemicals injure health

The world's largest facility for substance identification, the Chemical Abstracts
 Service in Columbus, Ohio, USA, currently has more than 13 million artificial
 substances registered. At least 100,000 of these industrial commodities 
combine into a chemical “soup” which we constantly absorb through food, 
air and skin. Experts calculate that in Germany, 30% of the population 
suffer from environmentally induced diseases.

Most of the today's environmental toxins are lipophils that accumulate in the 
fatty tissues of the body. These fat-soluble toxins are associated with a range of 
diseases such as hormone disruption, immune system suppression, allergies, 
diseases of the liver and skin, various types of cancer, neurological illness, 
reproductive disorders and deformities.

The study

The study consisted of two parts: a cross-sectional comparison and a longitudinal 

pre- and post- treatment. It was designed to examine the level of contamination by
 toxins in the population and the effectiveness of Panchakarma treatment in 
eliminating these poisons. 

Panchakarma Treatment

Several modalities in the Ayurveda detoxification procedure use non-toxic, 
lipophilic materials, such as clarified butter in the oleation phase and herbalized
 sesame oil in the massage and enema treatments. These traditional methods are 
believed to sequentially loosen and remove lipid-soluble toxicants from their 
deposited sites and stimulate their elimination.
In the cross-sectional study of 88 subjects age 45 years and older participated in the 
cross-sectional study: 48 had previously undergone the detoxification procedure 
an average of 18 times, and 40 had not. Blood samples from both groups were 
sent to the Analytical Laboratory in the Department of Environmental Health
 at Colorado State University that was blind to the
treatment status of the subjects.

PCBs and Pesticides Found in Blood Samples

Blood samples from both cross-sectional groups were assayed for 17 lipophilic
 toxicants, including 9 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 8 
pesticides and metabolites, such as DDE, a by-product of DDT. The specific
 PCBs and pesticides that were studied had either been previously linked to 
major health problems or had been of high concern for their potential toxicity. 
The results showed that blood levels of PCBs and several pesticides were 
significantly lower in the detoxification group than in the controls.
The longitudinal study
In the longitudinal study, blood samples from 15 subjects who participated in
 the Vedic Approach to Health Ayurvedic detoxification procedure were assayed,
 pre-and post-treatment, by Colombia State University Analytical Laboratory.
The results of the two-month longitudinal study showed that PCBs and 
Beta-HCH levels were reduced by 46 per cent and 58 per cent respectively 
in the MVAH detoxification group. Without this intervention, the expected drop
 in PCBs and Beta-HCH over two months would be only a fraction of one per cent.
 Previously, no method had been scientifically verified to reduce levels of these
 lipid-soluble toxicants in the human body without causing negative side effects.


Assessment
The study came to two conclusions:


1) An alarming finding of the study was that PCB and DDE levels appear to be
 unexpectedly high in the general population and may actually be increasing. 
This is surprising since these toxicants were banned decades ago in many
 countries. However, they have not disappeared from the environment since they
 have half-lives several years in duration. Also, they are still entering the food chain 
through imports.

2) Within days, Panchakarma treatment eliminated a large proportion of
 these fat-soluble toxins from the body. Without this intervention, the expected 
drop would be only a fraction of one per cent.

Study Shows Banned PCBs and Agrochemicals in Blood Reduced 50 Percent
By Centuries-Old Detoxification Procedure.
Reference: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, (Sept./Oct. 2002),
Vol. 8, No. 5: pp. 93-103.

People
are confused with this term. Everyone believes that Panchakarma 
therapy means 'massage'.
As a matter of fact there is no 'massage' in Ayurveda Therapy. The systematic 
application of 
medicated oil is called 'massage' which actually is "Abhyangam". Panchakarma
means the five 'kriyas'
which is to purify and eliminate the impurities from the body.

PANCHAKARMA


1. NASYAM (application of small drops of medicine through nose)
2. VAMANAM (induced vomiting)
3. VIRECHANAM (purgation)
4. VASTHI (medicated enema)
5. RAKTHAMOKSHAM (blood letting)
These are the Panchakarama Treatments. Panchakarma is purification therapy.
Important Therapies

REJUVENATION THERAPY (ABYANGAM & SWEDANAM)
The massage 
is done with a combination of herbal oils especially prepared Ayurvedic 
and applied throughout the body to stimulate key points. It's very good for the 
overall health of the skin and prevents aging early and relieves pain and muscle pain.

Herbalized steam bath. The body is heated to remove mental, emotional &
 physical toxins lodged deeply within the tissues. Head is kept cool, providing
 a sense of calm & openness so the steam can cleanse deeply without
 overheating or stressing the body.

Duration: 1 hour
Indication: Low back ache, the complexion of skin, muscular toning, body shaping,
 increase in memory, vigor & vitality, retard ageing process.
SIRODHARA

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment which involves slowly pouring liquids over
 the forehead.It is used to treat a range of skin conditions, along with eye problems,
 stress, insomnia, memory loss, and greying hair. A wide range of liquids
 can be used, depending on the patient's body type; oils are common,
 but milk, buttermilk, and water can also be used. Frequently, the liquid wil
l be infused with herbs tailored to the person.

Duration: 30 minutes
Indication: Loss of sleep, eye diseases, mental diseases, stress, hair loss,
 migraine, neurological problems, stiffness in neck, etc...
NASYAM

Application of tiny drop/drops of medicine through nose. It is a useful mode 
for ailments upward of the neck medicated oil, Ghees are generally used though
 Sometimes coronas (powders), extracts of herbs too are used.

Duration: 30 minutes
Indication: Migraine, facial paralysis, bell's plasy, frozen shoulder, ENT problems, etc.
KIZHI
ELAKIZHI, NAVARAKIZHI, NARANGAKIZHI, PODIKIZHI, ETC.)

Fomentation with various combinations of fresh herbal leaves, medicines, etc..

Duration: 1 hour
Indication: Muscular dystrophy, cervical & lumbar spondylosis, paralysis, lumbago, rheumatic pains, sports injuries, rejuvenation, etc.
NETRA TARPANAM, PUDAPAKAM
Pudapakam is the retention of medicated oil over the eyes of a person to give a
 cooling effect to the eyes, strengthening the optic nerve, relief from repeated 
stress injury, and different diseases that affect the eyes.

Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
Indication: Various eye diseases & Care
UDWARTHANAM

Application of medicated powder on the body
Duration : 45 minutes
Indication: Effective for obesity ,hemiplegia ,skin diseases etc.
PIZHICHIL

Pouring of lukewarm medicated oil on the body systematically

Duration: 45 minutes

Indication: Paralysis, sciatica, Osteoarthritis, horse feet, numbness, disc prolepses, etc...


About Ayurveda
“Ayurveda is beyond beginning and ending. A science of eternal healing, it is 
compared to a vast ocean, and studying Ayurveda to swimming across; 
it is a lifelong journey."- Charaka Samitha

Native to India, Ayurveda is the ancient medicinal form, developed 
during the Vedic times, about 5000 years ago. 'Ayur' means life, 
while 'Veda' means science. Therefore, Ayurveda literally means the 'Science of Life'.
 It is not just a medicinal system, but also a way of life. Ayurveda deals with 
the physical, as well as spiritual health. The medicinal form is governed by 
the laws of nature, which suggest that life combines senses, mind, 
body and soul. According to the Science of Life, the structural aspect of
 every individual comprises five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space.

While giving Ayurvedic treatment to a person to cure a particular disease, 
the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is considered. The best part of acquiring an Ayurvedic treatment is
 that if the prescribed doses of medicine are taken, the diseases can
 be cured most effectively. The Ayurvedic medicines generally 
come in powders, tablets, decoctions, and medicated oils, 
prepared
 from natural herbs, plants and minerals. In addition, the diseases
 treated and cured by Ayurvedic medicines do not cause any side effects. 

According to Ayurveda, every individual's structural aspect comprises
 five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. The functional
 aspect of the body is governed by three biological humors. Traditional 
techniques and processes are used to prepare the medicines at home, 
while certain amount of mechanization is inevitably used for large-scale 
production. The beauty of the therapeutics is that they contain the active 
principles in their natural forms and their administration in prescribed 
dozes does not cause any side effects to the patients. 

Ayurveda gives a complete look into the lifestyle of a person, like starting
 from his/her personality to the daily food habits. The Science of 
Life helps us understand each individual at a very subtle personal 
level and giving a detailed description about the diet, daily routine, lifestyle, 
actions and activities to be followed. Science teaches how to live life in a 
balanced way. Ayurveda aims at having a healthy and happy society free 
from diseases. In short, the aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of 
healthy people and to cure the diseases of sick people.

India has gained worldwide recognition for its indigenous and 
extensive Ayurvedic treatment. Various centers are established throughout 
the length and breadth of the country, wherein authentic Ayurvedic 
treatment is given. Kerala is the hub of Ayurvedic treatments in India. 
Ayurvedic treatment's soothing effect on the body and soul has attracted 
tourists from different parts of the country and across the globe.
 This has proved a boon for tourism in the states of India, especially Kerala, 
where Ayurvedic treatment is given at various health centers and tourists resorts.

Ayurveda Panchakarma



Panchakarma means five therapies, the in house treatment for healthy 
and unhealthy as well. The Panchakarma is a curative line of management 
plan for all diseases, which are not amenable to palliative management. The 
pathogenesis of almost all disorders follow a general pattern either from 
Amashaya(stomach) or Pakwashya(large intestines) abode or site of 
digestion and digestive food respectively. The one two or all of three 
doshas get vitiated & spread to one or more specific immuno- compromised
 site and develop the disease entity.

Here it explains the need of Panchakarma because by these five therapies 
in a series or one or two therapies as selected management plan by qualified
 panchkarma specialist these vitiated doshas are expelled out from the body 
and thus body gets purified and free from circulating toxins. By vitiated 
doshas we mean the morbid matter. The five therapies or procedures 
for eliminating vitiated doshas from the body are the modes of purification 
of doshas and channels.


VAMANA THERAPY


Vamana i.e. process of Emesis is used to clean se the kapha from the body. 
It is used for the kapha disorder. It is also helpful to control certain pitta 
disorder i.e. digestion related problems. In Ayurvedic Panchakarma kapha 
scattered all over the body is bought in the stomach using various 
pre-panchakarma treatments like snehana and swedana. It is also 
applicable on chest and mouth and relieves from congestion & mucus plugs.

VIRECHANA THERAPY


The middle part of our body navel area is the main site of pitta. In the
 process of purgation the digestive systems is cleaned. It helps to improve 
the working of pitta in the body. We have already seen that Virechana is the
 best treatment for pitta problems. It also acts on vata and kapha problems.

BASTI OR VASTI ( Medicated enemas ):


It is a high colonic cleansing proess. Basti is most treatment of 
Panchakarma group of treatments. Basti is very good treatment all
 vata type problems. It is very good for other two Doshas i.e. kapha and
 pitta as well. It acts on all sorts of aches and pains, joint pains,
 arthritis, lumbago, spondylitis, chronic constipation.

NASYA ( Nasal insufflations)


This is a separated independent therapy for problems of orgns in 
the head region. Nasya therapy is beneficial for all three doshas and it
 act specially vata and kapha. Nasya which is done by ayurvedic 
expert as a Panchkarma therapy acts on tarpaka kapha and 
useful in condition like hemicranias, headache, facial paralysis etc.

RAKTA MOKSHAN

This is done as a final therapy in Panchakarma. Rakta Mokshan is useful
 for pitta disorder, various diseases, related to blood, hypertension, 
acne, pimples, leucoderma, pigmentation, swelling, inflammation, skin diseases, liver, and spleen disorder, non healing ulcers, heat boils, allergies, skin rashes, etc.

These five therapies/ Panchakarma are always preceded by pre procedure,
 eliminative measure such as SNEHANA (oleation) & SWEDANA (sudation)
 by different classical means. The purpose of pre-procedures to prepare the
 person for main five therapies.and by these we achieve in principle
 the traction of peripheral doshas to central part of the body that is the gastrointestinal
 tract. After panchakarma therapies the SANSARJANA Karma , the post-operative 
procedure must be followed to get a complete cure by achieving the well-stimulated 
agni that is digestive fire and enhanced resistance of the person.



WHY PANCHAKARMA :


- to eliminate the toxic matter from the body.
- to enhance the power of digestion and metabolism.
- to eliminate diseases from the very root out of the systems.
- to restore normal health .
- to gain the strength, increase the virility and improve the progeny.
- to have more clearer complexion.- to increase the power of sense organs and motor organs.

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