Panchakarma has been told to be one of the most therapeutic and effective treatments of the classical Ayurveda treatment of India. This holistic wisdom of sustainable wellness brings to people a five step deep detoxification treatment that goes way beyond simple cleansing and therapeutically resets the entire body mind digestion immunity and metabolism.
Kerala also popularly known as the cradle of Ayurveda or God’s own country is one of the best and most loved global destinations for seeking authentic Ayurveda. The Panchakarma treatments offered in Kerala are one of the most trusted and vouched for treatments as Kerala elevates the efficiency, authenticity and therapeutic benefits of classical Ayurveda treatments. Let’s dive into explore Panchakarma, Varmana, Virechna, healing oils and Kerala’s secrets to decode holistic wellness.
Let’s understand Panchakarma
Pancha karma is a Sanskrit word which basically means Pancha – 5 and Karma – actions. So this ancient detoxification treatment is a combination of five step procedures that focus on removing the deep seated accumulated toxins, bring harmony in the three doshas of the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha and restore the body’s Agni – digestive fire naturally.
The five procedures of Panchakarma
Usually the Panchakarma treatments in Kerala include 5 step procedures such as the Vaman (Medical emesis therapy), Virechna (Purgation therapy), Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Medicated nasal administration) and Raktamokshana (Bloodletting therapy).
The 3 phases of this deep detoxification treatment
Preparation phase – Purvakarma
Before the actual five procedures start, a preparation phase or Purva Karma is held which includes internal oleation through medicated ghee and external oleation through Abhyanga and a herbal steam therapy that helps in loosening up the tissues and the toxins of the body.
Main detox phase – Pradhankarma
The main detox phase is where the five core procedures of Panchkarma that is Vamana, Virechna, Basti, Nasya and Rakhtamokshana are performed.
Recovery phase – Paschat karma
The Paschat Karma refers to the after phase or the recovery phase after the main Panchakarma has been performed. This basically includes diet and nutrition correction and following a strict post treatment lifestyle that allows the patient to naturally rebuild their strength and digestion.
Vamana – Therapeutic emesis
Who can benefit from Vamana?
The Varmana procedure in the Panchkarma treatment can be beneficial for people suffering from asthma, obesity, chronic sinusitis, skin issues, mucus conditions as well as diabetes.
What is done in it?
In Vamana, the patient is given medicated liquids prepared with oil steam etc. which are usually herb induced and a gentle vomiting is induced under medical supervision.
What can be expected?
After the procedure is carried out, the patient can expect gentle vomiting as the body is trying to eject toxins from the stomach and the lungs. As a result, the respiratory tract would be cleared, the patient can experience better metabolism, immunity and reduction in mucus.
Virechana – Purgation therapy
Who can benefit from Virechana?
The Virechna procedure in the 5 step Panchakarma focuses on balancing the aggravated Pitta dosha through the medium of intestinal cleansing. People dealing with acidity, hormonal issues, liver problems, migraines, skin issues and pcos can best benefit from Virechna.
What is done in it?
In this treatment, herb induced purgatives are given to the patient and multiple bowel movements are induced to remove the deep seated toxins from intestinal regions.
What can be expected?
After the procedure is completed and the patient has undergone multiple bowel movements, he would feel light with a detoxified liver, reduced inflammation, better hormonal balance and overall purification of blood.
Healing oils and Kerala’s secrets
Importance of oils in Ayurveda
Oils constitute a major portion of the healing treatments of Ayurveda the medicated oils are especially used in the traditional ayurvedic methods.
The reason that the oils work in Ayurveda are because they are prepared from freshly sourced herbs which are then processed with the traditional decoction methods and hand prepared formulations that elevate the therapeutic efficiency of treatments.
Most used oils
Some of the most used oils in Panchakarma therapies in Kerala are coconut and sesame oils used for the bases and issue specific oil.
For instance, the Mahanarayana oil for relief in joint pain the Dhanvantaram oil for nerve related issues Neeli Bringadi for stress and hair related concerns and Kumkumadi Oil for facial glow.
Ayurvedic oil based treatments – Abhyanga
Abhangam is one of the most recommended Ayurveda oils treatments in Kerala Ayurveda. This basically includes massaging the body with a herb infused oil which is gently warmed in rhythmic circles with pressure to offer relief in muscle soreness, body pain and deep relaxation.
Shirodhara
The Dhara oil pouring therapy Kerala is called as the king’s treat denoting the amount of relief it offers. Shirodhara basically involves the pouring of oil on one’s forehead and Third eye – Agya Chakra to provide relief in migraines, sinusitis, anxiety, overthinking and overall calmness.
People also ask (PAA) Section
How does the climate of Kerala elevate Ayurveda?
Kerala in addition to hosting the most authentic Ayurveda also has the climate advantage. Since Kerala hosts a warm and a humid climate, it opens up the body’s channels to enhance the oil absorption, prevent stiffness as well as make the detoxification treatments gentle. So, this is nature’s advantage that is difficult to replicate at other places.
