PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT

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PANCHKARMA

Maharshi Atreya Health Centre has developed its own unique method of Panchakarma to obtain the maximum benefit from it. All the ‘Karmas’ (the steps or the actions of Panchakarma) have been tested scientifically with the help of different diagnostic tools on a number of volunteers. The doctors at MAHC have substantial experience in using the various techniques of Panchakarma to cure chronic diseases.

To understand Panchakarma, it is necessary to understand how a disease develops and how Panchakarma helps in curing it.

A key word is ‘AMA’, a generalised term in Ayurveda which is used for identifying toxins, improperly digested food and waste products.

Panchakarma is a part of the purification therapies of Ayurveda. ‘Panch’ means five and ‘Karma’ means actions, so it is a set of five systematic actions used for purification of the body. It is used restore the balance of the aggravated ‘doshas’ and to flush out the accumulated ‘AMA’ or toxins from the body using the normal modes of elimination like the intestines, sweat glands and the urinary tract.

The body constantly removes AMA from our body in the form of urine, stool and perspiration. But due to an imbalance of doshas and various other reasons the AMA produced may be more than the capacity of the body to remove it. If the body’s capacity to remove AMA is hampered, it gives rise to favourable conditions for a disease to develop in the body. Panchakarma cleanses the body and eliminates the diseases caused by imbalanced doshas.

Toxins (AMA) may be produced and accumulated in the body as a result of
  • Abnormal metabolism
  • Wrong eating habits
  • Junk food
  • Wrong thinking
  • Environmental toxins entering our body via food (pesticides, fertilisers), water (contamination), air (hazardous pollution released by automobiles, factories), skin
  • Stress and anxiety produced by today’s fast life.

The elimination of these toxins from the body is the body’s natural automatic response, but over time – and in the case of DOSHA imbalances – these wastes are not effectively eliminated from the body. The wastes then tend to seep into the ‘Shrotas’ (veins, arteries, lymphatic channels etc) and start producing diseases, and detoxification therefore becomes very necessary.

PANCHAKARMA HAS THREE STEPS

PANCHKARMA

This is the first step of Panchakarma. The patient has to perform Purva Karma at home or at MAHC, according to his convenience. A short evaluation of patient’s health is done by specialised doctors.

The pre-treatment consists of two parts:

1. Snehan (toleration therapy): Medicated oils and ghee (clarified butter) are used for this technique. The quantity and duration of Snehan are decided by the doctor after short evaluation of the patient’s health.

2. Virechan and/or Swedan: In virechan a strong purgative like sienna or rhubarb is given. An electrolyte balancing purgative is used to eliminate toxins from the body without losing the electrolyte balance of body. Swedan is a herbal steam bath.

The five steps of Panchakarma are as follows:

Vaman (use of emetics): Artificial vomiting is induced using herbs like strong teas of licorice, salt and calamus. It is usually indicated for people with disorders of ‘Kapha’ (phlegm).

Virechan (use of laxatives): A strong purgative like sienna or rhubarb is given. An electrolyte balancing purgative is used to eliminate toxins from the body without losing the electrolyte balance of body. it is normally used to eliminate high PITTA (fire) from its site in the small intestines.

Basti (use of medicated enemas): Cleaning enemas are primarily used to dispel high VATA (air) from the colon and to remove AMA (Impurities). We perform Basti with air-tight, use-and-throw enema bags.

NASYA (nasal administration): Medicinal oils or herbal mixtures (mixed with oils or ghee) are inhaled or drops are poured into the nose. This stimulates the nerve endings of nasal cavities resulting in better blood circulation in the sinuses. It is also good for balancing the ‘PRANA VATA’.

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): This is not much in use these days except in oriental systems of medicine. It is not used at MAHC.

Other Karmas, like Shirodhara, Abhyang, Swedan, Nasya, Anuvasan Basti, Asthapan Basti, Matra Basti, Kati Basti, Janu Basti, Hraday Basti, Udvertan, etc., are performed as and when required.

These procedures take about 60 to 90 minutes daily in the morning and 30 minutes daily in the evening.

1. Samsarjan Karma:
During your stay at MAHC you will learn how your current mind/body make-up affects your health, happiness, moods and behaviour. Staying healthy is natural and natural means simple and easy. A simple home programme that takes just a few minutes a day will allow you to continue to expand your new sense of well-being. You will find that our approach is without strain, yet extremely powerful in its effectiveness.

On completion of Panchakarma, a special diet and instructions are prescribed according to your Prakruti (Constitution) and Lifestyle. This diet helps the person to fulfill his/her calorific requirements along with maintaining the Doshas according to Ayurveda.

2. Rasayan:
This is a special form of Tonification therapy, which is best done after the Panchakarma. Special herbs are used to tone up the various systems of the body. The herbs are selected according to the Prakruti and the Disease. The duration for Rasayan is decided by our experienced physicians.

Maharshi Atreya Health Centre uses the best quality medicinal herbs, oils, powders and other materials.