Panchakarma: An Ayurvedic Method of Detoxification and Rejuvenation

Panchakarma: The Ayurvedic Science of Detoxification and Rejuvenation

 

We all live very busy lives; running from pillar to post that sometimes we often tend to overlook on our inner wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic methods, every single disease begins in the mind and from there it goes to the digestive tract. In order to be healthy, (according to Ayurveda) the body has to be clear of toxins and the organs should be functioning in an optimal condition. Moreover the mind should be at peace and emotions calm and happy. 

However, this is all true in an idealistic environment, but we are constantly surrounded by stressful situations. In a stressful and toxic environment, both our physical and mental health conditions accumulate toxins, which cause a breakdown of the functioning of our body and mind; opening the door to chronic, degenerative and non-specific diseases to develop. No matter how much we may try to prevent them from occurring, it is not possible to live according to the optimal functioning of the mind and body.

Our physiological processes (governed by the activity of our Doshas) become imbalanced and our digestive function (Agni) gets compromised.Essentially a dosha represents our energy patterns that flow through the body and govern the way we think and behave. There are three doshas that are known to exist- the Kapha, Pitta and Vatta. 

Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure –bones, muscles and tendons, and everything that holds the cells together. Earth and water represent it. When it is out of balance it leads to attachment, envy and anger. 

Pitta is the body’s metabolic system. It is composed of fire and water. It governs digestion, absorption, nutrition, assimilation, metabolism and body temperature. Any sort of imbalance leads to anger, jealousy and hatred. 

Vatta is the subtle energy that is associated with movement. It is composed of air and space. It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement and the pulsation of the heart. Any imbalance produces fear and anxiety. 

 The dominance of one or two determines how we function in our lives. This has given rise to a very interesting debate and that is whether the mind governs the body or whether the body runs the mind. Well known global spiritual teacher, humanitarian and Art of Living founder, Shri Ravi Shankar says, “A strong mind can take care of a weak body. But a weak mind cannot take care of even a strong body.”

Understanding Panchakarma!

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic art of detoxification, purification and rejuvenation of the body and mind has been known to address and even eliminate (or reduce) certain chronic ailments that affect our body. It helps to strengthen our immune system so as to restore health and well being. Not only is it a highly individualised therapy, but also it is a compendium of different therapies that are applied to an individual according to his/her Ayurvedic constitution type (Prakruti), imbalances (if any), digestive fire; immune status, age and health condition/s.

 These stages include: 

1.   The preparatory phase – Purvakarma: This phase includes tuning the body by applying procedures which tune the body to accumulate all the toxins that are present in the body to it nearest site of removal.

2.    Pradhana Karma -   elimination of the Doshas:  This is the stage when the main treatment and all the therapies are applied to remove the toxins from the body. 

3.   Pashchaath karma (the post-therapeutic dietetics). : This includes focusing on the diet regimen, bringing the person back to a normal diet and lifestyle.

The main purpose behind Panchakarma is to rebalance all of the doshas: the Vatta, Kapha and Pitta through five different cleansing techniques (termed as Shodhana – a purification therapy). 

 These techniques are known as Vamana, Virechana Basti, Nasya and Rakta Moksha. After consulting a qualified Ayurvedic physician can we begin the first step in our Panchakarma process and that is determining our body –mind type.