Panchakarma is a combination of five procedures of purification- Vamana (Emesis), Virechana (Purgation), Niroohavasti (Decoction enema), Nasya (instillation of medicine through nostrils), and Anuvasanavasti (Oil enema). These procedures aim at plucking away the deep rooted imbalances in the body.
Common Panchkarma Treatments are:
Abhyanga Therapy
Application of Oil to the skin followed by message in specific direction is well known by the name of abhyanga in ayurveda. Along with nonsexual pleasurable sensation.
Murdha Taila
Murdha taila belongs to the category of external application of oil to the head. This is also known by the name shirastarpana. In healthy persons it is either plain or medicated oil used in this procedure or oils may be selected according to the prakriti of the client and in diseased persons the oil processed with specific drugs that can cures the illness.
Padabhyanga
Application of oil to the feet followed by message is popularly known as padabhyanga. It includes massage of the feet. Feet are very important part in our body, as many nerves from many organs terminate in the feet. So massage helps to strengthen these nerves and restores health to many parts of the body. The marma (vital) points are massaged which gives balance to your dosha and is very helpful for people with insomnia, fatigue and cramps
Tarpana
This treatment aims to provide optimum rejuvenation to eyes. Dough of Urad (black gram) is put around the eye ball in such a way that a dam like appearance is seen. Then herbal medicated ghee is put in this groove to lubricate eye and surrounding areas which will be kept warm for 30 – 35 minutes. This provides improved vision with beautiful eyes and strengthening of eye tissues.
Gandusha
Procedure of holding oil or decoction in the buckle cavity for certain duration is known as gandusha. Gandusha is an Ayurvedic procedure that improves oral care (gums, teeth, and throat). It consists of mouthwash procedures with compositionally different solutions with preheat compresses to the neck and shoulders to enhance the effect of rinsing.
Kavala
The procedure of holding medicated oil or decoction in the buckle cavity followed by gargling for a certain period is known as Kavala.
Udvarnata
The simple procedure of massaging the whole body with powders of herbs in a direction opposite to the orientation of hair follicle in the body called as Udvartana.
Mardana
Mardana means pressing hard or rubbing and also includes other procedures like manipulation of muscles and joints. Also known as Vishesh, this is a deeper muscular massage that breaks up adhesions and compromised circulation deep within the muscles. A vigorous, rhythmic therapy using herbal Samya Ayurveda oils specific to your current imbalances, this massage is designed to press more thoroughly into the tissues and muscles the healing and rejuvenating potency contained in the Ayurvedic oils.
Padaghata
It is a form of external snehana treatment in which the oil is apply all over the body followed by a special message in which feet is used to apply firm pressure to the body is the unique feature of padabhyanga.
Kizhi
It is a variety of Medicated fomentation given to the body helpful in various ailment related to health.
Dhara
Dhara is an amazingly relaxing therapy which gently releases stress and tension from the mind and body depending up on the specified area used. A steady stream of warm, herbal oils flows rhythmically allowed to fall on the specified area help in soothing the nervous system. It induces feelings of profound peace and happiness.
Dhoompanam
This is a good treatment for various sinus and respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, asthma, sneezing, infections of the lower respiratory tract, cough etc. The removal of mucous toxins also rejuvenates the person’s mind status. The smoke helps to dry the excessive mucous, and also lowers pain-causing inflammations of the sinus cavities and respiratory tract.
Special Panchkarma
It is the cornerstone to Ayurvedic management of Disease. It is the process which gets to the root cause of the problem which corrects the essential balance of “Tri-Dosha” in the body. This process is not only good for alleviating the disease but also useful tools in maintaining excellent health.
Lepanam
Mere smearing of the medicated herbs added with oil to the body part is known as lepanam. It helpful in skin diseases, skin manifestation due to vitiated vata dosha, disease of the scalp, hair fall, Dandruff, painful condition of musculoskeletal system and also it cures peripheral vascular diseases. The treatment is continued for seven to 14 days for duration of 20 to 30 minutes.
Vasti
The procedure of applying heat to the local specified area by retaining warm medicated oil with in a specific formed frame on that particular area for certain duration called vasti.
Thalapathichil
A herbal medicated paste along with butter milk, is made and applied evenly all over the head and covered first with Medicated leaves depend up on the disease condition and covered with a cloth. A small hole is made in the centre of the covering and medicated oil is kept there. The oil and the paste are removed after 30 minutes and he is given another mild massage on the head.
Karnapoornam
The procedure of dropping the medicated oil in to the ear is known as karnapurna.
Pichu
A simple procedure of applying oil to the specified area using a cotton pad impregnated with oil or herbal medicine is known as pichu
Sweda
Induction of sweating for therapeutic purposes is referred by the name swedana in ayurveda. This may be used either for promotion of health or for curing the illness.
Thalam
A treatment procedure of retaining medicines over the center of the head using a tailor-made cap. It is considered to be a shorter and easier version of Shirolepa and in the ancient days it was a treatment, prescribed for mental illness.
Anjanam
Rejuvenation Therapy of neck & above by administration of Herbal extract to the eye. Application of Herbal extract with Honey or Rosewater inside the eyes helps to remove foreign bodies, removes itching and burning sensation in the eyes due to exposure to allergens.
