Pancha Karma – Detox

Ayurveda believes that the causes of chronic illnesses are deep-rooted imbalances in the doshas (basic body elements), dhatu (body tissues), and mala (waste products) and recommends Panchakarma to facilitate deep cleansing and healing of the body and mind.

The initial stage of Panchakarma therapy is called Ama Pachana. This helps to mobilize and liquefy waste products (ama) from the tissues and move them towards the intestines, which then allows the Panchakarma treatments to flush them out. This process is recommended for the full success of Panchakarma and it starts with:

Session 1, 3 and 5 procedures to dislodge Ama toxins

• Abyanga full-body therapeutic massage. Softening the tissues using medicated oil. This helps to lubricate the srotas channels and assist the dosha toxins to move to the koshta colon.
• Bashpa Sweda – Softening the tissues using herbal steam sweating and dislodging the toxins from their sites (srotas)
• Sirodara – Oiling the head using herbal infused warm oil and therapeutic support for brain functions. Grounding the mind and clarity in thoughts helps the brain function better.
• Oil enema: Preparing the colon for receiving the detox medicine. Softening and lubricating the linings of the koshta colon so that the toxins dislodged from channels can be eliminated easily.

Session 2 & 4- Pradhana Karma (Major Procedures)

• Oleation of the body – Therapeutic massage using medicated herbal infused oil
• Herbal bag massage – The ayurvedic herbs in the bag and the heat, applied on the body in a traditional massage sequence, get absorbed into the body through the skin pores. This would assist the body to eliminated the excess fluid retention and thus reducing the heaviness, weight and inflammation.
• Bashpa Sweda – Softening the tissues using herbal steam sweating and dislodging the toxins from their sites (srotas)
• Detox Enema: Concoction of ayurvedic formulation including the paste of herbs, rock salt, prebiotic mix and medicated oil

On some occasions, 7 days and 10 days of Panchakarma treatments will be recommended for chronic illnesses. In such cases treatment will be modified according to the constitutional imbalance of the client.

What to consider during the days of Panchakarma

• It is recommended to bring 3 long bath towels with you for your own use
• Avoid jewellery and facial makeup during the treatment time as it may cause cuts on the skin
• Do not eat food or shower or wet your hair soon before the treatment
• Bring an ordinary dress and a hoodie to cover the ears and head after the treatment.
• It is recommended to take maximum rest after the session and so plan your household duties accordingly.
• Late-night sleep and evening outdoor programs are not recommended during the detox days
• Only gentle yoga practices, recommended during the days of panchakarma
• If you get monthly periods, the first 3 days require a rest from therapies and herbal medications.
• It is common to experience ups and downs with your complaints during the treatment days and it is important to report this to your Ayurveda doctor at the earliest.

Diet during the days of Panchakarma

• Avoid all processed, junk and fried foods, and sweets
• Avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol
• Avoid most refrigerated and dairy products
• Stop eating meat, fish, and eggs
• Modify diet so it becomes predominantly cooked vegetables, whole grains, and beans. These foods (vegetables especially) create a more alkaline (vs. acid) environment in the body, which supports the cleansing and detoxifying process
• Prepare organic oatmeal and steamed apples for breakfast
• Vegetarian soup or light meal is recommended for supper, which must be completed at least 3 hours before sleep.
• Drink 4 cups of herbal tea daily