7-day Panchkarma treatment: What you need to know

7-day Panchkarma treatment is an ancient ayurvedic technique of naturally detoxifying the body. It has been a part of the Rasayan chikitsa which is also known as the rebirth therapy.

Although Ayurvedic detoxification programs have been practised for thousands of years, they have become very popular in the last two decades. People across the globe are seeking Ayurvedic treatments for various physical and mental ailments. At the same time, some people are looking for ways by which they can naturally save their bodies from disease and degeneration. For such people, Ayurvedic body detoxification has emerged as a reliable way to flush out the stored toxins in the body. A thorough detoxification not only purifies the body but also resets the biological clock. This is the reason Ayurvedic detoxification programs are becoming hugely popular.

• What is a 7-day Panchkarma treatment?

Since ancient times, Ayurveda has advocated the importance of detoxification for a sound mind and body. Ayurveda believes that merely a disease-free body is not healthy but a fully functional body and a peaceful mind should be the end goal.

Ayurveda believes that our body is made up of three doshas- vata, pitta, and kapha. They roughly represent the nervous system, the metabolic system and the nutritive system respectively. These three doshas should be balanced to keep the human body in balance.

Even a delicate imbalance in the three doshas or energies can manifest in disease. The disease can be mental or physical. Thus, to restore the equilibrium among the doshas various procedures are described in the Ayurvedic texts. Panchakarma is one of the ancient Ayurvedic techniques that helps in restoring the perfect balance of doshas in one's body.

A Panchkarma treatment may be done in 7-21 days depending on the needs of the body of the patient. However, most practitioners recommend a 7-day period for the procedure.

• The procedure for Panchkarma

Day 1: The procedure begins with a consultation with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner. They check the present health and history of any mental or physical ailments before getting the patient admitted to the faculty.

Day 2-3: The next two days are dedicated to preparing the patient's body for the panchakarma treatment. Since it is a complex process, the body needs adequate rest and sleep to undergo the treatment.

The patient is prescribed a special diet that is prepared according to the body's needs. The diet is light but nutritious so that the body doesn't run out of energy.

Day 4: On the fourth day, the procedure begins with Vamana treatment. The herb-induced vomiting therapy removes Kapha and makes the body feel lighter.

Day 5: The fifth day is dedicated to the Virechana procedure. The herbally-induced purgation helps in removing the Pitta toxins from the body.

Day 6: The sixth day of the 7-day panchkarma is reserved for the Vasti treatment. It is also known as enema therapy, which cleanses the toxins from the colon. Medicated oil or ghee is used as an enema. It is very effective in removing solid wastes.

The nasayam and raktmokshana are done simultaneously with other procedures. Nasayam is usually done on an empty stomach in the morning. The Raktmokshana is usually done in the afternoon.

Day 7: The last day of the panchkarma is focused on relaxation. Adequate rest is provided to the body so that it can recover its normal strength. The Ayurvedic practitioner will recommend specific exercises and a meditation practice that suits the body needs of the patient.

• How is it done?

Panchkarma is a complicated process of various steps which should be strictly done under the care of a trained and certified Ayurvedic professional practitioner. It consists of 5 basic steps

The five main Karmas or procedures to cleanse the complete body are

Vamana (induced emesis) -

Medically induced vomiting helps clear the upper gastric region to the duodenum and part of the respiratory tract.

This intense treatment helps to cure and prevent the occurrence of the disbalance of Kapha. It also regulates the water element. It also helps in releasing suppressed emotions which are stored as Kapha toxins.

Virechanam (induced purgation) -

Medically induced purgation mainly works on clearing the small intestine.

This procedure helps in maintaining the balance between Kapha and Pitta. The accumulated toxins when flushed out, provide relief from digestive troubles and impart clarity of thought.

Vasti (enema) -

Oil or ghee enema is given to the patient as per the needs of the body

The enema helps lubricate the rectal area. It takes out all the fatty soluble waste out through the anus.

Nasyam (nasal cleaning)-

Nasyam is nostril cleansing with medicated oils.

It clears the Kapha dosha from the region above the shoulders.

Raktmokshana (Blood letting)

It is one of the most complicated steps where blood is surgically drawn out of the body.

It helps with veins' health and the circulation of the blood.

• Conclusion

In a nutshell, the 7-day panchakarma treatment is a safe and healthy way to eliminate toxins from your body and mind. It has been practised for thousands of years and has medically proven benefits. It helps to restore the equilibrium of the basic body energies and aligns the body with nature. But it should be carried out only under the guidance of a trained and certified professional in a reputed ashram. Only Ayurvedic practitioners can understand the needs of the body and recommend the Panchkarma treatment.