Panchkarma Chikitsa
Ayurveda has rightly emphasized that health is not only the state of not having disease but, it is the state of normalcy of Dosha, Dathu, Agni and Malakriya. It also includes the Prasanna Atma (soul), Indriya (sense organs) and Manas (mind).
Three doshas of the body, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which broadly represent the nervous system, the metabolic system and the nutritive system, keep the human body in balance. Whenever the delicate balance between these doshas is disturbed, a disease may be manifested. The main objective of the Ayurvedic system of treatment is to restore the original state of equilibrium between the doshas. In order to achieve the same Ayurveda has advocated certain regimens and treatment modalities such as Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Vega Adharana, Rasayana–Vajikarana and Panchakarma.
Panchakarma is a method of cleansing the body of all the unwanted waste after lubricating it. Panchakarma treatment is unique in the sense that it includes preventive, curative and promotive actions for various diseases.
Panchkarma includes five karmas to cleanse the complete body are Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana, Nasya and Astapana Vasti.
The complete process of Panchkarma consist of three steps.
1. Poorva karma which consist two process Snehan & Swedan.
2. Pradhan Karma is the actuall panchkarma process.
3. Paschaat Karma is the post therapy Dietary Regimen.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance. A standardized Shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with Shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects.
Shirobasti
Shirovasti is for the treatment of ear issues and Vata-based damage to the cranial nerves. For this, a leather sleeve placed on the shaven head of the patient is fixed in place with kneaded dough, and oil is poured continuously into it.
Netra Tarpana
Netra Tarpana is an ancient ayurvedic method that has been used for thousands of years. To treat disorders of the eyes, Netra Tarpana proves beneficial for those who regularly work in front of computers and experience discomfort. In today’s age of technology, our eyes are constantly staring at screens and bearing harsh emissions. With this treatment, ghee can be used as both a preventive and curative measure.
Netra Pindi
Netra Pindi, is a traditional Ayurvedic eye therapy that involves the application of medicated pottali over the eyes. This therapeutic technique has been practiced for centuries and is highly regarded for its profound benefits in improving eye health naturally.
Basti
Basti Karma is one of the modalities among the five biocleansing/detoxifying procedures (Panchakarma procedures/ Samshodhan Chikitsa) advocated in Ayurveda as i.e.Vaman (Therapeutic emesis), Virechan (Therapeutic Purgation), Basti (Medicated Enema), Nasya (Infiltration of drugs through nostrils) & Raktamokshana (Bloodletting by different methods). In Basti Karma the medicated oil or herbal decoction is administered through the anal route. In modern medicine enemas are most commonly given to clean the lower bowel as a last resort for constipation treatment when, all other methods fail. But rather than this, Basti Karma mentioned in Ayurvedic classics is having broader therapeutic action on almost all the tissues of the body and have rejuventive , curative, preventive and health promotive actions.
Basti have been categorised into various types according to type of ingredients action of Basti & number of Basti. Medicines/ ingredients used in Basti Karma are selected as per the condition of disease & condition of the patient. Basti is commonly used alone or along with Ayurveda medication, in all Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders) & is also indicated in various diseases as Anaha (Distended Abdomen), Malavrodh (Constipation), Rajokshay (Amenorrhea), Adhman (Abdominal spasmodic Pain), Vatrakta (Gout), Pleeha (splenomegaly) Parshva graham (Slipped Disc), Prishta graham (Spondylosis), Akshepak (Paralysis) etc. It is also used for increasing weight in emaciated peoples (by Brihan Basti), & for reduce weight in obese (by Lekhan Basti).
Vaman
Vaman is a cleansing procedure intended mainly for the expulsion of vitiated ‘Kapha’. This is a painless, drug induced emetic procedure, carried out mainly in the Vasant rhitu i.e. Feb. ,Mar. & April Months.Vaman procedure purifies internal toxins. It acts as hormones to act balance hormonal system. Vaman acts on Thyroid gland. It stimulates to Pancreas also to secret insulin in normal level, so P.C.O.D. decreases accordingly.
Virechan
Virechana stands out as a prominent approach in Ayurveda’s panchakarma treatments. It specifically targets pitta-dominant imbalances, addressing concerns such as skin issues and blood impurities.
This purification process involves the use of laxative medicines to cleanse the pitta-influenced intestines. It aims to eliminate toxic waste from vital organs like the liver, gallbladder, and intestines while removing excess bile toxins from the body’s midsection. Well-applied Virechana can counter ulcers, gastritis, IBS, jaundice, kidney problems, intestinal colic, and asthma. Furthermore, it proves beneficial in alleviating or resolving fever, skin ailments, bleeding disorders, nosebleeds, spleen irregularities, worm infestations, anemia, headaches, burning eyes, chronic cough, rhinitis, gout, gynecological issues, rheumatic conditions, and loss of appetite.
Snehan
The use of medicated oils, either internally or externally, is called Snehan (oleation). Snehan refers to the administration of medicated fats or the massage of oil over the skin for a specific period. A number of methods of Snehan therapy have been described in the Ayurvedic texts. The use of oleation results in unctuousness and softness of morbid doshas, which become easily extractable and ready to move from places where their occupation is undesirable and unwarranted.
Snehan is performed using substances of vegetable origin such as Til, Erand, Mahua, Sarson, Neem, Karanj, Shaijan, Priyal and Bahera, as well as substances of animal origin such as milk, curd, Ghee, meat, fat and bone tissue. The use of a specific snehan substance also depends upon the season of treatment. Therefore, while the use of Ghee has been recommended during the fall season, oil is the preferred substance during winters and the use of fat and bone marrow has been recommended during the spring season.
Swedana
Swedana, or Sudation Therapy, involves inducing sweat in the patient. It channels amam, or pent-up toxins inside the body, to places from where they can be easily ejected by the system during Pradhanakarma. It is usually conducted as the last stage of Purvakarma after Pachana (Digestion Therapy) and Snehana (Oleation Therapy). But it is important as a stand-alone treatment as well.
Swedana is a cleansing-cum-stress relieving therapy recommended for patients suffering from ailments such as asthma, weight and digestion issues, and body inflammation.
Raktamokshana
Raktamokshan is the procedure of blood-letting. In this procedure we take out the impure blood, due to which a person is suffering from a disease. Hence this procedure detoxifies ‘raktadhatu’ ( Blood). It is really very helpful & effective procedure though it sounds very primitive. Not more than 100 to 150 ml blood is taken out at one sitting. Sharad rutu (i.e. period between September to November) is a classical period for detoxification of your body through raktamokshan.
Raktamokshana can be used in the treatment of following diseases:-All types of Skin diseases, Psoriasis, liken planes, leukoderma, Hyperlipidemia, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Acne, Gout, Obesity, vertigo, Herpes Infections, General Detoxification etc…