Panchakarma / Ayurveda Detox Treatment

When do I go for detox?
Ideally one should undergo detox during every seasonal change. However the best way to understand that it is time for detox is if you encounter any of the below signs and symptoms:

1. Heaviness & lethargy.
2. Lack of mental clarity & energy.
3. Feel weary & unenthusiastic.
4. Tongue coating.
5. Aches & pains.
6. Gastrointestinal complaints of bloating, gas, constipation, acidity, etc.
7. Skin blemishes.
8. Metabolic diseases like diabetes, obesity, etc.

"The fact that we are not at ease is the best sign to let us know that it is time for a detox."

Panchakarma / Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of removing accumulated toxins and waste products that build up within our systems. Detoxification is a great first step to being any lifestyle change whether its for a specific health concern like high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia, or for something more general like weight loss. The benefits are almost immediately felt as energy is improved and wellness returns

Panchkarma include three parts :-
1) Poorvakarma (Preparatory methods)
which is inclusive of :

a) Pachana (Digestion)
b) Snehana (Internal & External Oleation)
c) Swedana (Foementatio n)

2) Pradhankarma (Main methods)

a) Vamanan (Therapeutic Vomitting)
b) Virechana ( Therapeutic Purgation)
c) Basti ( Medicated Enemas)
d) Nasya ( Elimination of toxins through the nose)
e) Raktamokshna ( Artificial blood letting for detoxification of the blood)

3) Paschatkarma (Post therapeutic measures)
This includes Sansarjan Karma (Specific dietetics), Dhumapana (inhaling of medicinal herbal sticks) & few rules to be followed.

a) Vamana : Congestion in the upper respiratory tract due to imbalanced doshas (mainly Kapha dosha) and elimination of them through upper pathway itself i.e. mouth, this procedure is known as Vamana.

Benefits : Bronchial asthma, Chronic allergies, Hay fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic indigestion, Nasal congestion, Sinusitis, Odema, Skin disorders, toxin/poison administration etc.

b) Virechana : This is a medicated purgation therapy which removes pitta dosha toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver, gall bladder and small intesline. It completely cleanses the gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without any side effects.

Benefits : To rule out chronic fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders like Psoriasis, Eczema, Herpes zoaster etc, Mental disorders, Jaundice, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Headache, Gynaecological problems etc.

c) Basti : The chief karma in panchkarma is described as Basti since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the tridoshas (Vatta, Pitta, Kapha) mainly working on Vatta dosha, the prominent place of Vatta being the colon (Basti).
Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating therapy. Medicated Oil/Ghee/Herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied from 8 days to 30 days, based on the medical condition of the patient.

Benefits : Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Paralysis, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable bowel syndrome, Constipation, Backache, Sciatica, obesity, Piles, Sexual debility & Infertility, Acne, Kidney stone, Sinusitis, Gynaecological disorders like ovarian cyst, fibroids in uterus, Irregular menstruation etc. High blood pressure, Heart problems, Flatulance - Gastric disturbances etc.

d) Nasya : The nose is said to be the door way to the brain & to the conciousness. Nasal administration of medicated oils through nose to cleanse accumulated kapha toxins from neck & head region is called Nasyam.

Benefits : Trigeminal Neuralgia, facial palsy, Sinusitis, convulsions, hairfall, premature greying, increase memory power & concentration, for eyesight, for facial glow, Insomnia, loss of smell & taste, frozen shoulder, Migraine, neck stiffness, Nasal polyp, Neurological dysfunctions etc.

e) Raktamokshana ( Blood Purification / Leech Therapy )
The Leeches are worms living in the water. Leeches used worldwide for medical purpose. A single leech can suck upto 10-30 ml. impure blood. In General, Leech therapy is indicated for the problems such as skin diseases, inflammatory reaction, Arthritis & rheumatic disorder, Tenderness varicose veins, thrombus , arthrosis, muscular tension, for blood purification & generation, thrombosis & embolism, congestion, hypertention pain relif etc.