About 5000 years ago when Ayurveda originated in India, there came into existence other practices and methods of healing as well. Panchkarma is an Ayurvedic healing treatment where it leads to a road of detoxification and ancient practices mentioned in the Vedic texts. Rooted on the principle of maintaining the body’s equilibrium through food intake, herbal medicines and yogic breathing techniques, these Ayurvedic practices remain relevant in today’s world.
Panchakarma
is coined from two Sanskrit words “Pancha”, meaning five and “Karma”, meaning actions or treatments. Thus said, Panchakarma is a five-step process that involves the removal of all negative effects from the body. It could be because of poor health choices, disease and environmental pollution. By restoring our natural healing capacity, quality of life our healing abilities improve. When these are complimented with practices to heal the soul and emotions such as meditation and yoga, we achieve total Ayurvedic good health.
Panchakarma treatments work on the basis that the body has the natural capacity to process and remove any toxins from its system. Our body can heal and purify itself but this quality wears out due to many factors. Lifestyle choices such as poor diet, alcohol consumption and smoking and long-drawn-out hours take their toll on bodily functions. Disease and some genetic pre-conditions also make for the inability to maintain the right balance within us.
Panchakarma treatment is unique in the sense that it includes preventive, curative and promotive actions for various diseases. 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. To achieve the same Ayurveda has advocated certain regimens and treatment modalities such as Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Vega Adharana, Rasayana–Vajikarana and Panchakarma.
The name Panchakarma means “Five Actions” which is well-suited given the fact that this technique relies upon five distinctive basic activities that control the body namely Vomiting, Purgation, Niruham, Anuvaasan, and Nasyam. In other words, Panchakarma healing technique is a pillar on which the majority of Ayurvedic techniques stand.
Taking the Panchakarma treatment is essential as it lays down the very foundation of your journey towards good health – a cleansed body. Essentially, it is restoring your body to as near a clean slate as possible – free of toxins and naturally doing the process of eliminating and further imbalances. Simply put, we do not build a beautiful house on a termite-infested foundation. We need to rebuild, restore and rejuvenate. Such is the important role that Panchakarma plays in Ayurveda. It is one of the best steps that you can take at the beginning of the journey to detoxify. This Ayurveda treatment process achieves optimum balance and health through five steps. This method has been in practice for many years and people have found several benefits from Panchakarma.
