In Sanskrit Pancha means five and Karma means actions. Thus Pancha Karma therapies are five profound healing modalities unique to Ayurveda. Pancha Karma is unique for two reasons,

Not only do these therapies remove the diseases from their site (i.e., arthritis in the hand) but remove the toxins from the body once and for all.

Pancha Karma therapies are able to heal diseases previously thought to be incurable according to Western medicine. It is a common occurrence to see people wheeled into Ayurvedic hospitals in India and walk out on their own two feet healthy after treatment. Some famous western hospitals known as the "last resort" for many illnesses, send their untreatable clients to these Ayurvedic hospitals when their clients cannot be helped even in these "last resort" western hospitals.

Each dosha benefits specifically from a different Pancha Karma therapy.

What are the five Pancha Karma therapies?
Vamana is a special medicated vomiting procedure to remove Kapha toxins (mucus, phlegm) from the sinuses, lungs and mainly the stomach (the origin site of Kapha dosha).

Virechana is a process of purgation used to flush Pitta toxins from the small intestine (the origin site of Pitta)

Basti is a medicated enema to remove toxins from the colon (the origin site of Vayu) and to tone and rejuvenate the colon. Two types of basti can be used depending upon the need; oily (for toning) and non oily (for cleansing)

Nasya is a group of herbal therapies applied through the nose. Herbs are used in various forms including powder (snuff), powder (blowing into nostrils, medicated oil, paste. These therapies are very good for mind, emotions, nerves, head and sinus conditions.

Blood letting removes the excess toxins in the blood, but it is not used in many Western countries because it requires a medical license to practice. Blood letting is listed by Sushrut- father of Ayurvedic surgery. In Charak Samhita, instead of blood letting, the two forms of basti are seen as two separate forms of pancha karma. A modern listing includes Shiro Dhara or hot-oil head massage (abhyanga).

What are the preliminary steps taken to prepare for Pancha Karma?

The idea behind Pancha Karma is to
Loosen the toxins where ever they exist (e.g., arthritis in the shoulder)

Release toxins through sweating and returning them to their origin sites (Stomach for Kapha; Small Intestine for Pitta; Colon for Vayu)

Preliminary procedures include special diet of
~ Kicharee (basmati rice, moongdal, ghee)
~ Oil abhyanga (massage)
~ Steam bath
~ Rest

     Once toxins are back in their origin site, they are ready to be completely eliminated from the body.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.