Panchakarma is always performed in three phases:
- Purvakarma (Preparatory Procedure)
- Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)
- Paschata Karma (Post-operative procedure)
Preparatory Procedure (Purvakarma)
It is done to prepare the body to eliminate the doshas with prescribed methods. It includes:
- Dipana (Enhancing the agni)
- Pachana (Digestion of Aama)
- Snehana (Internal & external oleation)
- Swedana (Sudation)
Main Procedure (Pradhana Karma)
Procedure used to eliminate the doshas is done in this phase. Five procedures are:
- Vamana (Emesis Therapy)
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy)
- Basti (Enema Therapy)
- Nasya (Errhine Therapy)
- Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy)
Post Operative Procedures (Paschata Karma)
It is done to re-store the Agni & strength of the body. Special dietetic regimen is advised in this phase.
Panchakarma is not an easy task. It requires skill and experience to perform these procedures. It is done according to season, disease, patients’ prakriti etc. So it is advisable to perform these procedures under a skillful and registered ayurved practitioner.
Snehana (Internal & External oleation)
Snehana means the therapy which provides oiling to the body. It is done as external oleation or by internal oleation or by both as per the requirement of the body. It is the major preparatory procedure of panchakarma processes. Snehana is not only done as preparatory process but also done in treatment of many diseases.
Swedana (Sudation)
Swedana refers to the process by which sweat or perspiration is produced in the body by using various methods. It is also a major part and important part of preparatory procedure when combined with oleation therapy. It helps to move the toxins from branches (Shakha) to Koshtha. Steam bath is given to whole body as well as local area also.
Vamana
It is a purificatory procedure in which toxins (Doshas) from the body are removed by emesis (Vomiting). It is beneficial in all kapha dosha dominant diseases.
Virechana
It is a purificatory procedure in which toxins (Doshas) from the body are removed by purgation. It is beneficial in all pitta dosha dominant diseases. In this procedure doshas are removed in less stress.
Basti
Basti is the procedure in which medicine is administered through anal canal and reaches upto small intestine, anatomical landmarks on the abdomen, it churns the accumulated doshas and purisha, then comes out with doshas and purisha. Basti is not merely the enema, but it is a highly complex, sophisticated and systemic therapy having wider range of therapeutic actions. It is considered as prime treatment modality for vata dosha.
Nasya
“Naasayam Praniymanam aushadhama nasyam” Nasya is a therapeutic measures where the medicated oil, kwatha, swarasa, churna etc. are administered through nose to eliminate the vitiated doshas situated is sira for the treatment of Urdvagatrugata (Above clavicle) diseases. Nose is considered as the gateway of head. Drug administered through nose reaches the brain and eliminates the toxins (Doshas) responsible for producing disease. Pratimarsha type of nasya can be done on daily basis also. Pratimarsha is beneficial for all and dose consume much time.
Dipana (Enhancing the Agni)
Dipana is the process of stimulation of Jatharagni. Pippali, Pippalimula, chitraka, chavya, ajmoda etc. are known as dipaniya dravyas.
Pachana (Digestion of Ama)
Pachana is the process of digesting Ama.
Janu Basti
Janu basti is the panchakarma procedure in which oil is retained at knee joint with the help of special instrument.
Rakta Mokshana
“Raktasya Mokshanam Raktasrava” Raktamokshana is a procedure of letting out impure blood from the body. It is done by using sharp surgical instruments or by parasurgical measures. Rakta plays the main role in spreading the disease from one part to another by carrying doshas. So raktamokshana will be helpful in removing those toxins which will aggravate the disease.
Akshi Tarpana
Tarpan literary means ‘to nourish’. Akshi Tarpan refers to the procedure which is done to nourish eyes by fatty materials.
Griva Basti
Griva basti is done in same manner as in kati basti but oil is retained at back of the neck.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is the procedure in which medicated oil, milk, etc. liquid is poured in a continuous stream of
drip on forehead. Shirodhara keeps the mind calm and helps to resolve the problems of stress. Just as a
continuous stream of cold water is dripped on shivalinga which helps to make lord shiva calm, shirodhara dose the same