Panchakarma Ayurveda Centre in Ludhiana, Punjab, Panchakarma includes five natural methods of elimination, giving the body an intensively detoxifying application, while balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Vamanam (Emesis Therapy or vomiting): This process is well supervised at the Sanjivani Ayurvedshala, by highly trained therapists. Vamana is induced to eliminate the Kaphan dosha which causes the excess mucus. Congestion in the lungs causes repeated attacks of bronchitis, cold and cough. Vamana is the best treatment for Kapha-related diseases, obesity and also many of the stubborn skin disease such as psoriasis.
Virechanam (Purgation): The elimination of toxic matter from the intestines by administering therapeutic purgation or a therapeutic laxative, Virechanam is an especially effective cure in cases of Pitta related diseases and is applied in multiple diseases.
Aasthaapana/Niruham: An enema using quath or Kashaya Vasti and combating Vata dominant disease, (Vata is dominant in the colon). Vasti involves the introduction of a herbal concoction into the rectum, relieving constipation, kidney stones, backaches, sciatica, diseases of the nervous system and specific types of joint pain.
Anuvaasan (Oil enema): Most of the Vata related stubborn diseases such as paralysis, arthritis, joint disorders, constipation and urinary and reproductive organs are successfully treated by applying the Anuvasan Vasti procedure.
Nasyam: The inhalation of medicated oil through the nostrils, eliminating any excess of humours accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head areas. The patient’s body is massaged from the shoulders upwards, causing it to perspire. An exact dose of herbal medicine is poured into the nostrils as the patient inhales. During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palm and feet are rubbed. This is highly beneficial in conditions such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion. In the case of hemiplegia and facial paralysis also, nasyam is very effective.
A proper dietary regimen is followed both during and after Panchakarma. Detoxification from the ‘ama’ and purification of the bodily tissues can be touted as the only answer to the ever-escalating health problems. Panchkarma digs deep and rejuvenates our body and mind and helps maintain the healthy equilibrium of the doshas and the body tissues besides increasing immunity.
Snehnam and Swedanam –These two procedures are called poorva karmas or prerequisite of the Panchkarma. However, both of these can be applied independently wherever necessary.
Shirodhara – Though technically a part of the Snehanam procedure, it needs to be mentioned separately because it is a very successful therapy applied in certain psychological diseases like anxiety and depression and in chronic headaches and migraine-related situations.