PANCHAKARMA

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation program that involves a series of specialised treatments and therapies to eliminate toxins from the body, balance the doshas, and restore overall health and vitality.

Panchakarma is a treatment program for the body, mind and consciousness that cleanses and rejuvenates. It is based on Ayurvedic principles, every human is a unique phenomenon manifested through the five basic elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

The combination of these elements are three doshas (tridosha): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and their balance is unique to each individual. When this doshic balance is disturbed it creates disorder resulting in disease.

Panchakarma is designed for each person with their specific constitution and disorder in mind, and requires close observation and supervision.

The Stages of a Panchakarma

  • Before the actual purification begins, the body is prepared with prescribed methods to encourage it to let go of toxins.

    Poorva karma comprises

    Snehana (oleation)

    • Internal oleation by intake of medicated ghee/oil/healthy fats.

    • External oleation via external applications, massages etc.

    Snehan is an oil massage. Oil is applied to the entire body with a massage that helps toxins move toward the gastrointestinal tract.

    Oil massage softens the superficial and deep tissues, helping eliminate stress and nourish the nervous system.

    Swedana (fomentation)

    Svedana is sudation or sweating and is administered after the snehan. A herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further loosen toxins. Svedana liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastrointestinal tract.

  • After completing the first step, the Ayurvedic doctor decides which of the main procedures are required, depending upon the proximity of the toxins. For example, an increased level of upper respiratory tract waste calls for Vamanam. Similarly, a lower gastro accumulation of waste calls for a Virechanam. The other treatment therapies are Vasti, Nasyam and Raktamoksham that may be prescribed according to the individual’s constitution and needs.

  • The final stage of procedures includes a post-therapy dietary regimen to restore the body’s digestive and absorptive capacity to its normal state.

    This encompasses:

    Samsarjan Karma
    Post-Detox Food Therapy

    A special dietary protocol wherein food is gradually reintroduced from liquid to semi-solids and then to solid and normal food.

    Rasayanadi Prayogam
    The Rejuvenating Therapy

    Rasayana therapy replenishes the vital fluids of the body and boosts the immune system, eliminating diseases and minimising the effects of ageing.

Five Basic Shodanas of Panchakarma

The Cleansing Methods

  • Vamanam refers to controlled therapeutic emesis induced by administration of Ayurvedic emetic drugs (vamana oushadhis). This helps clear upper digestive tract, upper respiratory tracts, and sinuses by removing excess mucus and toxins.

  • Virechanam refers to controlled therapeutic purgation induced by administration of Ayurvedic purgative drugs (virechana oushadhis). This results in expulsion of vitiated doshas and other toxins returning the body to a state of balance.

  • Vasti is a specialised enema therapy that involves the administration of combination of Ayurvedic medicaments for local and systemic imbalances. It helps eliminate toxins, improves digestion, and balances the doshas. It is beneficial for various neurological disorders, digestive disorders, detoxification, and overall wellness.

  • Nasyam is the administration of medicated oils or herbal preparations into the nostrils. This treatment helps clear the nasal passages, promote respiratory health, improve mental clarity and alleviate sinus congestion and allergies.

  • Raktamoksham refers to the purification of blood via bloodletting. The stagnant impure blood from the body is let out to return the body to a state of balance This therapy is administered in cases of chronic ailments like rheumatic arthritis, neuralgia, swelling, unhealed wounds, abscesses, etc.

A Panchakarma Experience

"Ayurveda Loka is a small paradise with big effects. I arrived with weak health (diabetes, Hashimoto, Sreat) and experienced Panchakarma for the first time. It was just incredible. The medical care of Dr. Aparna and Dr. Abhishek was great. They really understood my body and checked and accompanied it daily. After six days I came to realise what is possible with diabetes.

The wonderful healthy food — a special compliment to the chef Sandeep and his entire kitchen team, Sudhin who served us every day with his wonderful smile and friendliness. The daily therapies from Jisha and Jomiya were just great.

Every application was a process of coming down, letting go and freeing yourself. The location in the middle of nature, the peace and the variety of fruit and vegetables is simply incredible. Everything is harvested and freshly prepared here. You experience a cooking class and see how easy it actually is to eat healthy. Daily yoga and meditation round everything off. The healing is experienced so quickly, indescribably.

I am now without my diabetes tablets and my awareness of nutrition and health has taken on a whole new meaning. Anand, the good soul on site, helps you with everything and I'm excited to see what other of his great ideas will be implemented. A big thank you to everyone there and I'm already looking forward to my next Panchakarma.”

— Anja Karbaumer

Panchakarma
at Ayurveda Loka

Panchakarma is a research-backed, scientifically proven set of five procedures which help the body to heal from simple to chronic diseases, from eczema to arthritis. It helps improve the quality of life in the case of lifestyle disorders as well as in debilitating diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and more.

Our 7 to 28-night all-inclusive panchakarma offers

- Flexible start date (based on availability)
- Accommodation and Ayurvedic meals
- Daily consultation with the physicians
- Twice daily treatments
- Detox day(s)
- Herbal teas
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- Nature walks
- Ayurveda talks
- Ayurveda inspired cooking classes
- Dinacharya or Ayurveda inspired daily rituals

Book a Panchakarma

Frequently asked questions

If you’re preparing for your Panchakarma experience or have questions for us that we haven’t addressed here, please reach out. We look forward to welcoming you at Ayurveda Loka.

  • If you are travelling long-distance, contact us for a pre-arrival checklist and pack accordingly. Finish your packing at least three days before and start on a calm note.

    Avoid overindulging in alcohol, coffee, or too heavy foods in the week leading up to the treatment.

    In the week following the treatment, avoid high intensity situations and create a space for a smooth transition back to your usual schedule.

  • Pregnant women should generally avoid undergoing Panchakarma or any intense detoxification treatments during pregnancy. Panchakarma involves specific therapies that aim to remove toxins from the body, and this process can be physically demanding and potentially risky for both the mother and the developing foetus.

    Panchakarma treatments are generally not recommended while breastfeeding. The therapies involved in Panchakarma, including detoxification procedures and the use of specific herbal formulations, may introduce substances into your body that can potentially be transmitted to your baby through breast milk. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both you and your child is of utmost importance during breastfeeding. If you are interested in Ayurvedic treatments or therapies while breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your Ayurvedic physician. They can provide guidance on safe and suitable approaches to support your health and well-being without compromising your baby’s health.

  • It is crucial to inform your Ayurvedic practitioner about any medications you are currently taking before starting a Panchakarma treatment. Ayurvedic and conventional medications can interact, and your practitioner will need to assess the potential conflicts or synergies. In many cases, Ayurvedic treatments are designed to gradually reduce or eliminate the need for certain medications, especially for chronic conditions. However, it’s essential to make any adjustments to your medication regimen under the guidance of both your Ayurvedic practitioner and your primary healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or adjust your medications without their approval. Your safety and well-being are paramount.

  • Panchakarma treatment is generally not recommended during the menstrual cycle, especially during the active bleeding phase. Menstruation is considered a period of natural cleansing and detoxification for women, and undergoing Panchakarma at this time may disrupt the body’s natural processes. It’s advisable to schedule your Panchakarma treatment during a different phase of your menstrual cycle when you are not menstruating. However, it’s crucial to discuss your menstrual cycle with your Ayurvedic practitioner, as they can provide specific guidance and make adjustments to your treatment plan based on your individual circumstances and health goals. Always prioritise open communication with your practitioner to ensure a safe and suitable experience.

  • Panchakarma treatment can be beneficial for individuals with certain skin conditions, but it must be carefully tailored to your specific condition and should only be conducted under the guidance of your Ayurvedic physician. Ayurveda offers specialized therapies for various skin conditions, including Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne, which can be integrated into a Panchakarma program. These treatments aim to purify the blood, balance doshas, and promote healthy skin. However, it’s essential to communicate your skin condition to your Ayurvedic practitioner, who will assess your situation and customise the treatment plan accordingly. They may recommend specific herbal formulations, dietary modifications, and external therapies to address your skin concerns safely and effectively.

  • If you have recently undergone surgery, it’s crucial to inform your Ayurvedic practitioner before considering Panchakarma treatment. Depending on the type of surgery, your current health status, and any ongoing post-surgical care, Panchakarma may not be advisable immediately after surgery. Surgery can impact the body’s healing processes, and Panchakarma involves detoxification and therapeutic procedures that might not be suitable during the early stages of post-operative recovery. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your specific situation, taking into account your surgical history, overall health, and any ongoing medical treatments, to determine when it’s safe and appropriate to undergo a Panchakarma.

  • Yes, Panchakarma treatment can be a beneficial option for individuals who are overweight or obese. Ayurvedic therapies, including Panchakarma, can be customised to address weight management and promote overall health. Panchakarma treatments are designed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), improve digestion, and eliminate toxins from the body, which can be especially helpful for those struggling with weight-related issues. Panchakarma can be a valuable component of a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, but it should be integrated into a comprehensive weight management plan that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet.

  • There isn’t a strict age limit for Panchakarma treatment, as it can be adapted for individuals of various ages. However, the choice of therapies and the approach may vary depending on the individual’s age and overall health. For elderly individuals, treatments may be gentler and customised to address age-related concerns. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can assess your specific circumstances and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. Open communication with your practitioner is key to making the treatment effective and comfortable, regardless of your age.

  • Panchakarma treatment can be adapted for individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension), but it should only be undertaken under the guidance of your Ayurvedic physician. Ayurvedic therapies, including Panchakarma, can be customised to support blood pressure management by focusing on stress reduction, balancing doshas, and improving overall health. Your Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your specific situation, monitor your blood pressure during the treatment, and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the therapies are safe and do not interfere with your hypertension management. Open communication between your Ayurvedic practitioner and your primary healthcare provider is crucial to ensure your well-being during Panchakarma treatment while managing hypertension.