Panchakarma - Ayurvedic Deep Cleansing

“Cleansing” is a word we often hear in the holistic health community. Everyone has their opinion on what cleanse “works” and “detoxes” the body. But not every cleanse works for everyone! Has a juice fast left you bloated and constipated? This is because modern detox diets do not take into account the unique body type, digestion, disease, and degree of imbalance of each person.

Ayurvedic cleansing, on the other hand, is based on immense ancient experience and wisdom, which has led to a profound understanding of the human body, its imbalances, and specific detoxes and treatments that are necessary for each person. In Ayurveda, the root cause of ALL illness is poor digestion of the food you eat, as well as unresolved (undigested) emotions. This creates blockages in the body which eventually lead to imbalance and illness.

Many symptoms can be reversed with changes in diet and lifestyle. However, when diseases enter the skin, muscle, organ tissue, bones, nervous system, urinary system, and reproductive system, it becomes more difficult to remove with simple diet. These imbalances may require Ayurveda’s deep-cleansing treatment called “Panchakarma.” Panchakarma helps to pull the toxins out of the deeper tissues and expel them through the GI tract.

Brief Descriptions of the Five Panchakarma

In Sanskrit, “Pancha” means five. “Karma” means action. So, Panchakarma is a five-fold treatment plan that helps eradicate deeper tissue imbalances. The five major treatments are:

• Vamana – Controlled Emesis/Vomitting
• Virechana – Purgation
• Basti – Enema
• Nasya – Nasal Oiling
• Rakta Moksha – Blood-letting

Vamana

Vamana is vomiting therapy. This is not practiced very much in the West, but it is a common healing treatment used in traditional Ayurvedic centers in Southeast Asia and India. Vamana treats disorders which are seated in the stomach, which are always related to a buildup of Kapha dosha in the body. Excess Kapha can be seen in growths of any kind, such as fibroids, cysts, stones, and tumors. It is also linked to asthma, chest congestion, sinus congestion, high cholesterol, heart congestion, edema, nausea, and diabetes. 

Kapha is related to the Earth and Water elements. So, when it is in excess, it shows up as “extra” material or fluid. This can be caused by a Kapha-imbalancing diet and lifestyle, such as heavy, sweet, raw, frozen, and cold foods; lots of red meat and dairy; and a sedentary lifestyle. Vamana is a one-day process and is always the first therapy performed in Panchakarma.

Virechana

Virechana is purgation therapy. It expels bodily toxins via the colon. This is a common treatment for excess Pitta dosha in the body. Excess Pitta dosha can be seen in skin diseases, liver imbalance, burning sensations in the body, prostatitis, body inflammation, eye disorders, endometriosis, and other disorders.

Pitta dosha is related to our Fire element. So, typically excess Pitta involves some kind of burning or redness. This can be caused by years of Pitta-imbalancing diet and lifestyle, such as spicy foods, oily foods, refined flours/sugars, lots of coffee/tea, heavy exercise, living in a hot climate, and other factors. 

Virechana is a one-day process and is always after Vamana therapy. 

Basti

Basti is the Ayurvedic enema. It comes in two types – Niruha Basti and Anuvasana Basti. Niruha basti is decoction-based. It is typically made with water boiled down with herbs, with added salt, honey, and sometimes oil. Anuvasana Basti is oil-based. These can be sesame oil or ghee enemas, occasionally mixed with herbs as well, depending on the patient.

Basti helps to scrape toxins from the colon, which is the seat of Vata dosha in the body. It is the number one treatment and preventative protocol for people who are high in Vata dosha. Excess Vata dosha can manifest as arthritis, rheumatism, pain, cramps, PMS, hormonal issues, dry skin, chronic constipation, bloating, gas, Parkinsons, and other disorders.

Vata dosha is related to our Air and Space elements. Air tends to make things dry and hard. This is what happens when a person has too much Vata. They become stiff, dry, in pain, and gassy! This usually results from following a Vata-imbalancing diet and lifestyle, such as lots of travelling, dry foods, cold foods, rough foods (broccoli for example), yeasted breads, raw foods, and overeating.

Basti can be a 1 to 30 day process, depending on the imbalance!

Nasya

Nasya is nose oleation therapy. It involves placing herb-infused oil or ghee into the nose. The upper part of the nose is directly connected to the brain. This treatment is recommended for anxiety, anger, headaches, depression, autism, ADHD, and other mental imbalances.

Rakta-moksha

Rakta-moksha is the practice of blood-letting. It is typically used in the treatment of certain types of Pitta disorders such as acidic digestion and skin disease. Traditionally, this is done using leeches. The leeches remove the blood from the body, and this immediately calms Pitta. Since this practice is not permitted in the West, an alternative would be donating blood. Relieving the body of excess blood helps to reduce excess heat and Pitta dosha.

The Panchakarma Schedule

Preparation

All Panchkarma treatments require a preparation process. First, the ama/toxins that are still in the digestive tract must be cleared.
Cleaning the GI tract creates a space through which the deeper tissue toxins can be excreted.

This is done through diet and herbs. (This will be the topic of my upcoming Ayurvedic Cleanse Program!) This process can vary from one week to one month. As you approach the treatment, your diet becomes simpler. During treatment, you might only eat a herbal rice porridge twice daily in order to avoid straining your digestion.

Then, depending on which of the five Panchakarma treatments your Ayurvedic physician recommends, each one comes with its own preparation process. For example, Virechana requires several days of ingesting medicated ghee to pull toxins from the liver and several days of external oil massage to loosen toxins in the deeper tissues.

Without proper preparation, these treatments are not useful. This is because the toxins must be loosened and brought into the GI tract with therapies and herbs FIRST in order for your body to expel them. 

During treatment

Panchakarma brings to the surface all of the accumulated toxins and emotions that have been lingering in your system for a long time. Therefore, during treatment, a very calming schedule is advised. Mild stretching, walking, meditating, light reading, drawing, and being in nature will enhance the healing effects. Electronics, loud music, and heavy exercise will disturb the body during this delicate time.

The diet during a pure Panchakarma is only rice, mung bean and spices, as well as herbal tea. There are typically no fruits, salads, juices, wheat, dairy, bread, meat, fish, etc. becuase your digestion during panchakarma is weakened!

Post-treatment

Post-treatment requires working back up to a normal diet slowly and incrementally. It involves some herbs to be taken internally, perhaps even some external pastes applied to the skin.

This is a very important part of treatment. They say that the worst thing you can do after a detox is to immediately return to your original diet. You will not be able to digest it well, and these toxins will get pushed deep into your body. It is beneficial to slowly work up to a simple, Ayurvedic diet, appropriate to your constitution and rich in whole, unprocessed foods, that will nourish your body well.  

Other Therapies

If you have diseases of the deeper tissues, Panchakarma is not the only Ayurvedic protocol there is. In fact, it is very weakening to the body. It essentially breaks you down so it can build you back up to your healthiest self. But, for those who are weak, such as terminal cancer patients, the elderly, and children, Panchakarma is not recommended. Many conditions can be resolved through long-term intake of herbs and a specific diet. 

Ayurveda has many topical therapies, such as Shirodhara, an oil treatment for the head which is excellent for anxiety-caused constipation. Aroma therapies, marma (acupressure) therapies, and many others are often used when someone cannot complete a full Panchakarma program.

How do I get Panchakarma?

There are certified clinics that perform Panchakarma. I recommend thoroughly reading the reviews and testimonials to ensure it is an authentic experience. It must be done properly, and it is best done during the transition of seasons, especially the end of November and beginning of spring.

A Panchakarma Resort vs. a True Panchakarma

Many Westerners are seeking Panchakarma treatments these days. Lots of Panchakarma resorts around the world, especially in Sri Lanka and India, are coming up to meet this need. However, you might find that these resorts will not offer you a true, traditional Panchakarma treatment.

Panchakarma is not intended to be a pleasant, spa-like process. It is TOUGH, with minimal food of plain rice and mung bean, bitter medicines, lots of oil/ghee, and minimal activity. A Panchakarma resort that serves fruits and salads during treatment is NOT A TRADITIONAL Panchakarma program! This may give you a boost of energy, but it can cause problems later. This may give you an insight into the essence of Ayurveda (dedicating time to your mind and body, eating vibrant foods, etc.) but it is not a proper cleanse. Especially when cleansing the bowels, eating fruits and vegetables may clog the channels and contribute to illness later. Be sure you are working with doctors who practice Panchakarma in the way it was designed!

Panchakarma is an incredibly powerful treatment tool that is still practiced today due to its healing effects. For those who want to avoid Western treatments and medicine, it would be worth looking into a proper Panchakarma plan!

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