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Ayurveda

Treatments: Pancha Karma

Translating to the “five actions” or “treatments,” pancha karma is a five-fold cleansing and detoxification therapy which uses five treatments to release toxins from the body and restore the doshas to their state of balance.  The primary focus is on the digestive tract and respiratory system.  Specific treatments are also used to cleanse the body of toxicity as a result of emotional stresses, and to reverse premature aging by revitalizing tissues.

The treatments are highly personalized based on the needs of the individual and depending on the elimination of excesses within the doshas. Often, less than five of the therapies are needed.

1. Vamana 
Expels excess kapha dosha by using therapeutic vomiting to remove mucus and phlegm from the sinuses, lungs, chest, and stomach.  Physical symptoms of excess can include colds, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, diarrhea, diabetes, tumors, allergies, parasites, and skin conditions.  Licorice or salt is usually drunk, followed by rubbing the tongue which stimulates the gag reflex to cause vomiting. Without proper guidance, this therapy can be dangerous as it can cause damage to the nerve reflexes.

2. Virechana 
Expels excess pitta dosha by using therapeutic regurgitation and/or laxatives to remove excess bile from the gall bladder, liver, and small intestine.  Herbs or herbal combinations are used to induce the desired effect.  Physical symptoms of excess can include skin conditions (acne, eczema, rashes), fever, abdominal tumors, constipation, and jaundice.

3. Basti
Expels excess vata dosha by using herbal enemas to remove toxins from the large intestine and colon.  A healthy, functioning colon is very important for the proper assimilation of nutrients. Enemas may be oil-based (for toning) or non oil-based (for cleansing) decoctions.  For disorders of the reproductive system, these decoctions may also be administered through the urethra (for men) or vagina (for women).  Physical symptoms of excess can include constipation, kidney stones, sciatica, joint pain (arthritis, rheumatism), muscular atrophy, and numerous neurological and mental disorders.

4. Nasya
Expels excess Kapha dosha by administering medicinal preparations through the nasal cavity to remove toxins from the sinuses, throat and head.  These preparations may involve snuffing dry powders into the nasal cavity, or lubricating the nasal cavity with clarified butter (ghee) or medicated oils.  Some methods involve intaking the oils through the nose and expelling them through the mouth. Physical symptoms of excess include sinus congestion, headaches, migraines, eye and ear problems, disorders of the neck and shoulders, and speech disorders.

5. Raktalmoksha 
Expels excess pitta dosha by detoxifying the blood.  This is often done by extracting small amounts of blood from veins in various areas of the body (blood lettingThe pricking of the skin for the purpose of releasing blood (referred to as Phlebotomy in modern medicine), believed to be tainted, in order to cure the patient).  Known as toxemia, toxins in the blood can cause repeated infections and various circulatory conditions. Raktalmoksha is used for disorders of the skin, liver, spleen and for hypertention.  Blood letting also stimulates the spleen to produce chemicals which, in turn, stimulates the immune system.  When the blood is first released, it will typically be dark or purplish. When the therapy is complete, the blood should be bright red. The amount of blood released ranges from a prick to several ounces. Other forms of Raktalmoksha include the use of herbal preparations and chromatherapy.

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