02. STAGES OF PANCHAKARMA

Poorv (pre) Karm:

For a better outcome of Panchakarma treatment, it is essential to prepare the body before the main purification procedure. For this, we have three pre-purification measures –

1. Deepana-Pachana
2. Snehana
3. Swedana
4. Deepana-pachanga means oral administration of digestive herbs to increase Agni (the digestive fire) and liquefy the toxins so they can be removed easily from the body.
5. Snehana means Oleating the body. There are two types of Snehana- Internal and External.

• Internal Oleation is the administration of medicated ghee internally. Ghee is ‌administered in increasing doses for 3-7 days. The type and dose of medicated ghee depend upon the disease condition and nature of the patient.
• External Oleation means body massage using specific oils. It can be done for the entire body or just specific parts. Oils are selected as per the disease condition.
• Oleation helps the toxins to move toward the gastrointestinal tract. It also softens the superficial and deep tissues and nourishes the nervous system.

• Swedanais induce sweat with the help of steam. It is done by making the person sit in a chamber filled with steam from herbal decoctions. It detaches toxins from tissues and expels them through the tiny pores of the skin along with the sweat.

Pradhan (Main) Karm:

The Main 5 Panchakarma Therapies

Specific uses of Panchakarma Processes as per patient’s complaints

Vamana

Virechana

Basti

Nasya

Raktamokshana

Paschat (post) Karm:

This is a post-purification regime to restore digestive power and bring normalcy to the body. It is done through specific diet, lifestyle management, rejuvenating medicines, and specific herbal preparations. It includes –

1. Sansarjan Karma: It is a specific diet protocol aiming to gradually increase diet from liquids to semi-solids to a normal diet.
2. Administration of Rasayan: Taking a rejuvenating medicine as per your condition is used to help physically restore the body.
3. Shaman Chikitsa: Adding appropriate ayurvedic medicine may help further reduce the disease symptoms.