Panchakarma
Panchakarma is an individual treatment of cleansing
and rejuvenation for body, mind and spirit and
plays a significant part in ayurvedic
medicine.
The term panchakarma refers to
the five main practises used to cleanse the
body of the excess doshas (vata, pitta, kapha)
and deep-seated accumulated toxins. Panchakarma
is prescribed for both the healthy and
unhealthy - with the exception of a pregnant or
nursing mother, the baby, the feeble or
debilitated. It is considered to be the best
therapy for curing and preventing diseases, as
well as for the revitalisation of the entire
human organism and the promoting of longevity
of the individual.
Panchakarma is anti-aging, as it
reverses the negative effects of our toxic and
stressful lifestyle. Toxins are removed not
only from the body but also from the mind and
emotions. This is the reason for the enhanced
clarity and lightness that is experienced after
a panchakarma program.
A panchakarma treatment restores
the constitutional balance, thereby improving
health and general well-being. It strengthens
the immune system, so that one becomes more
resistant to illness. It also improves self
reliance, strength, vitality and mental
clarity. Also deep relaxation and sound sleep
are brought about.
The Panchakarma
Treatment is carried out in three
phases:
(1) Preparation
(2) Treatments
(3) Post procedures to sustain
and maintain the effect of the treatments.
Following
a consultation,
in which your individual constitution will be
analyzed, the first step is oleation, which
initiates the process of loosening the toxins
(ama). Oleation is accomplished by thourough
oil massages (a heavenly experience!) with
medicated oil, suitable to the individual
constitution. Some oils may be taken internally
too, depending on the individual situation.
This is followed by a steam treatment to induce
sweating. These treatments encourage the body
to let go of the ama and let it flow into the
gastro-intestinal tract.
After the
body has been
prepared, it is
ready for the panchakarma. "Pancha" means five
and "karma" means actions. So now we can safely
implement the five actions to remove the ama
that has accumulated in the GI tract, by the
following procedures:
- emesis,
- purgation,
- punctuous or medicated
decoction enema and
- nasal insufflation.
These core treatments are done
with special consideration of the individual's
constitution. There may be additions,
omissions, or modifications made in order to
facilitate the individual's healing
process.
The third
phase of this
programme is the revitalization of the body
through ayurvedic herbs, wholesome activities
and diet, specific to one's individual
constition. These therapies are rejuvenative
and strengthening in nature and are designed to
sustain and maintain the positive effects of
the panchakarma.
Although the panchakarma process
may appear to be very simple, it is incredibly
powerful and effective and should be done only
under the guidance of a trained and competent
practioner. Properly done, panchakarma can give
us a sense of rebirth, with a whole new
perspective on a life in harmony with all of
creation.
Leela Mata conducts panchakarma
treatments in two slightly different ways:
(1) Those who not only want to do
Panchakarma for themselves, but also would like
to learn about the different techniques, should
do a panchakarma treatment where the
participants help each other with applying the
different treatment techniques, like giving
massages to each other. This is done under the
careful supervision of Leela Mata.
(2) Those who would simply like
to enjoy Panchakarma, and do not have an
interest in practising the techniques, should
do a Panchakarma treatment where Leela Mata is
assisted by massage therapists. |
