Panchkarma in Ayurveda : The Techniques Of Purification

introduction

Panchkarma is the technique of purification and removal of toxins from the human body before any medication could be prescribed to the patient. This is a very important procedure to be followed, as it ensures that the body is now free from toxins and the medicines can work to their full effect.
Panchkarma constitutes of two words, 'Panch' meaning five and 'Karma' meaning therapies. Together they mean 'The Five therapies of Purification' in Ayruvedic terms. These five therapies or the Panchkarma in Ayurveda are used to completely remove the impurities and toxins from the body and help harmonize the Doshas. The five therapies of treatment Virechana, Vamana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana constitute the Panchkarma.

Vamana:

This therapy is used to remove the Kapha toxins from the body, generally collected in the respiratory tract. This therapy is generally prescribed to people with high kapha imbalance, concentrating on first diluting them and then completely removing the toxins.
The technique is considered beneficial for ailments like hay fever, bronchial asthma, chronic diseases, etc.

Virechana:

Virechana is a medicated purgation therapy for the removal of Pitta toxins from the liver and the gall bladder. The technique is believed to have no side-effects and is found good for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, skin disorders, chronic fevers, etc. It is also a beneficial technique for the ailment of gynecological disorders, asthma, headaches, and digestive disorders.

Basti:

The fact that this therapy removes the toxins of all the three doshas, it is considered to be the mother of all the Panchkarma therapies. This therapy is also known as the enema therapy, as it includes treatments using different enema. This therapy is also very much prominently used as a source of body recreation. This treatment is believed to benefit Colitis, Convalescence, gout, muscle spasms, arthritis, obesity, piles, etc.

Nasya:

Nasya is medication by nasal treatment, as it involves the nose as the gateway to the brain. The toxins accumulated in the nasal cavity, sinus, throat, and the head are removed using the Nasya therapy. This therapy is believed to work wonders for ailments like insomnia, bel's palsy, neuralgia, premature graying of hair, and also headaches of different origins.

Raktmokshana:

This technique involves the cleansing of the toxins from the blood. This technique is a very rarely advised therapy off the panchkarma. This therapy actually means blood letting, and the toxins from the blood are removed using the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the involvement of blood treatment it is used in treating ailments like skin disorders, eczema, acne, rashes, etc.
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Source:ayurvedic-medicines.org.