Panchakarma The Science of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, which literally means the knowledge of life is the traditional healing
science of India. Viewing disease as the natural end result of living out of
harmony with our environment, Ayurveda emphasizes re-establishing harmony
and balance as the means of recreating a state of optimal health in our bodies and
minds.

While Ayurvedic methods utilize many therapies including herbs, diet,
aromatherapy, colour therapy, mantras, yoga, meditation and general lifestyle
counseling, the most profound of all treatments is that of Pancha Karma.


Pancha Karma is the traditional form of detoxification of the body and mind that
facilitates rejuvenation. It has been utilized for thousands of years as a method of
staying healthy, young and vital.

According to Dr. Deepak Chopra MD, "The value of Pancha Karma is that it offers
systematic treatment for dislodging and flushing toxins from every cell, using
the same organs of elimination that the body naturally employs -- sweat glands,
blood vessels, the urinary tract and the intestines."

Pancha Karma is unlike any other detoxification program because it is
fundamentally designed to remove a different form of toxin. While many toxins
exist in our environment which accumulate and harm our bodies, Ayurvedic
Pancha Karma addresses a special toxin called ama which is formed within our
own bodies.

Ama

Ama is the by-product of inadequate digestion. It has the qualities of stickiness
and heaviness. In our bodies it clogs our systems and damages our tissues. It is
among the most damaging of forces in our bodies and contributes to disease.

Here is an analogy to help you understand how ama is formed. Imagine that there
is a fire inside your stomach. Think of a campfire. If the fire is weak, it cannot
burn up the wood put on it. Instead, the wood smoulders and begins to smoke. In
the end, charred bits are left and the wood is not efficiently turned into ash.

Poor digestive fire, or digestive strength, leads to food being improperly digested.
This results in gas, bloating, burning indigestion, or constipation. In addition,
a residue of this poorly digested food accumulates in your digestive tract and
overflows into your bodily systems. This residue is called ama.

Ayurveda links the occurrence of ama in the body and a weak digestive system to
the cause of such chronic conditions such as candida, chronic fatigue syndrome,
migraine headaches, chronic respiratory disease and many other conditions. The
process of Pancha Karma removes ama and clears the way for the body to re-
establish an internal state of balance and harmony.

Ama may be present in the body if there is a coating on the tongue. A normal
tongue appears pink throughout, but as ama accumulates in the digestive
system, the tongue may appear with a white, yellow, green or grey film over it. In
addition, in some cases the body and breath develop a strong odour and the stool
becomes dense and sinks to the bottom of the toilet. (According to Ayurveda,
the normal stool should float). If you have any of these signs, Pancha Karma
treatment may be indicated.

The Process of Pancha Karma

Pancha Karma therapy begins with proper preparation. This includes several
days or weeks of a special diet and herbs which begin the process of loosening up
the ama and bringing it back to the digestive system for elimination. While the
person is eating special foods and taking special herbs and ghee (clarified butter),
oil and heat therapies are applied. These include the deeply relaxing therapies of
Shirodhara, Abhyanga, (Ayurvedic massage), and vastis, (warm oil applications).

Shirodhara is a unique therapy where the client lies down upon a massage table
with their eyes covered. Then, a specially prepared warm herbal oil or milk is
poured in a thin steady stream through a spicket directly onto the forehead and
sixth chakra. This blissful therapy purifies the mind, alleviates anxiety, reduces
headaches and expands awareness. Shirodhara can be administered by itself or as
part of a Pancha Karma regime.

Abhyanga can be administered by two practitioners who perform a
choreographed hand dance upon the body. This massage can also be given by one
practitioner. Using oils blended with special herbs, this abhyanga specifically
loosens up the ama stored in the tissues so that it can move back to the digestive
system. Not only is it cleansing, but it is deeply relaxing. Ayurvedic massage can
be administered by itself or as a part of Pancha Karma.

Swedana is a full-body steam therapy. Special herbs are fused into the steam and
together the heat and herbs dilate the channel systems of the body allowing the
stored ama to move back into the digestive system.

Once all of the ama is back in the digestive system, the next phase is to eliminate
it from the body. This is achieved by the administration of a purgative to cleanse
the small intestine and herbal enemas to cleanse the colon. A special form of
cleansing is applied to the sinuses called nasya. A warm saline solution is passed
through the nostrils using a neti pot. After this, oil and heat are applied over
the sinuses, followed by herbal oils that are administered directly into the nasal
passages. This procedure not only eliminates ama but is helpful in the treatment
of chronic allergic sinusitis and sinus headaches.

Rejuvenation

With the body clear of toxins and ama, it is much like a clean slate. Now the
internal energy of the body can be rebuilt. The rebuilding process strengthens
the digestive system and the immune system and entails taking additional special
foods and herbs. These herbs are designed to enhance the strength of immune
system and are revered for extending life.

The end result of Pancha Karma is an optimally functioning digestive system
and renewed internal energy. After receiving Pancha Karma the mind is light
and clear, the body is pure and the energy is high. For many it is a life-changing
experience.

Dr. David Frawley, renowned Vedic scholar says in his book, Ayurveda and the
Mind, "Pancha Karma is the main Ayurvedic method for physical purification. It
is useful for physical problems caused by excesses of the three doshas. Yet it can
also be helpful for psychological problems caused by internal factors, emotions
and karma.”

Pancha Karma is traditionally used in the healing of many diseases. It is an
intensive therapy best performed at a time when the patient has adequate time
to rest. Brief Pancha Karma programs last 7 days. This is followed by a period of
rejuvenation, which can be done at home. Extensive programs can be designed
for up to one month.

To learn more about Pancha Karma and to book your purification session,
contact us at Ayurveda.ottawa@gmail.com