Panchakarma: The Ultimate Maharishi Ayurveda Treatment
Date Posted:5 July 2011
Panchakarma is considered to be the most essential Ayurvedic purification therapy; since ancient times this practice has been used by Maharishi Ayurveda to build strength and promote youthfulness, well-being and longevity. Many factors contribute to toxins, impurities and blockages in the body's channels, such as poor diet, poor digestion, environmental toxins and stress. Panchakarma is a sequence of treatments designed to remove toxins and impurities from every single cell in the body, by utilising the organs that the body uses for elimination: sweat glands, intestines, urinary tract and blood vessels. The process helps to boost the body's natural healing remedies and correct the imbalances that lead to disease and signs of premature aging.
There are certain guidelines to follow in order to get the very best from panchakarma. It is most effective when done on a regular basis, preferably when the seasons change, as this is when the body is most prone to imbalances. A week-long treatment at the turn of spring, autumn and winter is a good place to start. Panchakarma can be done for as little as three consecutive days, or as long as a whole month (or more). By having a regular check-up with an experienced practitioner, you have a better chance of spotting any imbalances, and treating them before they turn into serious health issues. The treatment can be done during a residential stay (which is recommended, to allow you to benefit from a routine undisturbed by travel to and from a clinic) or on an out-patient basis.
After an initial consultation, a treatment plan is created to provide the most effective detoxification process. The plan will be tailored to address any specific health concerns, such as depression, insomnia, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and hay fever. Possible treatments include head cleansing (Shirovirechana), herbal steaming, abhyanga massage, the application of medicated oils to the forehead (shirodhara), nasal cleansing (neti), herbal enemas (Basti), purgation (Virechana) and emesis (Vamana). Normally, the course of treatments is offered within a 7-day period (i.e. 3 hours each day for up to 7 days) but alternative arrangements can be made to suit each client. Each plan begins with Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sweating) to prepare the body for the main detoxification process.
Other packages are available, including personal Ayurvedic consultations with a qualified local consultant and Ayurvedic gemstone light therapy sessions.
By using all natural remedies to cleanse your system of toxins and impurities, you are taking a big step towards better health, mental clarity and a long, happy life. After an initial Panchakarma treatment, you feel so bright and energised that you want to return to the process again and again!