PanchaKarma Treatments
Panchakarma- These are the 5 treatment modalitities mentioned in Ayurveda for removing morbid doshas -Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are indicated in healthy person to maintain health, as well as in diseased to cure his disease. These five treatments are Vamana karma, Virechana karma, Nasya karma, Vastikarma and Raktamokshana
Vamana is a therapeutic procedure in which excess and /or vitiated Kapha Dosha is removed out from the body by inducing vomiting. Vamana Karma is indicated in healthy person during Vasantha Ritu i.e., MarchApril to remove excess kapha dosha from body accumulated due to seasonal variations. In patients, procedure can be carried out during the presence of excessive vitiated Kapha Dosha and related diseases.
Virechana is one among the Panchakarma treatments in which excess and/or vitiated Pitta Dosha is removed out from body through controlled purgation therapy. Virechana can be done in a healthy person in sharad ritu i.e., Septyember-October to remove aggravated Pitta Dosha acculumulated in body and prevent Pittaja disease. This procedure removes toxins (especially pitta) from the body that are accumulated in the digestive tract, liver and gallbladder. It completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects.
Nasya Karma is one among the five treatment modalities in which excess Kapha present in head and neck region is removed out by using medicines through nasal route. ‘Nasohi shiraso dwaram!’ -Nose is the only passage for head/brain. Hence the diseases related to head, especially region above shoulder including brain, nose, ear, eyes, throat, mouth, neck, hair are treated by Nasya karma. Nasya should also be done in a healthy person in Vasanta Ritu i.e., March to April to remove excess Kapha accumulated in region above shoulder.
Vasti is the best treatment among all treatments due to its multifold effects. It is described as ‘Ardha chikitsa’ i.e., effect of this treatment equals to the effect of half of the sum of all treatments explained in Ayurveda. Vasti is one of the panchakarma treatment explained for aggravated Vata and other Vata related diseases. It cleanses all channels in the body and thereby purifies body.
Niruha vasti/ asthapana vasti/ kashaya vasti-In this vasti, decoction which is suitable for a particular disease is mixed with salt, honey, ghee etc is administered in empty stomach. This is particularly indicated for diseases of large intestine and digestive tract.
Yapana vasti- A type of Niruha Vasti which is specially indicated for improvingand nourishing all tissues of the body, especially soft tissue, muscle, sperm etc. It also checks ageing process and sustains life, Improves strength and lustre.
Vaitarana vasti- indicated in Sciatica, Lumbago, Spondylitis, and pain and swelling in knee joints, shoulder joints and low back. It can be also administered during chronic fever and infertility.
Kshira vasti- Specially indicated for osteoporosis of knee joints and vertebra. It also improves strength and lustre.
Samgraahika vasti/Piccha vasti- for diseases of GIT, especially in bleeding disorders, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Anuvasana vasti/ sneha vasti/ matra vasti-In Anuvasana type of vasti, medicated oil/ ghee are administered in less dose. This vasti will increase the strength and vitality of the body. It nourishes all body tissues like blood lymph, fat, muscle etc. This can be administered even in childrens, old aged and weak persons.
Uttaravasti:- Vasti administered through Urethral route in male and vaginal route in female.It is indicated in diseases of Urinary system and in diseases of uterus and vagina of women.And it should be done only after being purified by asthapana vasti.
It is one among the Panchakarma treatments in which a small amount of blood is let out of the body, under careful monitoring. This procedure removes impure blood and improves blood circulation. It is also helpful in healing non-healing chronic wounds. Mainly done in two different methods Shastravyadha-Prachana- Blood is letting through multiple incisions.
Shiravyadha- Blood is let out by Venepuncture Anushastravyadha- Jalaukavacharana- Application of Leech (Leech Therapy)