Panchakarma
Panchakarma
Panchakarma literally means five therapeutic procedures. These are generally indicated for expelling out the excessively aggravated dosha and maintain equilibrium of dosha in body. Panchakarma is the most essential part of Ayurveda treatments. It can be practiced as preventive, preservative, promotive, curative and rehabilitative therapy as per the need of the patient.[1]
Five therapeutic procedures
1. Vamana ( therapeutic emesis):
It is beneficial in vitiation of Kapha dosha disorders. For preservation of health, it is followed in Vasanta ritu (spring season) during March-April in India.[1]
2. Virechana (therapeutic purgation):
It is beneficial in vitiation of Pitta dosha disorders. For preservation of health, it is followed in Sharada ritu (autumn season) during October in India.
3. Basti (therapeutic enema)
It includes two types viz. Niruha (enema with medicinal decoction) and Anuvasana (enema with unctuous substance mainly oil).It is beneficial in vitiation of Vata dosha disorders. For preservation of health, it is followed in Varsha ritu (rainy season) during July-August in India.
4. Nasya (nasal errhines/ drug delivery through nose)
It is indicated in the disorders of body parts above the supra-clavicular region like head, ear, nose and throat.
5.Raktamokshana (blood letting modalities)
This procedure is indicated in vitiation of blood specifically in the diseases like Kushtha(skin diseases), Vatarakta etc.
The description of Panchakarma procedures is elaborated in sections of Siddhi Sthana and Sutra Sthana chapters. The medicines used in these procedures are described in Kalpa Sthana.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bhatted S, Shukla V D, Thakar A, Bhatt N N. A study on Vasantika Vamana (therapeutic emesis in spring season) - A preventive measure for diseases of Kapha origin. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2019 Feb 20];32:181-6. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/2/181/92562