The Benefits of Panchakarma as Part of an Ayurvedic Detox

The Benefits of Panchakarma as Part of an Ayurvedic Detox

Shining the spotlight on a holistic approach to cleansing, Dr Prasanth, Ayurvedic Doctor at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, shares the benefits of Panchakarma as part of an Ayurvedic detox.

The Benefits of Panchakarma as Part of an Ayurvedic Detox

Shining the spotlight on a holistic approach to cleansing, Dr Prasanth, Ayurvedic Doctor at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, shares the benefits of Panchakarma as part of an Ayurvedic detox.

Ayurveda defines health as a condition where the body is clear of toxins and organs are functioning normally, the mind is at peace and emotions are calm and happy. In a stressful and toxic environment, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins causing deterioration in functioning of body-mind complex which opens the door for chronic, degenerative and non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health and wellness.

Panchakarma is the ultimate Ayurvedic detoxification of body and mind. It also strengthens the immune system to restore health and well-being. It is a compendium of therapies that are highly individualized based on the Ayurvedic constitution type (Prakruty), imbalances (if any), digestive fire, age, immune status, health conditions & many other factors. Depending on an individual’s needs all or part of five therapies are utilized. Panchakarma, for the most part is a comfortable therapy, but there can be periods of discomfort due to powerful release of toxins called “Healing Crisis”.

 

Initial consultation at Como Shambhala Estate 

A Panchakarma programme starts with the initial consultation by a qualified Ayurveda physician to determine the individual’s Body-Mind constitution, health condition(s) and appropriate degree of intensity of detoxification. Based on the initial consultation, one, two or more therapies are prescribed for the day. These therapies are conducted using the constitution specific Ayurveda oils and/or medicines. Below is the description of variety of therapies used in a Panchakarma programme:

• VAMANA, induced emesis using Ayurveda medicine or SNEHAPANA, internal oleation therapy
• VIRECHANA, purgation induced by Ayurveda medicines
• NASYA, Detoxification of upper respiratory tract by administration of Ayurveda drugs in nasal cavity
• BASTI, Ayurvedic herbal enema to cleanse out toxins from lower colon
• SWEDANA, herbaliszed individual steam bath

Additionally, a Panchakarma programme may include distinct Ayurvedic full body oil massages, namely:

• ABHYANGA & PIZHICHIL
• SIRODHARA, pouring of oils/liquids over the forehead
• UDVARTANA or UBTAN, superficially penetrating Ayurvedic herbal paste application on skin.
• MARMA THERAPY or Ayurvedic Point therapy
• AYURVEDIC FACIAL
  
  

 

Experience an authentic Ayurvedic massage at Como Shambhala

The following non-Ayurvedic therapies could also be included as part of Panchakarma to enhance the detoxification process:

• Deep Tissue Massage, Colon Hydrotherapy & Reflexology.
  
  

By way of some or all of the above therapies, and an Ayurvedic prescribed diet and yoga regimen, Panchakarma reverses degenerative process and its effects are often profound and long-lasting.

Benefits of Panchakarma:

• Helps restore metabolic fire (AGNI)
• Eliminates AMA (toxins) strengthens tissue functions.
• Assists balance all three doshas.
• Helps implement a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Reduces stress, improves relaxation & tolerance.
• Slows the ageing process.
• Boosts the bodies immunity levels.
• Improves strength, endurance and vitality.
  
  

Unwind with a yoga practice at Como Shambhala

Panchakarma therapy is both preventive for healthy people to maintain and improve excellent cellular function, and curative for those experiencing disease. It is a complex and sophisticated science of purification of the body/mind channel systems, and is therefore best supervised/performed by an Ayurvedic physician. The medical scriptures of Ayurveda give the example of a diseased person’s body as a soiled cloth, unable to accurately render the dye colors. To succeed in assimilating the true color, the cloth must first become clean.

A strict diet and lifestyle is to be followed throughout various stages of treatment. This is to bring back the AGNI (Digestive fire) to its normal levels of functioning. Ayurvedic herbal based medicines are administered to rejuvenate the body or to treat the diseases, if any. During different phases of Panchakarma, these restrictions are to be observed:

• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, both internally and externally.
• Avoid loud noise& stress.
• Rest when tired.
• Avoid suppression of natural urges such as sneezing, coughing, micturition, bowel movements etc.
• Avoid being awake late at night.
• Avoid indigestible foods; favor foods that balance the doshas.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
  
  

Panchakarma and yoga:

Yoga has a deep connection with the concepts of Ayurveda and Panchakarma. In fact, both share lot in common between their philosophy and practice. For the same reason, yoga becomes an essential part of a Panchakarma programme.  Asanas (yogic postures), Pranayamas (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation) sessions, may all be essentially involved in a Panchakarma regimen. They are individualized, mostly based on person’s Prakruty (constitution) and Vikruty (imbalance in Constitutional elements resulting in current health condition).

 

This is a guest blog post by Dr Prasanth, Ayurvedic Doctor at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali. If you would like to book a holiday at COMO Shambhala Estate, talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here