Pancha karma (PK) is an ancient Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation experience. The process cleanses and heals all layers (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) of the Self. For many, the process is very sacred, allowing one to quiet the mind, settle emotions, and relax the body as stillness pervades one’s inner being. The beginning of the year and the darkness of winter provide a perfect occasion for going deep into reflection and stillness. In this sacred silence, deep issues may become clear and resolve, and a memory of one’s true nature or inner beauty may resurface.
Customized Care
Each person’s pancha karma program is different based on his or her unique needs. Before you begin pancha karma, you must first be assessed by an Ayurvedic Practitioner to determine your customized treatment plan, discuss any contraindications, and schedule the dates of your PK treatments. Prior to beginning your cleanse, you will meet with your Ayurvedic Practitioner to receive detailed instructions, set your intention for the cleanse, and gather all needed supplies (e.g. massage oils, ghee, dietary guidelines, etc,).
Purva Karma: Preparatory Phase
The pancha karma process begins with preparatory stage called purva karma. During this period, one undergoes an internal cleansing, usually four days in length. During these four days, you will follow a healthy and light diet, practice internal and external oleation, minimize work and prepare the body for elimination of toxins. Toxins or ama accumulate in cells because of unhealthy food choices and habits, environmental toxins, and a stressful lifestyle. This internal cleansing process loosens and draws ama from the cells and brings it into the digestive tract where it will be eliminated through a mild purgation.
Pancha karma, means “five actions”. These five actions include:
1) vamana or vomiting therapy (reduces kapha)
2) virechana or purgation (reduces pitta and expels ama)
3) nasya or nasal cleansing (cleanses and restores the 5 sense organs)
4) basti or enemas (reduces vata and expels ama)
5) rakta moksha or blood-letting (reduces pitta)
In this country, rakta moksha is typically not practiced since it requires the use of leeches that suck the toxic blood from one’s body so that new, healthy blood may be created. Vamana is typically not practiced during Pancha Karma unless the client has imbalanced kapha.
At the end of the preparatory phase, one undergoes a mild purgation with either castor oil or other herbal purgatives. Following this purgation, rest is important to restore body and mind to strength. After purgation, herbalized enemas are self-administered on a daily basis to expell excess vata from the body. This is one of the most important steps of pancha karma.
Rasayana
During the days following purgation, one receives rejuvenative therapies (2 hours per day) with a Pancha Karma Technician. The following is an example of a 3-day treatment schedule:
Day 1: Abhyanga (warm herbalized oil massage) + Shirodhara (warm oil therapy over forehead and scalp) + Swedana (aromatic steam treatment)
Day 2: Nasya (nose and sinus therapy) + Netra Tarpana (medicated oil for the eyes) + Udvartana (herbalized body scrub)
Day 3: Abhyanga + Swedana + Localized Basti (herbalized oil over the heart or low back) + Shirodhara
During these rejuvenative days and for several days following Pancha Karma, one’s ojas (immunity) and strength are gradually restored. Diverse foods are added to the diet little by little in order to prevent digestive disturbance. In most cases, internal cleansing from Pancha Karma continues for weeks and even months afterwards. To continue this cleansing process it is best to go through Pancha Karma seasonally.
Interested in receiving Panchakarma, contact Courtney Klick at www.pujawellness.com.
