Ayurveda is a 5000 year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. Although suppressed during years of foreign occupation, Ayurveda has been enjoying a major resurgence in both its native land and throughout the world. Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine both have their roots in Ayurveda. Early Greek medicine also embraced many concepts originally described in the classical Ayurvedic medical texts dating back thousands of years.
More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body mind and spirit.
Recognizing that human beings are part of nature, Ayurveda describes three fundamental energies that govern our inner and outer environments: movement, transformation and structure. Known in Sanskrit as Vata (Wind), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth), these primary forces are responsible for the characteristics of our mind and body. Each of us has a unique proportion of these three forces that shapes our nature. If Vata is dominant in our system, we tend to be thin, light, enthusiastic, energetic and changeable. If Pitta predominates in our nature, we tend to be intense, intelligent, goal-oriented and have a strong appetite for life. When Kapha prevails, we tend to be easy-going, methodical and nurturing. Although each of us has all three forces, most people have one or two elements that are more obviously expressed.
For each element, there is a balanced and imbalance expression. When Vata is balanced a person is lively and creative, but when there is too much movement in the system, a person tends to experience anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation and has difficulty completing tasks. When Pitta is functioning in a balanced manner, a person is warm, friendly, disciplined, a good leader and a good speaker. When the fire element is out of balance, a person tends to be compulsive, irritable and may suffer from indigestion or an inflammatory condition. When Kapha is balanced, a person is sweet, supportive and stable but when it is out of balance, a person may experience sluggishness, weight gain and sinus congestion. An important goal of Ayurveda is to identify a person’s ideal state of balance, determine where they are out of balance and offer interventions using diet, herbs, aromas, massage, music and meditation to reestablish balance.
A simple questionnaire is one way to help determine which Ayurvedic element is most lively in your nature. Take the dosha quiz here. Answer the following questions as honestly as possible and see which element(s) receives the highest score.
The Chopra Center is founded in the unique fusion of the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and the cutting-edge knowledge of modern medicine to create an integrated path toward health and wellbeing. We offer Ayurvedic lifestyle consultations and instruction in daily, weekly, and weekend sessions. We also include Ayurvedic lifestyle training instruction in all of our programs, seminars, workshops, and retreats. Bring Ayurveda into Your life
It's a complex medical system that's been in use for more than 5,000 years in India. It includes meditation, yoga, massage, herbal medicine and diet, and it integrates mind, body and spirit to maintain health. Traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, as well as ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian medicine, are said to trace their roots to Ayurveda.
Ayruvedic tradition holds that five elements -- space, air, fire, water and earth -- make up the Earth. Each element is associated with certain principles, which in the human body create a unique pattern, called your dosha. Ayruvedic physicians believe that there are three basic dosha types:
Vatas are generally thin, small-boned people with an excitable nature and a quick mind. Vatas are worriers; they tend to tire easily, have a short attention span and irregular eating habits. They are prone to insomnia, nervous disorders, joint problems and constipation. Article continues below...Pittas have medium builds, fair or ruddy skin, strong appetites and are very intelligent. Irritable under stress, they tend to be competitive in nature. Pittas are prone to digestive troubles, skin conditions, and liver disorders.
Kaphas have heavy, well-muscled bodies, with thick hair, large eyes, pale and moist skin. Kaphas move slowly, require lots of sleep and may be sluggish. They can be troubled by colds and sinus problems, and when out of balance, can become overweight.
During an exam, an Ayurvedic physican will study your pulse, tongue, nails, hair, face and skin. He or she will also take a detailed history and will question you closely about your lifestyle, family, health habits and even your spiritual life. They believe that diseases spring from excess or deficiencies of a particular dosha and will create a personalized program for you that will help "balance" your dosha. It will likely include specific plans for diet, exercise, meditation, herbs, oil massages and breathing exercises.
Finding a specialist in Ayurvedic medicine can be a challenge outside of larger cities. For more information, log onto The Ayurvedic institute
DIET RECOMMENDATION FOR EACH TYPE OF BODY
Ayurveda recommends foods for people according to their primary body type. The reason this is done is because it is believed foods can be both healing, and the source of imbalance and difficulties. By eating foods according to our Ayurvedic body type, the belief is that we will accumulate less Ama, or waste, in the body. In Ayurveda, people are classified according to three principles, vata, kapha, and pitta. But it's important to understand that although we may be dominant in one principle, we actually have all three present in our body. The others are in a smaller ration. Most people will actually be a combination of two of these principles, with the third only playing a minor role. But because we all contain the three, any of them can get out of balance. Pitta Characteristics of Pitta dominant body types * determination * strong willed * good digestion * initiative * energy * passionate about many things Ayurveda's Pitta constitution is calmed by cooling foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Bitter green vegetables like watercress, parsley, collards and most greens suit pitta. Fruits that suit pitta body types include sweet berries, sweet apples and apricots, coconut, figs, mango, sweet oranges and pineapples, plums, watermelon, pomegranates, and prunes. Other cooling foods include most dairy products, though sour cream, hard cheeses, and yoghurt don't really suit pitta due to their being too high in fat, salt, or sour. But dairy that suits pitta includes milk, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, and ice cream! Grains that suit pitta body types include barley, basmati rice, and wheat (unless you are allergic or gluten sensitive). Pitta body types generally like a lot of protein, and they probably need a little more than the other Ayurvedic body types. Spices that are cooling in nature are also important. These include coriander, cumin, mint, parsley, dill and fennel. Garlic should be avoided though as it is too heating. In terms of sweets, Pitta body types should use maple syrup, barley malt, brown rice syrup and honey that is 6 months or less old, preferably raw. Things that can imbalance Pitta body types: * excess heat, hot climates, and hot times of day * humidity * vacations and times when there is increased mobility * excess oil in the diet * too many hot foods, including spicy foods. But this can also mean too many cooked meals * excess caffeine, salt, red meat and alcohol Vata Characteristics of people with a dominant Vata body type: * flexibility * quick mind * creative * always on the go - mentally and physically Dietary choices that support vata aim at grounding this energy-in-motion. Routine is also very helpful, though not naturally something vata body type people will create! Vata people benefit from meditation, warmth, soothing music, taking breaks, and resting (again, not a natural vata inclination!). With regards foods, vata body types should include warming spices, including ginger and cloves, anise, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, horseradish, caraway, mint, mustard seeds, parsley, cooked onion, paprika, rose water, vanilla, tarragon, thyme and rosemary. People with the vata body type should minimize raw food, including salad, though salads should not be eliminated completely as they provide valuable nutrients. But vata should ground the salad with a dressing made from oil and vinegar, and be aware of the weather at the time of eating it. Being more sensitive to cold, vata's should have salads on warmer days. Icy cold drinks are not balancing for vata - in fact quite the opposite. Sugar also throws vata types off balance, though vata are lucky in that they can enjoy other sweets. Vata generally love fruit, and it suits their ayurvedic constitution. The exceptions are apples, pears, cranberries, watermelon and dried fruit. Vata types should go for sweet and moist fruit, like mangoes, nectarines, bananas, coconut, fresh figs, peaches, and strawberries. Cooked grains like oatmeal, basmati rice, and brown rice, are very grounding for the vata ayurvedic constitution. Beans (legumes), on the other hand, are not! Beans are cold, dry, and heavy - not the attributes that support vata. Things that can imbalance vata dominant body types include: * a lot of travel, especially by plane * loud noises * constant stimulation * drugs, sugar and alcohol * cold climates (especially extremely cold ones) and cold food * frozen and dried food Kapha Characteristics of people with a kapha dominant body type: * strength * stamina * endurance * groundedness * calm * fluid Kapha body types are not suited to a high protein diet like the Atkins diet. Not only should they avoid too much fat, but also, excessive heavy protein. The kapha quality is already heavy, and although this doesn't sound great, it is what provides Kapha body types with a wonderful stability and strength. Kapha should have light and low fat protein. Beans, with the exception of soy and soy products, are great for kapha. Soy milk is preferable to dairy though, for kapha. Beans help move kapha's energy, and digestive system, a bit. Barley is also excellent. In terms of meat, chicken and turkey suit kapha. Kapha body types should have plenty of vegetables, including bitter vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, corn cobs, peas, beets, and celery. Dairy is heavy and cooling, and it does not suit the Kapha ayurvedic body type. Light and crispy food, like corn tortillas and popcorn, suit kapha. Kapha people should make sure they have variety in their diet, as kapha body types have a danger of falling into a rut more than others. Asian and Latin American style meals are great for kapha. They are spicy and light, free of dairy, and have plenty of vegetables in them. Things that can imbalance Kapha body types: * inertia * too much fat in the diet, including oil we cook with! * dairy products * not enough stimulation and challenge * not enough variety * not enough exercise * too much bread, iced foods and drinks, and sweets
IRRITABLE BOWEL
In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of healing, wrong and irregular food habits, nervous imbalance, stressed life style, low immunity, non adherence to the natural rhythms of body and negative emotions like jealousy, anger, hatred leads to deranged agni which is the main cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Jathara agni (digestive fire) found in the small intestine helps in breaking down the food in the smaller molecules to be digested easily.
If it is weakened due to above reasons, it leads to indigestion or malabsorption or ama(toxins) and if it is strong a burning sensation can be felt.Digestion is ruled by Jathara Agni by the support vata, pitta and kapha in its own unique manner.
Any imbalance in it affects the role of that particular dosha in the digestive process and in the end affects the function of the other doshas in digestion and manifestation of IBS.Aggravation of doshas leads to deranged digestive fires i.e, Vata dosha leads to Vishama Agni, Pitta aggravation leads to Tikshna Agni and aggravated Kapha leads to Manda Agni.
IBS which is categorised under Grahani, occurs due to one or more of dosha imbalance and it weakens the duodenum. According to Ayurveda, duodenum, helps in digestion and also hold it until it is properly digested and then it allows it to be passed through colon where it is excreted. Its inefficient functioning leads to either releasing its content earlier or retain the content for a longer period. So an alternating loose bowel and constipation occurs which is the main symptom IBS.
Ayurveda aims at eliminating the toxins and restoration of proper digestion and it helps in bringing back the basic strength and immunity of the body thereby treating IBS in a natural way.
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medical system,believes that Irritable bowel syndrome is caused mainly due to accumulated toxins because of improper digestion. Stressed filled life also indirectly contribute to IBS. It emphasis that it can be treated by a little changes in the diet, lifestyle, yogic practice (yogasanas, breathing techniques, meditation) along with the intake of ayurvedic medicines which are in the form of herbal formulas.
They are the nutritional supplements which helps rectify imbalance of doshas.
But consult a ayurvedic practioner as each individual body is unique. Herbs helps mainly in strengthening the digestive process and flushes away the toxins and they have more anti oxidant actvity. Kaidaryadi qwath, Kaidaryadi tab, Pippalysavam, Indukantam tablet, Dadimadi choornam, Vaiswanara choornam etc are the medicines. Also following too are used to treat IBS.
Vrukshamla, Amlavetasa, Dadima and Badara in the form of powder along with trikatu (Pippali, Shunthi, Black Pepper), five salts added with sugar can be used with vegetables, pulses, cooked cereals.Always while take soups (raddish soup. Cereal )with black pepper and add Panchakola to it.
Triphala capsules (Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Emblica officnalis gaertn) is very helpful in detoxitification process and it strengthens the whole gastro intestinal tract thereby helping to treat IBS.
Ayurvedic Trikatau special rasayana is effective one for fighting IBS. Home remedy that is recommended by ayurveda is ginger and amla.Herbs like Peppermint (has anti-spasmodic actions), Fennel, Chamomile, Caraway are safe when used in correct dosages.
Diarrheal IBS can be treated by rhkutaj ghan bati, Hingwashtak churna, Kapoor ras etc.Constipation I.B.S are taken care by Avipatiikar churna, Brihut Triphala Churna, Haritaki Churna, Caster oil, oshnodak Bastee and other.
To attain a balanced mind which indirectly helps to fight IBS, Ashwagandha churna, Saraswat churna, Maha sudershanadi churna, Brahmi churna, Saraswatha ghritham, Saraswatharishta, Aswagandharishta should be taken.
Wind in stomach I.B.S are treated by. Chitrakadi bati, Lashunadi bati, Madur Kshar with Nimbu swaras.
WEIGHT LOSS
According to Ayurveda- Obesity or being overweight is a serious health wizard putting extra burden not only on heart but also puts extra strain on liver, kidneys and weight bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles. Obesity is the leading cause of many problems like coronary heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gout, liver and gall bladder disorders. There are many weight loss herbs without any side effects and we are providing the best of them.
SLEEP PROBLEMS
Yoga and Pranayama is an important measure to reduce work place negativity, tension, anxiety and so many other problems. Sleep problems are some of the most common problems parents face with their kids. Some children may have chronic sleep difficulties, and many children are actually going through their days sleep-deprived. Many people complain that they can't fall asleep or stay asleep, or that they are sleepy during the day, but few consider these to be symptoms of a sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation is a symptom of a sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, are best treated pharmacologically, whereas others, such as chronic and primary insomnia, are more amenable to behavioral interventions. Many childhood sleep problems are related to poor sleep habits or to anxiety about going to bed and falling asleep. Persistent sleep problems may also be symptoms of emotional difficulties.
Sleep problems may be caused by or the result of disorders in various systems of the body. Sleep apnea, for example, is a respiratory disorder while narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. If a person has experienced sleeping difficulties for a month or more, this is called persistent or chronic insomnia. Some children will do all they can to prevent separation at bedtime. However, to help minimize common sleep problems, a parent should develop consistent bedtime and regular bedtime and sleep routines for children. Parents often find that feeding and rocking help an infant to get to sleep. However, other medical specialties also offer treatment for sleep disorders. Regular practice of pranayam and yoga cures insomnia and sleeplessness and gives better health. If every person follows this regime, this will eradicate diseases from world.
Ayurveda on Sleep Problems:
According to the Ayurveda, sleeplessness results in laziness, tiredness, inertia, dizziness, feeling of heaviness, body ache etc. Head ache, high temperature, cough are the results of continued untimely sleep. Ayurveda also says that over sleep can cause diabetes. People having depression, schizophrenia, and similar psychological disorders have been found to improve their condition if they get enough deep sleep.
DEPPRESSION
Depression is a neurological disorder. When a person is too overcome with negative emotions, it becomes difficult to focus on any other issue. The person may become lethargic and lose interest in what is going on around them.
Such a state may occur when a person fails in an examination, loses a job, gets jilted by a lover, gets divorced, loses some dear one, etc. Some people are able to get over their emotions quickly. But in some others, depressions may last for several days, weeks or even months.
In Ayurveda, depression is known as Chittavsada. It is caused by the increase in the tamas and rajas of the mind with a vitiation of the kapha dosha. Sometimes, an imbalanced vata may also be responsible for depression.
Depression needs to be looked after and treated as soon as it is identified. In some people, depression may be very dangerous as they could resort to endangering their own and other people’s lives.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Depression
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha has the requisite properties to remove negative thoughts from the mind. The aphrodisiac properties of ashwagandha also help in improving the mind and removing depression.
2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is prescribed before a yogic session. The reason is that brahmi helps to relax the mind and bring it to a comfortable state. Brahmi is very popularly available in the form of oils. The oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. Regular use of this oil can prevent the person from feeling depressed.
3. Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum)
Cardamom has a very pleasing odor which can soothe the nerves. When a person is depressed, a tea made by putting cardamom in it can have almost miraculous effects.
4. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
Guggulu has become the focus of attention recently due to the presence of special chemicals in it called as guggulsterones. These chemicals improve the nervous coordination and hence are beneficial in the treatment of depression. Guggulu is more effective in depression caused due to seasonal affective disorder.
5. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Jatamansi brings a calming effect on the mind. By canalizing the energies of the mind in the right direction, jatamansi can remove the depressive thoughts.
6. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is effective in treating depression that is caused by the change of seasons, i.e. seasonal affective disorder.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Depression
For people with depression a heavy food is not advised. The person must not eat to the full capacity. Hot, spicy and pungent tastes must be avoided as these will aggravate the senses further. Fluids and fresh vegetables (in salads) must become an important part of every meal. The person can have cool sherbets like rose sherbet in the middle of the day, especially in the afternoons and when the evening is beginning. Tea and coffee may be taken occasionally to stimulate the brain.
Most people with depression lose their appetite and desire to eat. For such people, food must not be forced, or it could lead to vomiting. When such a disinterest in food occurs, fruits can be consumed. A diet rich in fruits is beneficial in the treatment of depression.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression
Even in Ayurveda, a psychological counseling between the physician and the patient is undertaken. This helps the physician to understand the root cause of the depression. Then they can take the formulated steps to cure the problem. Such counseling is done to increase the sattva of the mind.
Slowly allowing a stream of water to fall in the center of the forehead enables the mind to remove its negativistic thoughts and focus more on a positive outlook. This therapy is known as shirodhara and it is becoming very popular in the western world also. An alternative therapy is shirobasti. The oil massage therapy called as abhyanga is also very useful.
Ayurverdic professionals also advocate the use of yoga in keep the mind restful. Praanayama and yoga must become an important part of a person’s daily routine. This helps to concentrate the mind on positive thoughts and depression will never occur. Yogic asanas that are beneficial to people with depression are bhujangasana, halasana, paschimottasana, sarvangasana, shalabhasana, shavasana and vakrasana. In addition, pranayamas like bhastrika and kapalbhati are very strongly advised.
(4) Home Medications
1. Get someone do a good head massage with a cooling oil like brahmi oil.
2. Improve the regimen of your day. Begin with yoga in the morning and then listen to good soothing music. For some people, visiting their religious places of worship also helps to come out of depression.
3. Focus your mind in other activities and hobbies in order to keep the thoughts causing depression away.
4. You can try eating an apple with milk and honey. This helps to improve the mood.
5. Simple lemon juice (the extract of one lemon in a glass of water, sweetened with sugar) is also good. It releases stress-removing hormones and brings the mind at ease.
ACNE FREE SKIN
Ayurveda has been considered as one of the best remedies for getting acne free skin. Acne problem which is prevalent amongst teenagers as well as adults include pimples, white-heads, blackheads, acne spots and acne scars. In Ayurveda, acne is treated with the help of natural detoxifier and blood purifier such as neem. Thus, neem is one of the important ingredients in various Ayurvedic products such as ointments and oral medicines that are available in the market. Also, in Ayurveda, acne treatment is done by correcting doshas: kaptha, vata and Rakhta dhatu.
According to Ayurveda, acne is caused due to two doshas: Kaptha and Vata. Besides, acne is also caused by Rakta dhatu which means blood. Ayurveda says that vata gets defected when somebody does not follow a healthy lifestyle. Defect in vata sequentially provoke two more doshas: kapha and pitta. It is the pitta which affects the blood or rakta dhatu. Thus, all these factors ultimately result in the flawed blood. It is due to flawed blood which makes sebaceous glands secrete oil in excess. Kapha having oil property is forced to make the oil secreted by sebaceous gland, sticky in such a case. It is this stickiness which results in the clogging of pores on our skin and ultimately results in acne.
NATURAL HAIR CARE
Most women dream about having beautiful shining hair. They use a wide variety of hair care products like shampoos, conditioners and oils to take good care of their hair. But little do they know that some of the hair care products may have harmful affects on their hair because of the presence of some chemicals in the products. It is due to the indiscriminate use of hair care products that most women today are in search of some hair care remedies to restore natural hair growth.
Similarly, some women are using some hair styling agents that can be damaging to the natural health of the hair. If they want to maintain the natural hair growth it is essential that they stop using such products and use natural hair care products derived from plants and herb extracts.
Nature has given us many herbs that are known to prevent hair loss. There are some herbs that act as natural hair growth stimulants – they improve the blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate the growth of hair follicles. They activate the dermal papilla in the hair follicles and kindle overall scalp metabolism to enhance the natural hair growth cycles.
Experimental studies show that the extracts from grape seeds increase the production of cells in the hair follicle. It has also been observed that the grape extracts affect the hair growth cycles to have more natural growth. Grape seed extracts promote healthy hair growth by defeating the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that stops the hair growth. The agents in grape seeds help in facilitating the follicles to move from telogen (resting) to the anagen (growing) phase at a faster rate.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts act as good tonic and one of the most used hair care remedies. The extract helps to increase and maintain peripheral micro-capillary circulation, ultimately improving or maintaining natural hair growth. The hair growth is stimulated through combined effects on proliferation and apoptosis (cell death) of the cells in the hair follicle.
Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) is a natural hair care remedy, which can be used for treating alopecia. It contains aloenin, a potent stimulant which promotes rapid hair growth without any irritation in the scalp.
Sage (Salvia officinalis), also called ‘common sage’ or ‘garden sage’ is generally used as hair rinses or skin lotions. It is especially helpful in maintaining sheen of dark curly hair. When blended with rosemary it stimulates hair growth. The constituents that are responsible for its hair growth stimulating effects are tannins, saponins, borneol and camphor.
You can improve the general health of your hair by using natural oil as a hair care accessory. Oils such as coconut oil, rosemary, West Indian bay and chamomile are some of the natural oils that are known to help in hair growth.
Coconut oil is a triglyceride having a high affinity for hair proteins. Because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, it is able to penetrate the hair shaft. This hair care oil lubricates and gives a smooth feel to dry hair shafts. It also heals the structure of damaged hair and protects it from harmful UVA radiation.
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) is a medicinal herb used for treating various hair ailments. It is also used as a natural hair conditioner, especially for dark hair. It is also used as a treatment for dandruff. Rosemary oil stimulates the growth of hair. The main constituent of this hair care oil is caffeic acid and its derivative rosmarinic acid has antioxidant effects that help in providing shine to hair.
Lavender oil when used as a hair care accessory not only helps in treating lice and fleas in the hair, but also gives a pleasant aroma to your hair. It is also used to treat itchiness and psoriasis in the scalp. Researches have shown that lavender oil may be effective against alopecia areata and may help prevent hair loss.
PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT
Panchakarma Treatment is wealth for our health
This treatment is used for skin problems, asthma, diabetes, chronic sinus or lung infections, epilepsy, heart disease, and digestive disorders. Niruha basti uses special herbal solutions, and treats conditions including skin diseases, liver problems, abdominal tumors, parasites, and chronic fevers. For therapeutic enemas, medicinal oils and herbal solutions are used to cleanse the lower bowels. Niruha and anuvasana basti are used to treat conditions such as constipation, arthritis, nervous disorders, colitis, headaches, muscle weakness, and lower back pain.
After cleansing methods are performed, patients go through an important aftercare stage called paschata karma. Psychological care and counseling may be part of the healing program, as panchakarma strives to cleanse the patient of emotional problems in addition to physical ones. Patients are also counseled about preventative practices. Dietary changes are carefully planned, and lifestyle considerations are examined and recommended. Exercise programs, such as yoga, and stress-management techniques, including meditation, may be introduced to patients during or after panchakarma, and herbal remedies may be prescribed as well.
Panchakarma treatment can vary in length from a couple days to several weeks. Some clinics offer in-patient services, during which patients are intensively treated around the clock with medical supervision, dietary therapy, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, and other therapies. Most clinics offer out-patient services, during which panchakarma treatments may take two or more hours per day until completed.
The extensive process involves a series of procedures categorized under purva karma, pradhan karma & paschat karma. Purvakarma part of Panchakarma is needed to prepare the body before the actual process of purification begins. The two procedures are `snehan` and `swedan`. In snehan oil is massaged in a special way that facilitates the movement of the toxins towards the gastro-intestinal tract. Swedan is induced sweating that loosens the toxins from the body of the individual.
In panchakarma, there are two main types of therapy. Shamana is the supportive therapies that include the preparation and post-therapy measures. The main treatment is called shodhana and refers to pancakarma's five main cleansing and elimination procedures. During preparation for panchakarma, oil therapy (termed snehana in Ayurveda) is the first treatment. Patients are given oil massages--abhyangais full body massage and shirodhaya is forehead massage. They are fed dietary oils to lubricate the digestive tract, and are sometimes administered oil enemas. For stress-related and mental conditions, a special oil massage is given during which oil is steadily poured onto the patient's forehead. Oil therapy may be used for up to a week before the main treatment. Sweating therapy (swedana) is another preparation that uses saunas, steam rooms, heated clothing, herbal poultices, and exercise.
The five main methods of panchakarma are therapeutic vomiting (vamana), purgation (virechana), enema therapy (niruha basti for medicated enemas and anuvasana basti for oil enemas), and nasal cleansing (nasya). Depending on the health problem, one or more of these methods are used to cleanse the body and promote healing. Other Ayurvedic therapies may be used in conjunction as well.
