What is Panchakarma?
As the ancient science of healing, Ayurveda introduced us to Panchakarma; the blissful Ayurvedic Detox. It is believed our day to day detrimental habits are causing toxication on a holistic level in our body, mind and spirit. Through self immersive and naturally healing ways of Ayurvedic Panchakarma, we can eradicate unhealthy lifestyles to evade chances of diseases and ailments. The detoxification is carried out through 5 procedures or actions, namely Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshana.
To discover and experience Panchakarma at Dharana, click here – Ayurvedic Detox: Panchakarma
What are the Benefits of Panchakarma?
Exposing ourselves to a safer and less toxic environment is equivalent to what we are feeding ourselves internally in terms of nutritional value of our food. Thus internal and external impact on our bodies needs to be soothing and healing in nature to experience positivity and health. Immunity and core bodily endurance has a hand-in-hand role to play, in order to avoid illnesses and diseases of any kind. However, the benefits of Panchakarma are enormous, to name a few-
Boosting immunity for building resistance against diseases
Improved circulatory system
sustainable weight management
Activating lymphatic system
Nourishment for a glowing, sensitive and soft skin
Strengthening of muscular endurance
Improving digestive and respiratory system
How to practice Panchakarma at home?
1- Oleation therapy or Snehana
Oleation therapy also referred to as Snehana, is an integral and primary part of Panchakarma therapy. It prepares the body to receive the specialized Panchakarma by application of medicated oils, ghee and herbs. It is done both internally and externally. Internal oleation is inclusive of drinking specified quantities- 4 tbsp of warm ghee, oils like flax seeds, or coconut oil for 3 to 7 days in the morning.
The purpose of doing this therapy is lubrication of internal organs for cleansing and purification of doshas from the unwanted places, thereby ensuring elimination of impurities.
External oleation includes massaging your entire body using oils at room temperature such as sesame or coconut oil. This is carried out for 5 days which aids in removal of external bodily toxins effectively to provide warmth and nourishment to skin. A hot bath followed by the oil massage (swedana ) helps in further in-depth cleansing, allowing removal of excess toxins.
2- Ayurvedic Herbs
Triphala is a powerful healing remedy in Ayurveda that consists of 3 medicinal plants native to India. As a mixture of 3 medicinal dried fruits; Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties serving the purpose of weight loss, prevention of constipation, dental diseases such as cavities and in many cases cancer as well.
During the Ayurvedic detox of Panchakarma, it is recommended to mix a teaspoon of Triphala powder in a glass of hot water for a couple of minutes and drink it after an hour of having dinner for utmost detoxification for 3 to 7 days.
3- Nutritional wellness
Kichadi or Kitchari prepared with rice and moong dal compliments Panchakarma diet and adds vital nutritional nourishment to your ayurvedic detox. To satisfy your tastebuds, spice it up with turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, ginger and mustard seeds. To learn how to prepare Ayurvedic Khichdi, click here- Ayurvedic Khichdi: Health in a bowl.
One shall consider drinking hot beverages such as herbal teas ranging across varied flavors; ginger, cumin, coriander or fennel. Learn more about 5 awesome health benefits of drinking Tea.
As all of these steps cater to mostly physical conditions, it is also recommended to look after physiological aspects during the Panchakarma home therapy –
Carry out the therapy in a calm, peaceful and serene environment.
Don’t indulge yourself with the outer world using electronic gadgets.
Choose a vacation period to carry out your detox journey
Conserve and sustain energy by practicing
yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.
Practice Pranayama to keep a calm, composed and soulful attitude for a better living.
Dharana Wellness Centre, a wellness retreat near Mumbai, focuses on holistic health which includes physical, mental and spiritual balance. One of the key ideologies of this eco wellness retreat lies in the holistic approach. As an Ayurvedic healing center in India, Dharana combines the use of an integrative, modern approach for holistic health with Modern diagnostics with traditional practices like Yoga and Ayurveda to ensure a sustainable wellness journey.