Benefits of Panchakarma / sodhana in Brief – Vamana, Virechana, nasya, Basthi, raktha moksha

Panchakarma as prescribed by Ayurveda is one of IVAC’s principal purification treatment. Panchakarma or the “five actions” are the therapeutic means of eliminating impurities from the body. It is a series of five therapies or steps that help remove deep rooted stress and impurities from the physiology while balancing the doshas – those energies or forces that govern all biological functions. There are five basic, cleansing procedures or ‘Shodhanas’ in Panchakarma. They are: Vamana One of the Panchakarma procedures, it is a medicated emesis therapy, cleanses Kapha toxins collected in the body and decongests the respiratory tract. Daily treatments are administered to loosen and mobilize the toxins and to finally eliminate them, this therapy takes 8 to 10 days. Benefits Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders. Virechana A medicated purgation therapy, removes Pitta toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects, it takes 8 to 12 days. Benefits Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis Headaches, Elephantiasis, Gynecological disorders. Basti Considered as the mother of all treatments, it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doahas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, especially Vata toxins, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment especially in convalescent periods. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person. Benefits Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly, Obesity Piles, Sexual Debility & Infertility. Nasya Administration of medicated oil through the nose, cleanses accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region. This treatment is usually given for 7 days. Based on the medical condition of a person, it can be given up to 30 days. Benefits Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bel’s Palsy, Improves memory & eye sight, Insomnia, Elimination of excess Mucus Hyper pigmentation in the face, Pre-mature graying of hair, Brings clarity to voice, Headaches of various origin Hemiplegia, Loss of smell and taste, Frozen Shoulder, Migraine, Stiffness of the neck, Nasal Allergies Nasal Polyp, Neurological dysfunctions, Paraplegiar, Sinusitis. Raktamokshana This is a very effective blood purification therapy, in which carefully controlled removal of small quantities of blood is conducted to neutralize accumulated Pitta toxins of many blood borne diseases. Benefits Allergies, Skin disorders such as Eczema, Allergic Dermatitis, Tonsillitis, Sciatica. PREPARATORY METHODS FOR PANCHAKARMA Abhyanga Abyanga is Ayurveda’s principal healing tool and the mother of all massages. It is a whole body massage given with herbal oils customized to your body type to detoxify, nourish and revitalize the body tissues (Dhatus). Abhyanga has much deeper and more far reaching effects than ordinary massage using mineral oils and lotions. Abhyanga achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing Mind Body & Spirit. This massage is usually given by two therapists for one hour and is usually followed by a herbal bath or medicated steam bath (Sweda). It is one of the most rejuvenating treatments of Ayurveda. Benefits: Increases tissue strength, Improves blood circulation, Rejuvenates the whole body, Removes cellulite, beautifies the skin, Anti aging, helps sleep better, promotes vitality, Reduces Vata imbalance, stress and toxins. Shirodhara In Shirodhara, medicated warm oil/herbal decoctions/medicated milk/buttermilk is continually poured on the forehead for 20 to 30 minutes. This procedure often induces a completely relaxing and rejuvenating mental and physical state. It deeply revitalizes the central nervous system. Benefits Anxiety, Depression, Epilepsy, Hypertension, Diabetic Neuropathy, Central Nervous System, Hemiplegia Paraplegia, Strengthens the sensory organs, Insomnia, Pre-mature graying of the hair & hair loss Mental retardation, Paralysis, Stress. Netra Tarpana This is a special treatment in which the eyes are bathed in pure medicated ghee (refined butter). This treatment is recommended between 8- 15 minutes. Benefits Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the Computer & TV screen, Refractive errors of the eyes, Chronic Conjunctivitis Corneal Ulcer, Dry Eye Syndrome, Eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxins, Glaucoma Helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, Improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls, Pain and burning sensation in the eyes. Sweda To balance the doshas and ailments of a person, Sweda or medicated herbal steam bath opens the pores and flushes and cleanses the system through the skin. It is usually very effective when taken after Abhyanga. Benefits Reduces pain in the body, Eliminates toxins, Promotes lightness, Reduces stiffness, Beautifies the skin, Removes the Cellulite. Navarakizhi This is a highly effective anti aging / rejuvenation massage using a special type of rice that is cooked, and dipped into herbal warm milk, then skillfully massaged simultaneously by two therapists all over the body. Benefits Paralytic strokes, Anti-aging & rejuvenating, Strengthens tissues, Body ache, Emaciation, Debility Monoplegia, Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Talapodichil Special ayurvedic herbal paste is pasted on the head for 30-45 minutes. Benefits Headache, Depression, Hyper active conditions, Burning sensation in the eyes, Insomnia, Skin disorders. Shiropichu Special Medicated oil according to the body type is applied to the head for 30-45 minutes in a special manner. Benefits Facial palsy, Headache, Insomnia, Improves memory, Dermatitis of the scalp, Dandruff, Other neurological disorders Paralysis, Skin disorders such as Eczema. Chakra Vasti This basti is applied to the umbilical region. It acts on the solar plexus and balances the digestive fire. Benefits Indigestion, Constipation. Patra Pinda Sweda A highly rejuvenating treatment in which fresh plants are fried with several other herbal ingredients which are tied and, dipped into warm medicated oil and simultaneously massaged by four therapists all over the body for one hour, it is applied after Abhyanga. Benefits: Chronic back pain, Loss of function of a part or whole limb, Joint stiffness and swellings, Muscular pain, Anti-aging & rejuvenating Sciatica, Spondylosis, Sprains and cramps. Pizhichil Medicated oil/medicated milk is poured onto the body in continuous streams while being gently massaged by four therapists for one hour. It is extremely soothing and relaxing. It acts as a free radical scavenger, toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body. Benefits Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) after exposure to a viral or bacterial infection, Increases Ojus & Body Immunity, Anti-aging & rejuvenating Alleviates the burning sensation in the body, Ensures better circulation, Helps to recover from paralysis, Promotes healing of fractures. Udvartana (Weight loss Massage) This is a specialized herbal treatment for weight reduction. An herbal paste or powder is applied all over the body and deeply massaged with specific movements by two therapists for one hour. Benefits Toning the skin & muscle after child birth or weight loss, Removes Cellulite, Obesity, Weight reduction, Imparts good complexion to the skin Revitalizes the sense of touch, Removes Kapha toxins from the body. Shiroabhyanga A soothing massage of the head, neck & shoulder for 15 minutes using warm herbal oils. Benefits Insomnia, Brings sound sleep, Cooling to the eyes, Headache, Removes dandruff, Pre-mature graying & hair loss, Profoundly soothing and relaxing. Padaabhyanga A very stimulating massage of the lower legs and the feet for 30 minutes to activate the acupressure points. Benefits Improves the eyes, Soothing and cooling to the eyes, Alleviates burning of the eyes, Induces deep sleep, Improves luster of the skin, Smoothens cracked skin of the feet, Hyper tension, Relieves tiredness of the feet. Shiro Vasti A special technique of bathing the head for 45 minutes in medicated oils using a special apparatus. Benefits Anxiety, Facial paralysis, Insomnia, Neurological disorders, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders such as Eczema & Psoriasis, Stress. Takra Dhara Takra dhara is a form of shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment method which involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously for up to an hour a day. The process can last from 7 to 21 days. It is a cure for vata predominant diseases, relieves tension and cures certain types of skin diseases. Takra means butter milk, from my earlier post you have an idea of shirodhara, what they do here is boil milk and medicines and add little curd keep it over night, it is then churned and shirodhara is done with that buttermilk. It is very cooling and very effective in skin diseases, like psoriasis. AN EXPERIENCED PATIENT OPINION With my body oozing oil from the internal and external medications, the shrotas (channels) open to allow the outward flow of toxins. The doctors decide to attack the mind directly with Takra Dhara, a therapy commonly used for fatigue, insomnia, worry, and nervousness. Unfortunately my mind has not slowed down much yet. I have been assured they will bring me to “ground zero” and I am hoping it will be soon. Daily I am asked if I am tired yet, and I always reply cheerfully, “No, I haven’t been doing anything but sitting around”. That’s when they inform me that my behavior must change. No more going outside and walking around, no yoga, limited writing. Just ’take rest’. The first experience with Takra Dhara and Pizhichil brings me to tears. The two treatments are performed simultaneously for an hour. A constant stream of cool medicated buttermilk is directed through a hole in a clay pot onto my forehead (Takra Dhara), while three women on either side of me squeeze warm medicated oil over my body (Pizhichil) – using 2.25 liters per session. The only reason the therapist moves a hand over the body is to keep it warm and to remove the oil. The oil is then collected in a bigger vessel, re-heated and squeezed again. Silence in the treatment room except for the sound of cloths being dipped and squeezed. I turn my attention inward struggling to stay present. Memories, lurking in the darkness, some of them toxic, are ready to come out. TAKRADHARA IN PSORIASIS Its found to be very effective in psoriasis treatment

All the above articles / blog posts are not the original contribution from author, please consider a opinion of qualified doctor, if you considering this. If you need a advice please contact Dr. Anil Joy email: [email protected]

Thank You,

//   Benefits of Panchakarma in Brief Panchakarma as prescribed by Ayurveda is one of IVAC’s principal purification treatment. Panchakarma or the “five actions” are the therapeutic means of eliminating impurities from the body. It is a series of five therapies or steps that help remove deep rooted stress and impurities from the physiology while balancing the doshas – those energies or forces that govern all biological functions. There are five basic, cleansing procedures or ‘Shodhanas’ in Panchakarma. They are: Vamana One of the Panchakarma procedures, it is a medicated emesis therapy, cleanses Kapha toxins collected in the body and decongests the respiratory tract. Daily treatments are administered to loosen and mobilize the toxins and to finally eliminate them, this therapy takes 8 to 10 days. Benefits Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders. Virechana A medicated purgation therapy, removes Pitta toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects, it takes 8 to 12 days. Benefits Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis Headaches, Elephantiasis, Gynecological disorders. Basti Considered as the mother of all treatments, it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doahas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, especially Vata toxins, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment especially in convalescent periods. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person. Benefits Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Splenomegaly, Obesity Piles, Sexual Debility & Infertility. Nasya Administration of medicated oil through the nose, cleanses accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region. This treatment is usually given for 7 days. Based on the medical condition of a person, it can be given up to 30 days. Benefits Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bel’s Palsy, Improves memory & eye sight, Insomnia, Elimination of excess Mucus Hyper pigmentation in the face, Pre- mature graying of hair, Brings clarity to voice, Headaches of various origin Hemiplegia, Loss of smell and taste, Frozen Shoulder, Migraine, Stiffness of the neck, Nasal Allergies Nasal Polyp, Neurological dysfunctions, Paraplegiar, Sinusitis. Raktamokshana This is a very effective blood purification therapy, in which carefully controlled removal of small quantities of blood is conducted to neutralize accumulated Pitta toxins of many blood borne diseases. Benefits Allergies, Skin disorders such as Eczema, Allergic Dermatitis, Tonsillitis, Sciatica. PREPARATORY METHODS FOR PANCHAKARMA Abhyanga Abyanga is Ayurveda’s principal healing tool and the mother of all massages. It is a whole body massage given with herbal oils customized to your body type to detoxify, nourish and revitalize the body tissues (Dhatus). Abhyanga has much deeper and more far reaching effects than ordinary massage using mineral oils and lotions. Abhyanga achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing Mind Body & Spirit. This massage is usually given by two therapists for one hour and is usually followed by a herbal bath or medicated steam bath (Sweda). It is one of the most rejuvenating treatments of Ayurveda. Benefits: Increases tissue strength, Improves blood circulation, Rejuvenates the whole body, Removes cellulite, beautifies the skin, Anti aging, helps sleep better, promotes vitality, Reduces Vata imbalance, stress and toxins. Shirodhara In Shirodhara, medicated warm oil/herbal decoctions/medicated milk/buttermilk is continually poured on the forehead for 20 to 30 minutes. This procedure often induces a completely relaxing and rejuvenating mental and physical state. It deeply revitalizes the central nervous system. Benefits Anxiety, Depression, Epilepsy, Hypertension, Diabetic Neuropathy, Central Nervous System, Hemiplegia Paraplegia, Strengthens the sensory organs, Insomnia, Pre-mature graying of the hair & hair loss Mental retardation, Paralysis, Stress. Netra Tarpana This is a special treatment in which the eyes are bathed in pure medicated ghee (refined butter). This treatment is recommended between 8- 15 minutes. Benefits Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the Computer & TV screen, Refractive errors of the eyes, Chronic Conjunctivitis Corneal Ulcer, Dry Eye Syndrome, Eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxins, Glaucoma Helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, Improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls, Pain and burning sensation in the eyes. Sweda To balance the doshas and ailments of a person, Sweda or medicated herbal steam bath opens the pores and flushes and cleanses the system through the skin. It is usually very effective when taken after Abhyanga. Benefits Reduces pain in the body, Eliminates toxins, Promotes lightness, Reduces stiffness, Beautifies the skin, Removes the Cellulite. Navarakizhi This is a highly effective anti aging / rejuvenation massage using a special type of rice that is cooked, and dipped into herbal warm milk, then skillfully massaged simultaneously by two therapists all over the body. Benefits Paralytic strokes, Anti-aging & rejuvenating, Strengthens tissues, Body ache, Emaciation, Debility Monoplegia, Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Talapodichil Special ayurvedic herbal paste is pasted on the head for 30-45 minutes. Benefits Headache, Depression, Hyper active conditions, Burning sensation in the eyes, Insomnia, Skin disorders. Shiropichu Special Medicated oil according to the body type is applied to the head for 30-45 minutes in a special manner. Benefits Facial palsy, Headache, Insomnia, Improves memory, Dermatitis of the scalp, Dandruff, Other neurological disorders Paralysis, Skin disorders such as Eczema. Chakra Vasti This basti is applied to the umbilical region. It acts on the solar plexus and balances the digestive fire. Benefits Indigestion, Constipation. Patra Pinda Sweda A highly rejuvenating treatment in which fresh plants are fried with several other herbal ingredients which are tied and, dipped into warm medicated oil and simultaneously massaged by four therapists all over the body for one hour, it is applied after Abhyanga. Benefits: Chronic back pain, Loss of function of a part or whole limb, Joint stiffness and swellings, Muscular pain, Anti-aging & rejuvenating Sciatica, Spondylosis, Sprains and cramps. Pizhichil Medicated oil/medicated milk is poured onto the body in continuous streams while being gently massaged by four therapists for one hour. It is extremely soothing and relaxing. It acts as a free radical scavenger, toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body. Benefits Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) after exposure to a viral or bacterial infection, Increases Ojus & Body Immunity, Anti-aging & rejuvenating Alleviates the burning sensation in the body, Ensures better circulation, Helps to recover from paralysis, Promotes healing of fractures. Udvartana (Weight loss Massage) This is a specialized herbal treatment for weight reduction. An herbal paste or powder is applied all over the body and deeply massaged with specific movements by two therapists for one hour. Benefits Toning the skin & muscle after child birth or weight loss, Removes Cellulite, Obesity, Weight reduction, Imparts good complexion to the skin Revitalizes the sense of touch, Removes Kapha toxins from the body. Shiroabhyanga A soothing massage of the head, neck & shoulder for 15 minutes using warm herbal oils. Benefits Insomnia, Brings sound sleep, Cooling to the eyes, Headache, Removes dandruff, Pre-mature graying & hair loss, Profoundly soothing and relaxing. Padaabhyanga A very stimulating massage of the lower legs and the feet for 30 minutes to activate the acupressure points. Benefits Improves the eyes, Soothing and cooling to the eyes, Alleviates burning of the eyes, Induces deep sleep, Improves luster of the skin, Smoothens cracked skin of the feet, Hyper tension, Relieves tiredness of the feet. Shiro Vasti A special technique of bathing the head for 45 minutes in medicated oils using a special apparatus. Benefits Anxiety, Facial paralysis, Insomnia, Neurological disorders, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders such as Eczema & Psoriasis, Stress. Takra Dhara Takra dhara is a form of shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment method which involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously for up to an hour a day. The process can last from 7 to 21 days. It is a cure for vata predominant diseases, relieves tension and cures certain types of skin diseases. Takra means butter milk, from my earlier post you have an idea of shirodhara, what they do here is boil milk and medicines and add little curd keep it over night, it is then churned and shirodhara is done with that buttermilk. It is very cooling and very effective in skin diseases, like psoriasis. AN EXPERIENCED PATIENT OPINION With my body oozing oil from the internal and external medications, the shrotas (channels) open to allow the outward flow of toxins. The doctors decide to attack the mind directly with Takra Dhara, a therapy commonly used for fatigue, insomnia, worry, and nervousness. Unfortunately my mind has not slowed down much yet. I have been assured they will bring me to “ground zero” and I am hoping it will be soon. Daily I am asked if I am tired yet, and I always reply cheerfully, “No, I haven’t been doing anything but sitting around”. That’s when they inform me that my behavior must change. No more going outside and walking around, no yoga, limited writing. Just ’take rest’. The first experience with Takra Dhara and Pizhichil brings me to tears. The two treatments are performed simultaneously for an hour. A constant stream of cool medicated buttermilk is directed through a hole in a clay pot onto my forehead (Takra Dhara), while three women on either side of me squeeze warm medicated oil over my body (Pizhichil) – using 2.25 liters per session. The only reason the therapist moves a hand over the body is to keep it warm and to remove the oil. The oil is then collected in a bigger vessel, re-heated and squeezed again. Silence in the treatment room except for the sound of cloths being dipped and squeezed. I turn my attention inward struggling to stay present. Memories, lurking in the darkness, some of them toxic, are ready to come out. TAKRADHARA IN PSORIASIS Its found to be very effective in psoriasis treatment

All the above articles / blog posts are not the original contribution from author, please consider a opinion of qualified doctor, if you considering this. If you need a advice please contact Dr. Anil Joy email: [email protected]

Thank You,

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