Panchakarma
Panchakarma is considered as one of the most important aspect of treatment in Ayurveda. They are influential in cleansing part of treatment of vitiated or impurities in tri odsha and helps in significant part of achieving good health. Here Pancha - means five, and Karma - means action.
There are many types of Panchakarma involved in treatment but all these karmas are more or less classified in the below 5 Karmas.
Snehana
Swedana
Vaman
Virechana
Basti
Snehan
of oils to whole body or only a specific part of body.For oral intake all kinds of oil, ghee, fats, etc are considered.Generally medically processed ghee or oils are used depending on the requirement.
Karnapuran
Nasya
Katibasti
NetraTarpan
Shirodhara
Udvartan
Abhyanga
Snehan in simple terms means providing oleation of the body both inside and outside.It includes all types of massage, application
It is a prerequisite for most of most Panchakarma proceedures.
Swedan
It is a steaming process of the body. It is only done externally to the whole body or a specific area.
Pindasweda
Dhoopan
Nadi sweda
It is generally preceded by snehan karma. But sometimes prescribed as a sole treatment.
Vaman
It is a process of medical purgation. Most efficient in Kaphaj disorders. Ideally performed in Vasant kaal. ( Feb to April).
Specially beneficial in obesity, skin disorders, chronic sinusitis, infertility, etc
Virechan
It means medically induced purgation. Done in Sharat kaal ( September to November). Preceded by Snehan and swedan. Ideal for Pitta expulsion.
Beneficial in Hyperacidity, Obesity, allergies, Piles, Liver disorders, etc.
Basti
It is one of the most important form of Panchakarma. In Ayurveda it goes by saying ' if basti karma is done then half the treatment is finished '. It is done predominantly in Vata dosha related diseases like Bone and joint diseases, Gastric and neurological diseases. It has excellent applications in Ayurveda as most of the literature is dedicated on Basti with profound results. For prevention and health purpose it is given during rainy season or if prescribed otherwise. A normal healthy person can take basti by approaching an Ayurvedic physician during Rainy season.
Beneficial in Bone, Joint and neurological disorders, Gut cleansing, Immunity, Infertility, etc.
