Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s traditional detoxification therapy.

Pancha meaning ‘five’ and Karma ‘Action,’ these therapies aim to cleanse the whole body from deep seated toxins (ama) to eliminate the root cause of long standing chronic conditions.

During your initial Ayurvedic consultation the practitioner holds an in depth discussion about your health history including possible aggravating factors, a physical assessment of the pulse and tongue, as well as understanding the state of your digestion. This is a deep dive into what you are currently experiencing and what you wish to achieve with Panchakarma. The identifying factors in this assessment determine your predominant dosha or Prakruti and your current imbalanced dosha(s) or Vikruti.

Ayurveda’s definition of health is a balanced state of the three doshas, and the digestive tract, properly formed physical tissues, proper elimination of waste products, well functioning bodily processes and a blissful state of mind, soul and senses.

Samadosa samagni ca sama dhata malakriyah
Prasanna atma indriya manah svastha iti abhidhiyate

There are five elements that make up all beings and nature around us. Each Dosha is a pair of these elements.

Vata - Air & Ether - responsible for transportation, movement in and around the body.

Pitta - Fire & Water - responsible for transformation, processing in the mind and body.

Kapha - Earth & Water - responsible for stability and lubrication in the body.

All beings have a specific ratio of these five elements, and in turn three doshas, typically having one or two predominant (Prakruti). Due to inappropriate diet, lifestyle choices and environmental factors these doshas may become imbalanced causing your current condition or state of discomfort (Vikruti).

Based on the information gathered in your consultation, a customized treatment plan is designed to release toxins, improve vitality and bring your Doshas back into balance or Prakruti.

Your tailored Panchakarma therapy program will include one or more of the ‘five actions’ based on your Vikruti or current doshic imbalance.

Vata (Ether & Air) style imbalances, typically linked to excess dryness in the body and the nervous system, respond well to the Bhasti branch of Panchakarma. Bhasti is a process of internal or external oleation of the body where the medicated oils give nourishment to vital tissues and organs.

Pitta (Fire & Water) style imbalances, typically related to excess heat in the skin, liver and digestive system, respond well to the Virechana branch of Panchakarma. Virechana is a process of purgation through the bowels by the administration of medicated ghee over a period of time followed by a laxative.

Kapha (Earth & Water) style imbalances, typically expressed as excess lethargy, water retention and congestion, respond well to the Nasya branch of Panchakarma. Nasya is a series of medicated oil treatments administered through the nose for conditions involving the head and neck.

Your Panchakarma therapy program will include a version of each of the following steps based on your current state of imbalance.

Purva Karma - Pre-Procedure:

Deepana / Pachana is the beginning part of every Panchakarma program and typically lasts 3-7 days. The strengthening of your digestive fire (Deepana) and metabolizing of extraneous material (Pachana) plays a crucial role in preparing your body to undergo deep cleansing. During this part of the process you are advised to practice daily cleansing rituals and follow a light, easily digestible diet.

Pradhana Karma - Main Procedure:

This section of the purification program is the most important and will vary based on the findings of your imbalanced dosha(s) in your initial Ayurvedic consultation. You can expect to spend a minimum of 3-6 days or a maximum of 6-12 days for your specific series of main treatments. Depending on your location and level of comfort you might self administer or come into the clinic for these treatments.

Paschat Karma - Post Procedure:

Following each Pancha Karma program the body will need Rasayana (rejuvenation). Rasanaya recommendations may come in the form of a specific rebuilding diet, herbal formulas, yoga therapy or a series of oleation treatments at our clinic. The rejuvenation period will be a minimum of 5 days to build precious tissues in the body after your deep cleansing process. Ideally you feel inspired to continue with your newfound healthy diet and lifestyle regime to maintain your wellbeing.

Your deep cleansing program is fully customizable around work and family activities, though during the main cleansing days we typically recommend creating a restful environment with few commitments to fo