What is Panchakarma? What are its Benefits?
As the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are discussing the need to improve immunity to fight this virus. There are various Ayurvedic means to improve immunity. Panchakarma is a very important Ayurvedic process to do that. This 5000-year-old healing treatment not only boosts immunity, but it also has the power to prevent diseases. It revitalizes both the body and the mind.
What is Panchakarma?
The Ayurvedic detoxification process of Panchakarma typically lasts for 21 days. In some places, it is also completed in 14 days. It’s a rigorous process to go through but if you are mentally set then it’s absolutely worth it.
People typically check into an Ayurvedic resort for a Panchakarma treatment because one has to take great care to stick to the diet. In addition, they have to follow the prescribed lifestyle while going through the process.
Panchakarma, as the name implies, is done through “five actions”. It is basically a three-stage treatment which starts with preparing the body for the treatment. The “five actions” are then used during the treatment. In the post-treatment stage, one needs to keep to the diet and have herbal concoctions.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that the human body constitutes of three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Khapa (VPK) and an imbalance in these doshas lead to disorder. Panchakarma realigns the balance of the body with extreme measures like therapeutic vomiting (Vamana), purgation (Virechan), enema (Basti), eliminating toxins from the nose (Nasya) and blood (Rakta Moksha).
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The whole process is done by administering ghee, herbal oils and massages. A strict diet of khichdi is prescribed during the treatment. At the end of it, one not only feels physically rejuvenated but attains mental clarity as well.
6 Benefits of Panchakarma
1. Helps in Building Immunity
Imbalanced diet, less sleep, stress, chronic medication and dehydration affect immunity. Ayurveda believes that one should achieve three things to gain immunity. One is Bala that is the ability of the system to repair itself, Vyadhi Kshamata, the ability to fight against diseases and Ojas is the stage when the correct balance is achieved between immunity and digestion.
The process of Panchakarma helps in attaining all these three things. At the end of the treatment, you have much better immunity.
2. Eliminates Toxins
As we mentioned earlier the five actions of Panchakarma flushes out all the toxins from the body leaving it totally rejuvenated.
The detoxification process targets the lungs, blood vessels, digestive system, bowels and nervous system. It makes muscles and joints stronger and balances the hormone in the body. Going for this Ayurvedic treatment once in every five years won’t allow the toxins to accumulate.
3. Improves Metabolism and Helps in Weight Loss
Most of our health concerns start with issues in metabolism. As the metabolic rate slows down we tend to gain weight. Also because of impaired metabolism, there are issues in bowel movements and hence accumulation of toxins in the body.
The Panchakarma treatment completely boosts your metabolism after taking out all the toxins from the body. If you can follow the prescribed lifestyle after the treatment it would lead to weight loss. You will experience an overall sense of well-being.
4. Panchakarma is For Everyone
You could have some medical conditions, but if you consult an Ayurveda practitioner they would tell you to opt for Panchakarma.
Actually, anyone can go for the treatment provided they are ready to follow the discipline that is needed during and after the treatment. In fact, the herbal oil massages that are used for the treatment relaxes the body and the mind.
5. Prevents Diseases
We usually go for treatments when we have an illness, but Panchakarma treatment can prevent chronic diseases.
People go for the treatment to deal with diseases like chronic skin rashes, allergies, Paraplegia or Hemiplegia. It can help prevent obesity, digestive and skin disorders, nerve diseases and psychiatric illnesses. Diabetes and insomnia can also be prevented with this treatment.
It slows down aging, prevents neuro-degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s. Panchakarma prevents bone-degenerative diseases and gynecological issues.
6. Opens Up the Mind
Ayurveda practitioners say emotional issues can lead to diseases. While going through the intense treatment of Panchakarma, people attain mental peace and lucidity. It allows them to let go off the emotional baggage that torments them. Many people say that midway through the treatment, they feel a sense of awakening that helps them to move on. They feel a renewed level of concentration and happiness.
Panchakarma is a great way to stay healthy and happy. To conclude, we would say you should try this age-old Ayurvedic treatment for a complete overhaul of your body and mind.
