The five procedures of Panchakarma are:
1. Vamana (Emesis Therapy): Induced vomiting to remove excess Kapha (mucus) from the body.
2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Induced purgation to remove excess Pitta (bile) from the body.
3. Basti (Enema Therapy): Medicated enema to remove excess Vata (gas) from the body.
4. Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Medicated nasal drops or powders to remove excess Kapha from the nasal passages and sinuses.
5. Raktamoksha (Blood Letting Therapy): Controlled bloodletting to remove excess Pitta from the blood.
Panchakarma aims to:
- Remove toxins and impurities
- Balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
- Enhance digestion and metabolism
- Improve physical and mental well-being
- Prevent diseases and promote longevity
Panchakarma is typically done under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner and may involve pre-procedure preparations, post-procedure rest and recovery, and dietary and lifestyle modifications.
