Panchakarma is one of the most well-known treatment procedures in Ayurveda. There are a lot of misconceptions about both Ayurveda & Panchakarma. So many people ask Vaidya (Ayurvedic practitioner), can I take Panchakarma treatment? Everywhere, we could see many centers offering ayurvedic detoxification, Kerala panchakarma, etc. What is Panchakarma? What should you give attention to while doing it? Let’s dive in-depth.
In Ayurveda, treatment procedures are broadly categorized as Shodana (Cleansing) & Shamanam (alleviate).
In Shodhana Chikitsa, with the help of medication, the aggravated Dosha ( Vata, Pitta & Kapha) gets expelled from the body. The following treatments come under Shodhana Chikitsa
These treatments together are known as Pancha Karma (Pancha Means 5).
In Shamana Chikitsa, with the help of medication, “thri-doshas” (Vata, Pitta & Kabha) are brought to normalcy, but without expelling the aggravated doshas from the body. This includes medicines to increase the digestive fire, medications that help proper digestion, Upavasam (fasting), exercise, etc.
As we discussed already, Panchakarma involves five main procedures. Before undergoing each of these treatments, one has to follow and do certain things before and after. These help us get the desired result for that karma. All these treatments can’t be done in any season; similarly, they can’t be exercised on all kinds of people. These indications and contraindication are discussed in detail in Ayurveda.
Let’s see a few contraindications.
Vamana(Emesis) should not be exercised on pregnant women, children, people with heart disease, weak, very lean, or overweight.
Virechana(Purgation) should not be exercised on people having newly originated fever, diarrhea, less digestive fire, or any bleeding disorder.
Similarly, certain conditions are there for each treatment in the Panchakarma process. Considering nature, health condition of the person, stage of the disease, climate, and detailed observation, the vaidya (practitioner) decides which treatments have to be done.
Snehanam and Swedanam are two preparatory treatments done before starting the Panchakarma.
Vamanam: In this process, with the aid of medicines, impurities are removed from the body through vomiting. This is important for managing increased Kapha.
Virechanam: In this treatment, with the aid of medicine, impurities are escalated from the body through stools. This is important for increased Pitta, and other conditions arise due to imbalanced Pitta.
Vasti: In Vasti, special medicated decoction or medicated oil and ghee in a specific ratio is taken, and enema is given with that for a specific time. All impurities come out along with medicines given after some time. This is important for excess Vata and related issues.
Nasyam/ Shiro Virechanam: Nostrils are the entry point to the head. For all diseases related to the head and above the shoulder, Nasyam is the main treatment procedure. Medicated oil, ghee, powder form of herbs, extracted juice of herbs will be used for Nasyam, and these will bring out the vitiated dosha through nostril. The medicine is directly poured into the nostrils. Broadly two types of treatment lines are there with Nasyam
Prathimarsham Nasyam: 1 or two drops applied in each nostril. It can be done every day to all age groups.
Marsha Nasyam: Medication is used in larger doses ( 4,8,16,32 drops) for a specific time period.
Rakta Mokshanam: Draining impure blood from our body. This is done in two ways. One way is using leeches to suck blood, and the other through draining at specific quantities through blood vessels using needles.
Once the whole treatment is over, the vital energy levels and digestive fire will be slow & low. So one has to be careful with the strict diet, physical exertion and should follow guidelines prescribed by vaidya after observing your condition. After a few days, you can resume normal daily life and routines.
The treatment is more personalized for each individual, depending on Prakriti and health conditions. Which and all treatments are to be done? When to do it? What medicines to use? Which food to take, all these are decided by the Vayida after keen observation. Improper treatment may bring more trouble to the patient than any benefit. So one must understand the treatment and take it seriously. Make sure you undertake it with proper guidance and with experienced practitioners.
Not just diseased, a healthy person could also take Panchakarma. Our improper daily routines and climate will bring imbalance to our body, and Panchakarma will help restore balance by properly eliminating impurities and keeping you healthy and immune to diseases.
In a 5000 years old Classical Ayurvedic text there is a preparation of medication that has GOLD as the main ingredient and administered to newborn up to 16 years old kids. It is called Swarnaprashan. Swarna means GOLD & Prashan means consume.
“Wealth, a friend, a wife, and a kingdom may be regained; but this body when lost may never be acquired again.”
– Chanakya
Spondylosis refers to a degenerative process in the vertebral disc. When the degeneration happens in cervical discs (which are present in the neck region), it is called cervical spondylosis. Usually, this is observed in old age, but nowadays in young adults too.
Let’s look into how we could identify the condition. Initially, it will be asymptomatic (Without many symptoms ) and in later stages, it will show moderate to severe symptoms
Mostly the condition is caused by
We will see what contributes to the above-mentioned conditions in a while
Allopathic treatment prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and anti-seizure medication in moderate cases. In severe cases, surgery will be recommended and risks involved will be continuous pain, nerve root damage, infection, etc.
Now let’s look at this through the eyes of an Vaidya (Ayurvedic Practitioner)
In Ayurveda, this dis-ease is classified under Vata Vyadhi. It is a broad topic and discusses the imbalance of Vata and its ill effects. Cervical Spondylosis is one among them. Vata increases due to aging or over/improper physical exertion or injuries. Which eventually results in Dhatu Kshaya. (Depletion of Sthanika Kapha). For a smoother function of cervical vertebrae, lubrication is needed and it is given by Sthanika Kapha. Lack of which results in dehydrated discs.
Apabahukam, Bahusosham, Viswachi can be correlated with spondylitis or maybe we can consider it as different stages of spondylosis. Which relates to stiff joints, weak muscles, and nerve issues. From all this, it is clear that the culprit is the imbalanced Vata. Let’s dive into the causes of vitiated Vata.
How can we prevent it?
Here are a few easy postures and movements you could try
Flexion – these are moments where we try to decrease the angle between two body parts from their natural state. Bring neck and head downward
Lateral Flexion – Right ear to the right shoulder, left ear to left shoulder
Rotation – Turn head toward the right as much as possible, Chin should come over shoulders. Do not bring the shoulder up. Hold the posture for 5 seconds. Do the same on the left side
Extension – (These are movements where we try to increase the angle between two body parts) bend the neck and head toward the back – looking up the ceiling
Isometric exercises (Strengthen neck muscles) – Push your palm against the forehead and head towards down resisting palm (5-second hold of posture and repeat 3 times)
Place your hand against the side of your head, now try to bring your ear towards your shoulder resisting the push of the palm. Do the same for both sides.
What are the solutions?
Pain management: Hot dry fomentation is good to reduce swelling and pain. Fill a small cotton pouch with crystal salt or sand or charcoal grains. Heat the punch by keeping it over a hot pan. Apply heat on the affected area using the pouch.
One should not apply oil if swelling is present. Once you get relieved from pain and swelling, you could start practicing the exercises mentioned above, without stressing your body.
There are very effective remedies for Cervical Spondylosis in Ayurveda. Proper diet and with help of medication, we could cure the condition. Moreover, proper Ayurvedic treatment can help you avoid surgery and related risks.
Dr Suchithra runs an Ayurvedic Clinic Sree Devamrutham. She could be reached at suchithra.viswan@gmail.com or 9446532947
Image courtesy https://www.rickysinghmd.com/neck-strain/
Some intense experiences, we can’t share those in words but will reflect in our actions thereafter. He is no more to light my path ahead in this life, But the ways he showed me; how to live like a raw human being, is always there to guide me like an invisible man.
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