Panchkarma – FAQ

Posted by elinna joness on July 15th, 2021

Want To Start Your Panchkarma Treatment  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I begin?

    Panchakarma begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your current state of health in order to develop a personalized program to serve your individual needs. At this time you are given a food, herbal and lifestyle regime to start your cleanse, along with scheduling your Panchakarma time.

How many Panchakarma days are scheduled?

    3, 5,  and 7,14 day programs are typically scheduled. For complete body purification need 28-30days. Panchakarma is a series of treatments in which the benefits of detoxification increase with each daily session.   If you have longstanding chronic imbalances, then a  seven to fourteen day program is highly recommended for deep cleansing of the body’s seven tissues. Three days would be the minimum time to activate cleansing.  Many clients often schedule a three day ‘weekend cleanse’ as a perfect seasonal and affordable  tune-up.  A single Panchakarma treatment is valuable to totally unwind and relax, but will not activate a deep extended cleanse. 

How long are the sessions?

 Daily treatments are approximately  minimum three hours.

What happens during the Panchakarma session?

The Panchakarma cleansing process affects the whole person. Thus, during the program, you may notice changes on mental, physical, and emotional levels. Many of our clients experience a “healing crisis.”This is a normal part of the healing process, and may be seen as a beneficial step toward optimal health.  You may also loose 2-5 pounds of weight during Panchakarma Detox.

Typically, every session includes the following:

 Warm herbal oil massage given in tandem by 2 therapists. (Snehana)

~ lubricates macro and micro channels so toxins can be dislodged ~

 Extensive massage of cranial area and oiling of ears. (Karna Puran)

~ removes stress, tension, nourishes sensory organs and auditory canals ~

Anointing with rare, pure, therapeutic grade essential oils

~ uplifts mind and senses, oxygenates system and enhances healing ~

 Nasal therapy. (Nasya)

 ~ aids the lubrication and cleansing of nostrils,

 strengthens mind and senses ~

Shirodhara.  (relaxing stream of warm oil flowing over forehead)

~ helps overcome stress by deeply relaxing the nervous system ~

 Herbal Steam Therapy. (Swedana)

~ opens circulatory channels so toxins can be flushed, softens and brightens skin ~

 Intestinal Cleansing  (Basti)

~  most important elimination therapy which cleanses and nourishes the colon, seat of Vata dosha, which controls all bodily functions ~

Additional protocols may be recommended for particular symptoms:

 Netra Tarpan

~ special eye treatment in which sterilized triphala ghee is gently poured over eyes to bring relief to dry, aching and tired eyes ~

Kati, Hrid,  Nabhi, or Janu Basti 

~ localized treatments (sacral area, heart, umbilicus, knees) in which an enclosure of dough is filled with warm medicated oil and left to penetrate for about 20 minutes to relieve pain and nourish tissues ~

 Transdermal Marma Point Therapy

~ as developed by Vaidya RK Mishra, extremely subtle and relaxing as highly ‘intelligent’ transdermal cremes, powerful mantras, and light touch are applied to positively effect and clear vibrational channels called ‘nadi-s’ ~

Udvartana 

~ medicinal herbs, grains, and oils blended into a paste and massaged into skin to cleanse skin, improve circulation and assist weight loss

Ubtan

~ a paste of chickpea flour, turmeric, sandalwood, herbs and aromatic oils is applied on entire body to beautify skin and reduce bodily heat ~

What is a healing crisis?

A healing crisis occurs when a large quantity of toxins that have been locked in our tissues for years are released into the system for elimination. As these toxins are expelled, you may experience insomnia, heaviness, aching, or general discomfort and flu-like symptoms. You may also develop a feverish feeling, which is simply your body’s way of burning up toxic waste. You may notice some emotional mood swings or experience intense feelings. Do not be alarmed—this is both a natural and necessary part of tissue cleansing. Make time to discuss with your Ayurvedic Physician or facilitator on a daily basis while undergoing Panchakarma treatments and they will help to walk you through the process.

What Panchakarma cleansing protocols are best for me?

     After reviewing the information gained during your initial consultation it becomes clear which protocols will be appropriate for your program.  Usually not all five Panchakarma cleansing procedures are given to one person.  Only those procedures which are most advantageous will be recommended. 

 What happens during the Panchakarma Detox and Healing program ?

Your Panchakarma experience begins with a private consultation by Dr. (Vaidya) to understand your dosha and your level of accumulated toxins. Dr.then recommends and customizes a Panchakarma program to meet your unique needs. You will experience your first Ayurvedic therapy and begin the Panchakarma cleansing process to bring you into a state of deep relaxation.

In the week that follows, each day you will receive Ayurvedic massage treatment and Panchakarma therapy. Fresh fruit, herbal tea are available while complementary Ayurvedic food is offered after the therapy.

The final day of the program is a devoted to rejuvenation and self-nourishment.

At this point, you’ve released an enormous amount of physical and emotional toxicity, and are beginning the Ayurvedic process known as Rasayana—a Sanskrit term meaning “that which nourishes.” You will be pampered with a restorative Ayurvedic massage treatment. A post program protocol is recommenced to replenish your body with herbs, natural foods, meditation, and yoga.

What must I do to prepare for Panchakarma?

      At your consultation you will be given many delicious drink and food recipes.  These foods are specifically chosen to initiate your cleanse prior to your Panchakarma treatments.   By eating these foods, you will begin to alkalize, mineralize and oxygenate your system so that detoxification proceeds easily,  making it safe and gentle for your organs of elimination to handle the cleanse.  Because Ayurveda understands the importance keeping the mind and emotions happy, the recipes are designed to more than satisfy your palate with delicious flavors, aromas, and textures. 

     There may be additional preparatory advice given involving herbal supplementation, or certain elimination – enhancing advice to follow as well.

Accommodations

  • Most guests arrange to stay at a lovely nearby retreat center called  AROGYAM  HEALTH  RESORT  Foundation which offers different choices from a single private room to whole guest house.  All have kitchen facilities. 

Food

  Upon request food can be prepared daily during your stay. Provided is one quart of fresh green smoothie and a large pot of recommended Ayurvedic cooked food such as kitcharee, mung dal, etc.  

Anything else?

 Do: 

  • clear the decks of excessive responsibilities which create stress and fatigue.
  •  follow the nutritional regime
  • plan activities that are totally relaxing during your Panchakarma program, such as meditation, gentle yoga, breathing exercises, writing,  some reading, easy walks (not hikes!).

    To Be Avoided:

  •  avoid any activity which increases stress, fatigue and exertion:  aerobic exercise, sexual activity, overuse of the five senses like excessive reading or tv, computer work, cell phones, talking, loud music, etc..
  • recreational drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, junk food, etc..

   Finally…

     It is an honor to facilitate this very profound and personal transformation with you. As such, your Panchakarma program is carried out in a private, quiet and loving atmosphere where respect, sensitivity and personalized attention is supported by many years of traditional knowledge and skill.  Our intention is to create a sacred space in which your physical, mental and   spiritual renewal can occur naturally and gracefully. 

So, For What You Are Waiting For ?

·         Schedule an Ayurve

Like it? Share it!


elinna joness

About the Author

elinna joness
Joined: July 15th, 2021
Articles Posted: 38

More by this author