“Panchakarma” a branch of “Ayurveda”, deals with the restoration of youth with the help of medicated oils. This special treatment of oil massages prescribed in the ancient Indian medical lore have been practiced in Kerala for many centuries, practiced in accordance with great works of “Charaka Samhita”.

THE PANCHAKARMA ASPECTS ARE:

Vamanam (Emesis Therapy or vomiting): Congestion in the lungs causes repeated attacks of bronchitis, colds and coughs. Vamanam is administrated to eliminate the Kapha that causes the excess mucus. All Kapha related diseases are cured by this therapy. This process requires good attention and skilled assistance. In chronic skin diseases like Psoriasis also vamanam is used.

Virechanam (Purgation): Elimination of toxic or waste matter from the intestine by administrating therapeutic purgation or a therapeutic laxative. In cases of jaundice, piles virechanam is prescribed.

Aasthaapana or Niruham: The enema with quath or Kashaya Vasti is for combating vata and vata dominant diseases. Vata is predominant in the colon. Vasti involves the introduction of herbal concoction into the rectum. It relieves constipation, kidney stones, backaches, sciatica and all types of joint pains.

Anuvaasan: Enema with oil: This is given to patients suffering from diabetes, anemia, and obesity. All vata aggravated diseases like joint disorders, paralysis, constipation, arthritis, urinary and reproductive disorders anuvaasan is given.

Nasyam: Inhalation of medicated oil through the nose is called nasyam. An excess of humours accumulated in sinus, throat, nose or head areas is eliminated by Nasyam. From the shoulders up the patients body is massaged causing it to perspire. The medicine in exact dose is measured and poured into the nostrils, as the patient inhales.

During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms & feet are rubbed. This is very effective in ailments such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion. In case of hemiplegia, facial paralysis also nasyam is given.

Diet is very important during and after Panchakarma. After the purification process, when the patient feels hungry at that time he can have Kitchari (mix veg meal). The patient should have it for three to four days with slowly increasing the quantity of intake with other item like ginger, pepper, salt green gram soup and other pulse soups gradually adding to the diet and increasing the quantity gradually.