Panchakarma
Its a therapeutic process much favored in Kerala and to some extent distinctive to Kerala where the local panchakarma process has been simplified without loss of efficacy. It is the most effective way to alleviate stress and to combat functional impairments of the body.
Pancharakarma is preceded by poorvakarma or pre-purification. The body is ‘readied’ to let go of toxins through swedanam and snehanam. Swedanam means ‘sudation’ or sweating. This procedure liquefies toxins and increases their movement into the gastrointestinal tract. Snehanam, which follows, means oleating the body. It helps toxins to move towards the gastrointestinal tract and makes tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and nourish the nervous system. The doshas are now active. A particular panchakarma is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder. Panchkarma is the classic five-point revitalisation treatment that is gaining worldwide fame these days. Although Panchakarma is often thought of as the entire procedure, it is, in fact, part of a group of therapies belonging to a class of cleansing procedures called shodhana. At Kalari, the Panchkarma rejuvenation process is intensive and closely follows the early texts of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. Pradhana karma - main procedure
There are five basic Shodhanas, or therapeutic cleansing processes.
- Nasyam: Elimination of toxins through the nose or Errhine Therapy
- Vamanam: Therapeutic vomiting or Emesis Therapy
- Virechanam: Purgation Therapy
- Vasthy: Medicated Enema
- Rakthamoksham: Detoxification of the blood or Blood letting Therapy
This is followed by paschat karma or post-purification measures, which advises a diet and lifestyle that is harmonious with one’s constitution.
