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The three stages of Panchakarma therapy.

1. Panchakarma is always performed in three stages Purva Karma (pre-treatment), Pradhana Karma (primary treatment) and Paschat Karma (post-treatment). The patient who opts for any one of the five therapies has invariably to undergo all the three stages.
2. Snehana (oleation / oil therapy) and Swedana (sudation) are the two Purva Karma procedures. Snehana (internal and external oleation) loosens the Amam stuck in various sites of the body and Swedana dilates the channels to facilitate its movement towards the Koshta (alimentary canal). The Amam that reaches the Koshta is eliminated during the Pradhana Karma (primary treatment).
3. Diet regimens, restricted bodily exertion, and the intake of health-promoting drugs come under the Paschat Karma (post-treatment).

Panchakarma is a purifying therapy to enhance the metabolic process through food and herbal medicines. It is used in deep rooted chronic disease as well as seasonal imbalance of tridoshas. As the wastes are eliminated from the body the person becomes healthy

Literally Panch means five and Karma means action. So Panchakarma means five types of actions or techniques or treatment. These types of therapeutics are based on elimination therapy. Panchakarma treatment is very effective in diseases like hemiplegia, polio, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension, cardiac problems, intestinal diseases, peptic and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis and asthma. Besides this, it produces immunity and increases youthfulness of the body.

Panchakarma includes five types of treatment which are as follows

Vamana Use of emetics

This therapy is mainly used in cases of chronic disorders due to Kapha dosha. It involves induced and controlled vomiting with the help of medicines. It is used to treat chronic asthma, chronic hyperacidity etc. Vamana should not be given to the very young or very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physicians supervision.

Virechan Use of laxatives

This therapy is mainly used in cases of chronic disorders due to Pitta dosha. It involves induced and controlled purgation with the help of medicines. It is used to treat jaundice, chronic helminthes cases etc. Virechan should not be given to the very young or very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physicians supervision.

Basti Medicated enema

Involves administering medicines as enema. The medicines used can be decoctions, pure/formulated oils, milk etc. It is used to cure arthritis, backache etc. Basti should not be given to the very young or very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physicians supervision.

Nasya Nasal administration of medication

Nasya is administered through the nose. Medicated powders, decoctions or oil drops are introduced into the nasal passages. They remove residual doshas and toxins from the head and neck area. Nasya is used in cases of migraine, chronic rhinitis, epilepsy etc.

Rakta Mokshana Blood letting

Rakta Mokshana is done either with the help of venesection, or using leeches. It is mainly used to cure gout, skin and blood disorders (pigmentation), elephantiasis, alopecia. Raktamokshan should not be given to the very young or very old or during pregnancy and should always be administered under a physicians supervision.

Panchakarma therapy should always be followed by a special diet regime that includes khichadi among other things.