Dos And Don’ts Before And After Panchkarma Treatment

Panchkarma is essentially a detoxification program that helps in eliminating accumulated impurities from the physiology of the mind-body. 

In Sanskrit, Pancha means five, and karma translates to action. Overall, this process of panchakarma refers to 5 diverse purifying as well as rejuvenating procedures in the science of Ayurveda. 

When it was designed initially thousands of years ago, there were not many causes for unhealthy accumulations within the body. That said, it was still necessary to come up with this highly sophisticated panchakarma detox program. In the present-day scenario, where there is an abundance of stress and environmental hazards along with intake of improper diet, panchakarma treatment can be of immense help.

There are 3 primary components of the panchakarma process:

• Preparation Phase (Poorva Karma)
• Main Procedures (Pradhana Karma)
• Post-Therapy Procedures (Paschat Karma)

Poorva Karma (Before Panchkarma) Dos And Don’ts

This preparatory phase is specifically designed to efficiently prepare your body for the elimination of imbalances. It includes certain steps that are meant to efficiently soften and help encourage the expulsion of stored toxicity.

The therapy known as Snehana (or oleation) refers to both internal as well as external oleation of the body. You must intake increasing quantities of herbal oils by mouth, which help in lubricating your digestive system. In addition, the preparatory phase may involve the consumption of ginger tea as well as herbal supplements such as Guggulu and Triphala. 

One to Three Weeks Prior to Panchkarma Therapy

Dos:

• Proceed with self-massage with Ayurvedic or sesame oils.

Don’ts:

• Consume sweets and processed, fried, and junk foods

• Intake stimulants such as alcohol and coffee

• Indulge in a majority of dairy products

One Week Prior to Panchkarma Treatment

Do’s

• Consume a sattvic diet that comprises primarily of Kitchari, which is a lip-smacking dish made of rice, beans, and vegetables. 

• Make modifications to your diet so that it comprises predominantly of whole grains, vegetables, and beans. 

• For breakfast, prepare a concoction of organic oatmeal and steamed apples.

• Drink a minimum of 4 cups of cumin-coriander-fennel tea on a daily basis. 

Don’t

• Eat meat, eggs, or fish

A Couple of Days Prior To Panchkarma Ayurvedic Treatment

Dos

• Continue with a Kitchari diet and consume 2 Triphala before going to bed. 

• Become more internally focused.

• Let go of day-to-day activities and spend time practising meditation, yoga, and partaking in long walks amidst nature.

• Practice deep breathing, with focus on exhalation, which helps you in getting rid of negative emotions and ideas.

Don’ts

• Intake ghee

Paschat Karma (Post Panchkarma) Do’s And Don’ts

Dos:

• Because you now have a clean body (with no Ama but balanced doshas), it is your duty to efficiently maintain the newly cleansed body.

• Rekindle your agni to prevent unhealthy build-up of toxins by practicing pranayama, yoga, meditation, abhyanga on a daily basis, and consuming a diet that is specific to your dosha. 

Don’ts:

• Go back to your exercise routine that you followed prior to treatment because you need to take it slow.

On A Final Note

You need not be sick to benefit from panchakarma. If you are already healthy, panchakarma will help you get stronger with higher energy levels. If you do have an illness, it will encourage you to get back into a healthy state in a gentle and natural manner. Always keep in mind that prevention is important. Maintaining a state of balance will surely help in the long run and in ensuring a long, wholesome life.