Panchakarma for Overall Health & Wellness

Body detoxification may have become a trend in recent years giver the popularity of social media, but it’s first mention and practice will take you 5,000 years and to Ayurveda’s scripts. Based on the principles of maintaining the body’s internal balance through healthy food intake, Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, Ayurvedic practices remain relevant in today’s world as well.

One of the most eminent branches of Ayurveda – Panchakarma is gaining popularity among the masses, especially for those suffering from cardiac ailments as the therapy is believed to be beneficial in bringing such patients comfort. Let’s understand more about Panchakarma and how it can be beneficial for your heart.

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma literally translates to five-step treatment. It is an ancient Ayurvedic detoxing and body purification procedure with long-lasting health benefits. The treatment is structured to restore the natural healing capacity of the human body and improving the quality of life. The five steps or therapies included in Panchakarma include:

Vaman: In this therapy, the ama (toxins) are eliminated through the upper channels the mouth via vomiting.
Virechan: Virechan involves purgation or disposal of ama through the lover channels that is by clearing the bowels.
Basti: This procedure involves herbal oil enemas to clear the rectal area of lipid waste.
Nasya: The Nasya procedure involves herbal oil enemas to clear the nasal cavity. It also involves head, neck and shoulder massage.
Raktamokshan: This procedure is aimed at purifying the blood and letting out toxins.

Panchakarma and Heart Ailments: The Link

According to Ayurveda, Hrudrog or heart diseases are caused due to dysfunctional Rasa Dhatvagni [1] or unbalanced doshas. Panchakarma helps balance the three doshas and improves the body’s healing power which in turn helps people slowly reverse their heart ailment.

In the modern approach, cholesterol is one of the major causes that lead to heart diseases [2]. Now, cholesterol is nothing but the accumulation of plaque (toxins and waste material) in the blood vessels. Panchakarma therapy is designed to eliminate the toxins from the body leaving a clear pathway for the blood to travel through the blood vessels; this, in turn, strengthens the heart and minimizes the risks of heart diseases.

Other Benefits of Panchakarma

• Detoxes and purifies the body
• Eliminates toxins
• Boosts metabolism
• Reduces weight
• Enhances the strength of digestive fire
• Opens up of blocked channels
• Relaxes the mind
• Rejuvenation the body
• Boosts Immunity
• Relieves stress

This article is reviewed by Dr Ashwini Konnur