Now that you are feeling rejuvenated and relaxed after a recent Panchakarma detox program, what’s next? Not a large order of french fries, hopefully.
Quick Overview of Panchakarma
Panchakarma is the intense detoxification program designed by the ancient practitioners of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been around for thousands of years and so has this unique detox process that uses five different techniques to cleanse the body of Ama or toxins.
According to Ayurvedic principles, the body is composed of three humors or doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In most individuals, one or two of the doshas dominate to govern the person’s traits. An imbalance in the doshas, caused by different factors like bad food habits, smoking, drinking and lack of exercise, can lead to various health problems.
Ayurveda and the Panchakarma treatment specifically focus on cleansing the toxins that accumulate in the body and restoring a harmony of the mind and body.
Each step of the Panchakarma process has its own benefits and may be used to heal specific medical conditions. Some of the conditions addressed by various steps of the Panchakarma are asthma, thyroid disorders, digestive issues, skin problems like freckles and blisters, cardiovascular ailments, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and rheumatism.
Apart from helping with specific diseases and conditions, the entire Panchakarma process is said to completely rejuvenate the body and mind, promote longevity and provide you with a body that is as good as a clean slate.
Post-Panchakarma Routine
Now that you have a clean body, with balanced doshas and no Ama, it is your responsibility to maintain the newly cleansed body.
After a Panchakarma process comes the final step, the Paschatakarma or post-treatment. This phase is as important as the main treatment because only if you maintain a certain strict routine will you be able to experience the full-fold benefits of the detoxification.
Common instructions provided during Paschatakarma include following a light, easily digestible diet and ample rest to recover from the detoxification. The participants are typically placed on a vegetarian diet right from the beginning of the program and are asked to follow the diet for a few days after the program so that the body does not get overwhelmed by heavy foods.
The first one to two weeks after a session are the most important for reaping all the benefits of the detox. As you transition into your regular routine, make sure you remember to perform the following.
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Continue the Panchakarma diet:
It is recommended to continue the Panchakarma diet or any diet prescribed by your Ayurveda practitioner for at least a week. The longer you can go, the better the results you will experience.
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Stay hydrated:
Drink an ample amount of liquids, preferably water and make sure you incorporate three to four cups of hot water into the daily routine too.
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Physical activity:
Don’t jump into your pre-treatment exercise routine. Take it slow and take a few days to ease back into the schedule.
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Healthy daily routine:
Since you have just come off a healthy diet plan and cleansing process, this will be the best time to incorporate a healthy lifestyle if you did not have one prior to the treatment. Make time for exercising and eating healthy food, while keeping a strict routine for every activity including eating and sleeping. This will help the body by regulating the circadian rhythm and the biological clock.
How Often Can I Undergo Panchakarma?
The number of Panchakarma treatments one can do depends on their overall health and it is said that the benefits of one treatment might last for up to two years.
A person with decent health may be able to handle one Panchakarma a year. People with severe skin diseases may be asked to do it twice a year, while those with paralysis or neurological conditions might undergo a customized treatment for three continuous months.
Can children handle this process?
In general conditions, Panchakarma is recommended for individuals aged 18-60, depending on the treatment chosen and the age and condition of the patient.
Studies show that people aged 80 and older can undergo Basti, while those above 60 should not do treatments like Vamana and Virechana. But there are, of course, exceptions to the case where babies as young as six months old undergo Panchakarma treatments. Some treatments like Shirodhara and Matrabasti may be done at any age.
Yoga and Paschatakarma:
Research shows that yoga is an integral part of Ayurveda and Paschatakarma. Various asanas (postures), pranayama (meditation practices) are followed for the best benefits. Traditional Panchakarma programs may include simple asanas from Hatha yoga, yoga nidra to help you sleep well, guided meditation to relax the mind, pranayama and special poses designed for your specific dosha composition.
All treatment centers usually provide a list of guidelines to follow, which may be customized to your personal needs. You could also consult with a practitioner to learn simple techniques that you could do at home.
As you leave with a brand new, refreshed body make sure you follow the do’s and don’ts mentioned in the guidelines and enjoy your newly rejuvenated self.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Panchakarma and Yoga Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.kairaliyoga.com/panchakarma-and-yoga-therapy-retreat.aspx
The Benefits of Panchakarma as Part of an Ayurvedic Detox. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/the-benefits-of-panchakarma-as-part-of-an-ayurvedic-detox
Panchakarma-10 Questions Answered. (2016, August 20). Retrieved from http://everydayayurveda.org/panchakarma-anyway-interview-ayurvedic-doctor/
Sexton, S. (2013, May 20). How to Do Panchakarma at Home. Retrieved from https://yogainternational.com/article/view/how-to-do-panchakarma-at-home
Before, During and After Panchakarma. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://lifespa.com/panchakarma/what-to-expect/
