Classical Panchkarma

Pandeypur, Varanasi-221 002, INDIA Ph. 0542-3252795 CLASSICAL PANCHKARMA THERAPY INTRODUCTION The deep cleansing process, unique to Ayurveda, that enables the body to release excess Dosas and toxins from its cells expel them is called Panchkarma. The Panchkarma (Five measures) therapy in present time can be re-categorized into two. (a) Classical Panchkarma (b) Keraliya Panchkarma The former is complete internal bio - purificatory method while latter is basically external bio-purification as practiced in Kerala which have rehabilitative and physiotherapeutic effect. Classical Panchkarma(A) Purva Karma (Preparatory Procedures)

(B) Pradhan Karma (Main Procedures)

(C) Paschat Karma (Post therapy Procedures)

(1) Deepan and Pachan

(1) Vaman

Sansarjan Karma

(Promotion of digestion)

(Therapeutic Emesis)

(Dietic Regimen)

(2) Senhan karma

(2) Virechan

(Oleation therapy)

(Therapeutic purgation)

(a) External

(3) Asthapan Vasti

(b) Internal (3) Swedan karma

(Decoction based Enema) (4) Anuvasana Vasti

(Hot Medicated Fomentation) (Oil based medicated Enema) (5) Nasya karma. (Pouring Medicine through Nose)

Keraliya Panchkarma1. Dhara karma - Pouring medicated liquid stream on forehead. 2. Kayasaka - Oil bath therapy. 3. Pinda sweda - Fomentation & massage by medicated bolus. 4. Anna lepa - Application of medicated pastes over body. 5. Sirolepa - Application of medicated pastes over head. Classical Ayurvedic Panchkarma therapy The Classical Panchkarma therapy has got three major stagesA. Purvakarma (Preparatory Procedures) 1. Snehan Karma (Oleation Therapy) - Literally ‘Sneha means oleate or to make smooth. The process which produces Snehana (Unctuousness), Vishyandana (Fluidity), Mrudutwa (Softness) and Kledana (Smoothness) in the body is known as ‘Snehana Karma’. It is of two kinds 1. Abhayantara (Internal administration of fat substances) 2. Vahya (External application of fat substances) Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage) - It means the applicat ion of plain or medicated oil to the body. The o il should be according to ones Const itution, age, season, part icular disease and at mosphere; to skin. Ayurvedic massage is unique in the sense, that it is based on the principles o f primordial elements, bio logical humors or Tridosas and concepts of Agni and Pitta, as well as the formation o f toxins or Ama.

Benefits of Abhyanga- At Arogya, Arogya Abhyanga is found beneficial as it is – 1. Beneficial to eyes. 2. Nourishes the body. 3. Promotes longevity. 4. Induces proper sleep. 5. Makes skin soft and silky. 6. Makes the skin firm. 7. Increases immunity of the skin. 8. Removes fatigue. 2. Swedan Karma (Fomentation Therapy) - The process which relieves stiffness, heaviness, coldness and which induces sweating is known as Swedan Karma. Due to Swedan (sudation), vitiated dosas can be brought back to the Kostha and can be eliminated by means of elimination therapy like Vaman and Virechan etc. Classification A. According to Agni Bheda 1. Saagni Sweda (Thermal Sudation). 1. Prastar Sweda 3. Nadi Sweda 5. Avagaha Sweda 7. Asmaghana Sweda 9. Kuti Sweda 11. Kumbhi Sweda 13. Holaka Sweda

2. Sankar Sweda 4. Parishek Sweda 6. Jentaka Sweda 8. Karsu Sweda 10. Bhu Sweda 12. Kupa Sweda

2. Niragni Sweda (Non Thermal Sudation). 1. Vyayam (Exercise)

2. Ushna Sadan (Warm room)

3. Guru Pravarana (Heavy slotibing)

4. Kshudha (Hunger)

5. Bahupana (Excessive drinking)

6. Bhaya (Fear)

7. Krodha (Anger)

8. Upanaha (Plasters)

9. Avaha (War)

10. Atapa (Sun bath)

B. According to Sthana Bheda 1. Ekanga Sweda (Local Sudation). 2. Sarvanga Sweda (General Sudation).

C. According to Guna Bheda 1. Ruksha Sweda (Dry Sudation). 2. Snigdha Sweda (Moist Sudation). D. According to Rogi Bala and Roga Bala 1. Mridu Sweda (Gentle Sudation). 2. Madhyam Sweda (Medium Sudation). 3. Maha Sweda (Maximum Sudation). B. Pradhan Karma (Operative Procedures) 1. Vaman Karma (Medicated emasis) Expulsion of Vitiated Doshas through mouth can be termed as Vaman. It removes excess Kapha from the body. Emesis should be conducted when 1. Kapha is vitiated. 2. Pitta occupies the place of Kapha. 3. Vata predominant Kapha State.

Following emetic drugs are used for Vamana Karma 1. Madana Phala (Randia dumatorum) 2. Jeemutaka (Luffa echinata) 3. Ikshwaku (Lagenarea leucantha) 4. Dhamargava (Luffa aegyptioca) 5. Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica) 6. Krita Vedhana (Luffa acutangula)

At Arogya, Arogya Vamana Karma is found very effective in disorders like 1. Nasal discharge

2. Skin diseases

3. Tuberculosis

4. Cough

5. Asthma

6. Filariasis

7. Stiff neck

8. Goitre

9. Diabetes

10. Dyspepsia

11. Indigestion

12. Gastroenteritis

13. Poisoning

14. Chemical burn

15. Intestinal obstruction

16. Salivation

17. Piles

18. Anal & Urethrovaginal hemorrhage.

19. Nausea

20. Anorexia

21. Cervical adenitis

22. Lymphadenitis

23. Epilepsy

24. Insanity

25. Diarrhea

26. Inflammation

27. Anemia

28. Stomatitis

29. Tumors

30. Lactation disorders

31. Obesity

32. Confusion

33. Erysipelas

34. Abscess

35. Epiglotitis

36. Uvulitis

37. Tonsillitis

38. Bronchitis

39. Pharyngitis.

2. Virechan Karma (Therapeutic purgation) - Elimination of vitiated Doshas through rectum is called Virechan. It is used to clear excess Pitta from the body. Compared to emesis, without much exertion vitiated Doshas can be expelled in Purgation therapy. Due to Ushna, Tikshana, Sukshma, Vyavayi, Vikasi Etc. Guna of drug vitiated Doshas are brought in to Kostha, From there they are expelled through rectum. At Arogya, Arogya Virechan karma is mainly in following conditions and found very effective 1. Jaundice

2. Skin Diseases

3. Hemorrhoids

4. Fistula-in-ano

5. Spleen disorder

6. Tumors, Goiters

7. Abdominal swelling 8. Lymphadenitis

9. Poisoning

10. Cholera

11. Retention of Urine

12. Erysipelas

13. Worm infestation

14. Anemia

15. Head ache

16. Asthma, Cough

17. Constipation

18. Fever

19. Heart diseases

20. Blue pigmentation

21. Anorexia

22. Lacrimation

23. Rhinorrhoea

24. Epilepsy

25. Cervical adenitis

26. Insanity

27. Gout

28. Leprosy

29. Male sexual disorders 30. Cataract

31. Ascitis

32. Vomiting

33. Gastro-intestinal disorders

34. Blisters

35. Septic wound

36. Burning urethra

37. Anasarca

38. Elephantiasis etc.

3. Vasti Karma (Medicated enema) - Vata is the prime factor responsible for the manifestation of different types of diseases and also causes all the Primary metabolic functions in the body. To mitigate Vata, Vasti is the best line of treatment. The term ‘Vasti’ is given due to the administration of Medicated drugs into the rectum by means of urinary Bladder of various animals to eject excess Vata from the body.

Classification of Vasti 1. According to types of drug - Vasti is of two kinds 1. Niruha or Asthapan Vasti (Decoction based) 2. Anuvasana Vasti (Oil based enema) It is further divided in to three types. 1. Sneha Vasti. 2. Anuvasana Vasti. 3. Matra Vasti. 2. According to the route of administration - It is of four kinds 1. Pakwasaya Gata (Large intestine). 2. Mutrasaya Gata (Urinary bladder). 3. Garbhasaya Gata (Uterus). 4. Vrana Gata (Wound).

3. According to the mode of action 1. Sodhana Vasti.

2. Snehana Vasti.

3. Utkleshana Vasti. 4. Rasayana Vasti. 5. Lekhana Vasti. 7. Samana Vasti.

6. Brimhana Vasti. 8. Vajeekarana Vasti.

4. According to the number 1. Karma Vasti. 2. Kala Vasti. 3. Yoga Vasti. Drugs Used In Vasti - Basically fo llowing materials are used for Vasti. 1. Kalka (Medicated Paste) 2. Tail (Oil) 3. Madhu (Honey) 4. Lavana (Salt) Arogya, Arogya, successfuly treating the fo llowing diseases by the use of Vasti Karma 1. Systemic diseases

2. Localized diseases

3. Abdominal diseases

4. Retention of flatus

5. Retention of urine

6. Retention of stool

7. Retention of semen 8. Loss of strength

9. Muscle atrophy

10. Seminal loss

11. Constipation

12. Atonia

13. Helminthiasis

14. Reverse peristalsis

15. Diarrhea

16. Chest pain

17. Fever

18. Splenic diseases

19. Abdominal swelling 20. Heart diseases

21. Fistula-in-ano

22. Psychosis

23. Back ache

24. Lumbago

25. Tremors

26. Convulsion

27. Tuberculosis

28. Pain in knee joint

29. Painful ankle

30. Uterine pain

31. Stiffness

32. Neurological disorders 33. Cataract

34. Glaucoma

35. Paralysis

36. Facial paralysis

37. Lithiasis

38. Gout

39. Leprosy

40. Veneral diseases

41. Neck rigidity

42. Lock jaw

43. Dysuria

44. Malpresented fetus

45. Emaciation

4. Nasya Karma (Nasal drops or snuffs) All the drugs and measures that can be administered through the nasal passage are called Nasya. Nasya also means beneficial to nose. The Nasya Karma is considered the best and the most specific procedure for diseases of the head. Because the nasal passage is considered as the portals of the head and accordingly all drugs and measures introduced through the nose spread throughout the head and its constituent parts and may accordingly influence all the toxins and the diseases situated in these parts.

Nasya Karma is mainly classified as follows 1. Navana a. Snehana b. Shodhana 2. Avapida a. Shodhana b. Stambhana 3. Dhumapana 4. Dhuma Nasya a. Prayogika b. Virechaniya c. Snehaniya

5. Pratimarsa - Snehana Nasya Karma is indicated in the following conditions 1. Stiff head

2. Stiff neck

3. Stiff jaw

4. Chronic corrhyza

5. Uvulitis

6. Tonsillitis

7. Seminal disorders

8. Cataract

9. Disease of eye lid

10. Pigmentation of face 11. Hemicrania

12. Diseases of neck

13. Diseases of shoulder 14. Ear ache

15. Painful nose

16. Headache

17. Facial palsy

18. Hysteria

19. Tetanus

20. Goiter

21. Toothache

22. Tumor

23. Hoarseness of voice

24. Aphonia

25. Stammering

26. Alteration of voice.

5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) Raktamokshana in Panchkarma schedule has been considered by Sushruta. The other Panchkarma measures are designed to eliminate vitiated Dosas but Raktamokshana aims to eliminate vitiated Rakta as a therapeutic measure. It is used in case of blood dissorders.

Classification 1. Blood letting with metalic instruments (Shastra Vishrawana) a. Pracchana (Incision) b. Shiravyadha (Veinpuncture)

2. Blood letting without metalic instrument (Anushastra Vishrawana) a. Shringa (Application of horn of animals for blood letting) b. Jalouka (Application of leech) c. Alabu (Application of Alabu for cupping) d. Ghanti Yantra (Cupping by glass application) At Arogya, following diseases are treated successfully by Raktamokshana 1. Skin Diseases

2. Erysipelas

3. Boils and Carbuncles

4. Uterine bleeding

5. Stomatitis

6. Hemorrhagic diseases

7. Anorectal inflammation 8. Penile inflammation

9. Splenomegaly

10. Abscesses

11. Abdominal swelling

12. Blue pigmentation

13. Dermatitis

14. Alopecia etc.

C. Paschat Karma (Post-operative Procedures) SAMSARJANA KRAMA (Post Procedural Dietaic Regiman) For restoration of Agni i.e. Bio-fire (digestive functions) by means of advocating specific dietic regimen is Known is Samsarjana Krama. It includes Depana and Pachana that is crucial follow-up therapies include diet, medication and lifestyle. The objective of Samsarjan Krama is to restore digestive power through specific dietary schedule. After Samsarjan Krama not only Appetite increases but also absorptive and assimilatory functions of G.I. tract is improved.