Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a five-therapy process that is used for detoxifying the body, rejuvenating the ojas or immunity, and restoring a natural, healthy balance in mind and body. The word panchakarma means five (pancha) actions (karma).
Abhayanga—where herbal oils are massaged into the entire body from head to toe to loosen up the toxins from the tissue layers and increase circulation, resulting in calmer nerves, joint lubrication, increased stamina, softer skin, and improved sleep. The oil can be warmed, applied to the body, and left to be absorbed by the skin. Massage using your fingers. Apply more oil to the nerve endings like the soles of the feet, fingers, and palms of the hands. On the rounder parts of the body like your head and joints, do the massage in circular motions. After this has been completed, relax for about fifteen minutes, so that the oil is entirely absorbed and the nerves become calm. You can take a warm bath at the end of the massage process.
Shirodhara—the use of warm herbal oil in a gentle stream over your forehead. This process is beneficial in removing stress and anxiety, relaxing the nerves, improving memory, enhancing hearing and vision, nourishing the scalp, and calming the mind, body, and spirit.
Nasya—placing herbal oil drops in the nasal passages followed by a gentle facial massage, including the neck and shoulders. This procedure prevents early greying of the hair or loss of hair, and alleviates pain caused by sinusitis, spondylitis, frozen shoulder, and headaches. In addition, it sharpens the sense organs, improves the skin, and helps prevent wrinkles.
Swedana—this involves a therapeutic application of heat to the different parts of the body in order to melt the toxins in the body and release them as sweat through the skin pores. This improves circulation, enhances skin elasticity, reduces muscle pains, and removes stiffness from the joints.
Basti—the use of herbal oil and other decoctions as enemas to remove toxins, especially from the colon. This procedure can help cure sexual disorders, constipation, hyperacidity, chronic pain, fatigue, and hemorrhoids, resulting in the rejuvenation of the body. Basti is usually not advised for people with issues like diarrhea, shortness of breath, and anemia.
