Panchakarma
There are two concepts that govern Panchakarma and Ayurvedic treatment approaches – one: a disease is caused when there is an imbalance or excess amam (toxins) in the body, and two: a rejuvenation therapy is required to return the body to its equilibrium. The treatment methods used for rejuvenation fall under two broad categories: Shodhana and Shamana.
Shodhana deals with the detoxification of the body and containment of the spread of amam. Shamana is the healing treatment that sets the body on track for rejuvenation and revitalization. Thus, Panchakarma removes unwanted materials from the body first and then renews the bodily functions of the patient.
Ayurvedic therapies are performed during Panchakarma.
A variety of rejuvenation therapies have been prescribed in Ayurveda. They are classified into a set of five methods called the Panchakarma.
The five major therapies outlined by the Charaka School of Ayurveda are:
Vamana
(Emesis Therapy)
Virechana
(Purgation Therapy)
Nasya
(Nasal Therapy)
Anuvasana Vasti
(Therapeutic Enema with Medicated Oil)
Niruha Vasti
(Enema with Herbal Decoction)
Later, Sushruta, the legendary surgeon, and his school of Ayurveda combined the last two Vasti (Enema) techniques into one, and added Raktamokshana (blood-letting) to the Pentads of Panchakarma. He believed that since impurities in blood are a major cause of illness, including a technique to purify blood in the Panchakarma is important.