Panchakarma
The ancient healing practice of Panchakarma is a unique experience that leaves the body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. Many illnesses result from the build-up of toxins that can impair the body’s natural defenses through the lymph, circulatory and immune systems. Panchakarma promotes healing and restoration by eliminating these toxins from the body. However, unlike other detoxification programs, panchakarma is a gentle process that achieves deep cleansing without discomfort, allowing the rejuvenating energies of the body to flow freely.
To gain maximum benefit from the Traditional Panchakarma experience, we suggest a 14-day retreat. A minimum of 5 days is recommended.
During the course of our lives, we may occasionally feel out of balance, stressed and out of touch with our inner knowing (prajna). It is at these times when taking a retreat will improve your overall condition. The Ayurveda suggests regular purification and rejuvenation therapies.
Benefits of Panchakarma
It removes root cause of illness
Eliminates toxins both physical and mental
It restores constitutional balance, improving health and promoting an overall sense of well being
Improves the immune system
It reverses the negative effects of stress and pollution
It promotes rejuvenation on the cellular level
Increases longevity of life
It enhances energy, vitality and mental clarity
It brings about deep relaxation and stress reduction
It brings about clarity and spiritual insight
The Science of Panchakarma
A study at Colorado University showed that panchakarma reduced accumulated toxins in the body by 50 percent.
"This is the first published study on humans to demonstrate that a specific detoxification regimen can significantly reduce levels of lipophilic toxicants in the blood that are known to be associated with disease," says Robert Herron, Ph.D., lead author of the study and Director of Research at the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy. "Our findings were quite striking, given that the half-lives of these toxicants are all several years in duration, and that this panchakarma detoxification procedure removed them in just a few days." (Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, (Sept./Oct. 2002), Vol. 8, No. 5: pp. 40.)
Ayurvedic Oils
All of our massage oils are made according to ancient recipes. We order them from an Ayurvedic Pharmacy in India where the wild-crafted herbal infusions are added to oil, bringing forth its medicinal properties. The subtle qualities of the herbs are transferred through the massage to bring balance and healing.
For a detailed description of what a panchakarma treatment involves and accomplishes, read our article Panchakarma.
Ayurvedic Consultation
You will receive an Ayurvedic health consultation with one of our Ayurvedic Practitioners to discover your constitutional nature (prakruti) and the current balance of your doshas (vikruti). You may be recommended herbal supplements and a diet for the restoration of health. Follow ups exams with our Ayurvedic Practitioner will be scheduled every 2-3 days.
Components of Your Panchakarma
A full Panchakarma treatment lasts 2 1/2 hours daily. To gain maximum benefit from the Panchakarma experience, we suggest a 14-day retreat. A minimum of 5 days is recommended.
1) Massage Abhyanga - Enjoy the amazing effects of a massage with medicated herbal oils. The traditional abhyanga treatment includes two therapists giving you a 4 handed synchronized massage. This special therapeutic massage detoxifies and rejuvenates the body, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system and enhances the complexion of the skin. Above all, it leaves you with a general sense of well being.
2) Nasya – Nasal Therapy
During this therapy, several drops of medicated oil are administered into each nostril. This opens and cleanses your nasal and sinus passages, enhancing the flow of oxygen to the brain. It may relieve allergy and sinus conditions and improve your memory.
3) Swedhana (Aromatherapy Steam)
After your massage, relax your mind and body enveloped in a soothing steam bath. Swedhana improves peripheral circulation and This treatment allows the Ayurvedic oils to penetrate deeper into the tissue, enhancing the detoxification process. It strengthens the immune system and moisturizes your skin, making it soft and smooth.
4) Shirodhara
During this relaxing therapy, a continuous stream of warm Ayurvedic oil flows over your forehead. Shirodhara is used to heal chronic neuromuscular disorders and vata imbalances: hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches and restlessness. It can have a powerful spiritual effect on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the individual.
5) Bhasti
Bhastis are herbal & oil therapeutic enemas. They are recommended for patients that do 5 to 21 days of Panchakarma. Bhasti treatments are effective in detoxifying the system of ama (toxins). The Bhasti restores the balance to the 3 doshas, especially vata. Regular administration of Bhasti improves vision, slows down the aging process, adds strength and supports longevity. Bhastis can relieve constipation, backache, sciatica and joint pain.
Tips for Your Panchakarma
Rest as much as possible
Meditate upon rising, after treatments, and in the evening
Turn your eating into a meditation
Practice yoga & deep breathing
Be silent & listen to your inner wisdom
Be open to the energy of nature
Practice being in the moment
Become the witness to your mind’s activity
Keep balanced & avoid extremes
Create a space for yourself with nothing to do
Ask yourself, “What nourishes me? What do I want?”
Allow memories and the emotional response to them to arise gently
