The Panchakarma treatment is the post-treatment care, including diet regimen, focused on bringing the patient back into normal diet and lifestyle. The therapy aims at correcting the imbalance of the doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha – and restoring their inherent equilibrium, through five cleansing procedures.
In this stage of Samana, corrective and rejuvenating treatments are given to ensure the lasting beneficial effects of the cleansing procedure for the patient, coupled with the right diet and lifestyle regimen. Reverting to the old ways of life and diet could worsen one’s condition by facilitating faster and easier accumulation of toxins, and hence, following the instructions of the doctor is vital for the healing process. One or more of the therapeutic massage treatments mentioned below form part of this segment of treatment, based on the condition of each individual:
Elakizhi: massage with warm pouches containing different herbs and medicinal leaves to reduce inflammation in the body and to strengthen muscles; Njarangakizhi: with warm pouches containing lemon, leaves, and herbs;
Dhanyakizhi: with pouches made with grains;
Njavarakizhi: Application of medicinal rice gruel contained in a pouch over the body. This is helpful to nourish tissues and reduce stress in the body.
Njavaratheppu: Penetrating application of medicinal rice paste;
Pizhichil: Pouring of lukewarm oil on the body;
Kashaya dhara: Pouring of medicated milk over the body using kind, the traditional bell metal water pitcher with the raised trunk. This helps to pacify the dosha imbalance;
Thalapothichal: Application of medicated paste on the head. This treatment helps to calm the mind and is helpful in getting good sleep. With the right herbs, it is also good for the hair.
Thakradhara: Pouring of medicated buttermilk over the forehead.
Ksheeradhara: Pouring of medicated milk on the forehead, body.
As a part of the Program, the doctors may suggest many Upakarma or Supporting Treatments for specific parts of the body say eye, ear, head, or neck that need special attention.
The 5 elements of the panchakarma are
* Outcomes may vary from person to person