AYURVEDA - The nectar of life
Ayurveda is the rich store house of time tested and effective recipes for the treatment
of several obstinate and otherwise incurable diseases. More important than these recipes
are the specialized therapies which, while curing such diseases, strengthen the immune
system in the body and thus help in the prevention of diseases and preservation and
promotion of positive health. These specialized therapies in Ayurvedic Science are
called PANCHAKARMA. It is no wonder therefore, that scientists and physicians in India
and abroad are showing deep interest in this classical form of Ayurvedic treatment.
Panchakarma therapy primarily aims at cleaning the body of its accumulated impurities,
and nourishing the tissues. Once this is achieved, it becomes very easy to rejuvenate
these tissues and prevent the process of aging. The term 'panchakarma' literally means
five specialised therapies. The therapies that are included under this collective term
are:
- Vamana Karma : Emetic therapy
- Virechana Karma : Purgation therapy
- Vasthi : Enema containing decoction of drugs
- Raktha Mokshanam : Blood-letting therapy
- Nasya karma : Nasal therapy
Prior to the administration of these therapies, the body of the patient is to be
suitably prepared and the therapeutic measures used for this purpose are called
Preparatory Therapies. These are:
- Snehana karma : Oleation therapy (external and internal oleation)
- Swedana karma : Fomentation therapy
Based on the vitiation of Doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and the physical constitution
of the patient, the physician decides on the suitable therapies.
Three courses of panchakarma therapy at a time interval of 6 to 12 months
is highly recommended to rejuvenate the body.
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