The term Panchakarma denotes five procedures or therapies i.e. “pancha” means five and “karma” means procedure or therapy. Panchakarma, also known as Sodhana Karma or Elimination therapy is meant for eliminating the unwanted or vitiated doshas which are accumulated in the body. These vitiations occur due to stress, environmental factors and sedentary life styles. Panchakarma helps in reversing these negative effects and restoring the natural health by eliminating the toxins and thereby cleansing the body. This natural and holistic approach is long-lasting and powerful.

Panchakarma can also be recommended as a seasonal treatment for maintaining both physical and mental health and balance. Depending on each individual’s constitution, condition and needs, the procedures can be utilized. The therapies are highly beneficial as it can act at the tissue level too. It helps in enhancing the immune system and thus improves the overall health and wellness.

Panchakarma has both curative and preventive approach towards a disease condition.

It consist of 3 phases.Poorva Karma – Preparatory phase, includes both internal and external application of medicated oils and ghee followed with different kinds of massages and fomentation to liquefy those toxins. Pradhan Karma – Treatment phase. Elimination procedure of toxins. Paschat Karma – Maintenance phase. Balancing the energy with medication, diet and exercise.

The therapies included under pradhana karma in panchakarma are:-

• Vamanam (Emetic therapy)
• Virechanam (purgative therapy)
• Anuvasana Vasti (Oil enema)
• Nirooha Vasti (Decoction enema)
• Nasyam (Nasal therapy or Errhines)

Some scholars have included Raktamoksha under panchakarma. Raktamoksha is a therapy in which the vitiated blood and doshas are “let out” I n controlled quantities. This detoxifying therapy is administered in different methods using needle or leeches, according to the patient’s disease condition.