According to ayurveda, good health depends upon our capability to fully metabolize all aspects of life, assimilating that which nourishes and eliminating the rest. When we can’t completely digest our food, experiences, and emotions, toxins accumulate in our bodily tissues, creating imbalance and – ultimately – disease. Panchakarma is an elegant cleansing process that releases stored toxins and restores the body’s innate healing ability.
When our digestive energies, known as Agni (fire), are robust, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently, and produce a subtle essence called Ojas. Ojas, which may be envisioned as the innermost sap of our psychophysiology, is the basis for clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity. On the other hand, if our Agni is weakened, digestion is incomplete and creates toxins that get stored in the body. This toxic residue is known as Ama.
The Foundation for Health and Well-being
When ama accumulates in the body, it blocks the flow of energy, information, and nourishment throughout the system. Ayurveda considers this build-up of toxins the underlying cause of all disease. A common example of this is the accumulation of saturated fat and cholesterol that is beyond the body’s capacity to metabolize. Over time, this leads to the blockage of the blood vessels and arteries and, ultimately, to heart attacks.
While it’s easy to understand agni and ama in terms of food, it’s important to remember that your mind and heart are continually digesting energy and information as well. Right now your mental digestive powers are working right now to break down these ideas into components that your intellect can assimilate. Similarly, your emotional agni is responsible for processing your experiences and feelings, including the smile of a loved one, unexpected criticism at work, or the excitement of a new relationship.
Restoring the Body’s Natural Balance
If your emotional agni is strong, you are able to extract whatever is nourishing and eliminate the rest. The inability to metabolize emotions, however, produces just as much toxic residue as undigested food. In fact, pent-up anger, long-held sadness, and lingering guilt are more debilitating for most people than problems with physical digestion.
If we want to experience optimal health, it is crucial to maintain a strong digestive fire and eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma is a time-proven natural therapy that detoxifies and restores the body’s inner balance and vitality.
Why Should I Undergo Panchakarma Treatment?
Stress, environmental pollutants and poor lifestyle choices create a toxic load on the body that—if left in the tissues and bloodstream—results in poor health.
Panchakarma reverses this degenerative process quickly and its effects are often profound and long-lasting. PK uses a combination of massage, herbal saunas, special foods and nutritional directives, mild fasting and colon therapies to rid the body of accumulated toxins.
Your personal Panchakarma program begins with a thorough exam by an Ayurvedic Physician, which enables the doctor to recommend a program tailored to your individual health. As your Panchakarma treatments progresses, you will be given a special diet combined with certain herbs and essential oils to use at home. These will help stimulate your liver and digestive organs, helping them to purge toxins.
What Can I Expect?
The Panchakarma cleansing process affects the whole person. Thus, during the program, you may notice changes on mental, physical and emotional levels. Many of our patients experience a “healing crisis.” This is a normal part of the healing process, and may be seen as a beneficial step toward optimal health.
The Healing Crises
A healing crisis occurs when a large quantity of toxins that have been locked in our tissues for years are released into the system for elimination. As these toxins are expelled, you may experience insomnia, heaviness, aching or general discomfort and flu-like symptoms. You may also develop a feverish feeling, which is simply your body’s way of burning up toxic waste. You may notice some emotional mood swings or experience intense feelings. Do not be alarmed—this is both a natural and necessary part of tissue cleansing. Make time to visit with your Ayurvedic Physician or facilitator on a daily basis while undergoing Panchakarma treatments and they will help to walk you through the process.
What Should I Do At Home?
During the first stage of your Panchakarma therapy, when you are undergoing daily massage and steam baths, there are several things you can do to facilitate your body’s internal cleansing.
- Drink plenty of pure water, soothing herbal teas (be sure they are caffeine-free) and fresh, organic fruit and vegetable juices.
- Eat light foods in moderate amounts, and increase your daily rest.
- Be gentle and nurturing to yourself.
- Completing the PK Cycle
To complete your Panchakarma treatment, you will do a mild fast and special liver purge followed by a specialized rejuvenation program. You will be amazed at your increased energy level and renewed vitality. Periodic Panchakarma treatments, in addition to your individual dietary and exercise routines, will help to prevent disease and maintain optimal health.