Panchakarma (PK) is the detoxifying, purifying process that is the mainstay of Ayurveda. Panchakarma removes deep-seated toxins to improve health and longevity. Improvements are made in every system of the body. A person can come for PK during a vacation period however it is not easy. This process is a very strong cleanse, not a series of pleasant spa treatments. Many studies have been done on PK and have shown its effectiveness in imbalances such as: arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, musculo-skeletal pain, and fatigue. PK, as done here at Ashland Ayurveda, can take anywhere from one to four weeks. The effects of PK can last from months to years. We have a private retreat setting here at Ashland Ayurveda.

Stay on this page if you want information about Panchakarma. Learn about doing Retreat Panchkarma and Weekend PK at Ashland Ayurveda.

Panchakarma is a three step process: Poorvakarma (preparation), Panchakarma (detoxification), and Rasayana (rejuvenation). The word Panachakarma means “five actions” and refers to the five main cleansing therapies. The benefits to your body and mind begin early in the process, making you feel younger and more alive.

Clients start with a preparation phase.

In Poorva Karma, the preparation phase, all five of the eliminatory channels are opened for quick and easy elimination of toxicity. This helps prevent any of the side effects usually associated with detoxification. These channels are: digestive tract, urinary tract, respiratory tract, sebaceous glands, and nervous system. An individualized diet using herbs, oils, and ghee specific for your constitution, loosen toxins in the body. Intensive massage (abhyanga) with warm medicated oil and contrast hydrotherapy prepares the skin (the largest organ in the body) for getting rid of unwanted toxins. Ayurvedic therapies may last from three to four hours daily for the first part of the treatment process.

Panchakarma therapies provide deep cleansing.

The five eliminatory practices are virechana (purgation), basti (enema), vamana (therapeutic vomiting), nasya (detoxification through the nose) and rakta moksha (blood-letting). Not all of these therapies are used in the West and each person's therapy is specific to their unique constitution and imbalance. This profound cleansing is balanced with a blend of relaxation, massage (abhyanga) and steam (svedhana). This mitigates the unpleasantries of detoxification. The diet continues to be strictly specific to the person and the process. Minimal amounts of food are eaten. Lightness, clarity, a feeling of peace and purity in body and mind are often experienced after the elimination of stuck toxins.

Build the body and mind you have always wanted.

Rasayana or rejuvenation (sometimes called Uttara Karma) is the final phase. The client makes an easy and slow transition out of the medicinal diet to a supportive doshic diet that will be healing long-term. At this time clients easily and wholeheartedly give up unsupportive dietary habits. Foods that are eliminated will not return. Herbs are utilized to help the body rebuild and regain strength. This process is started at Ashland Ayurveda and will continue as one reintegrates into their normal life for up to six weeks depending on what imbalances one has.

Aim and Objective of Panchakarma

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of healing used to purify the body. More and more people are suffering from the diseases of affluence. These diseases are brought on by increased stress, environmental toxins, and decreased access to healthy food and clean water. Now, more than ever before, there is a profound need for purification. PK is the perfect solution. Symptoms of diseases such as obesity, allergies, Alzheimer's, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, colitis, constipation, depression, diabetes, fibroids, fibromyalgia, gastritis, headaches, heart disease, infertility, insomnia, irritable bowel, menopause, MS, PMS, sinusitis, and ulcers all can be diminished using PK. These are all the result of an accumulation of undigested food and emotions ( ama ) over time. This ama damages the tissue layers. PK permanently eliminates these toxins from the body, allowing healing of the body, mind, and spirit. See the articles section for more information.

Who needs Panchakarma?

Because PK is an individualized treatment it can be adapted to be effective for everyone. Even if you feel healthy physically and emotionally and are nourished by a wholesome and balanced diet, toxicity can accumulate. Like a well-maintained car, panchakarma gets you running your best.

How is Panchakarma different than other detoxification procedures?

Panchakarma is individualized for a person's specific needs. This alone is very different than most therapies. Part of the difference is the way the toxins are loosened. Oils blended with special herbs are used internally and externally to loosen ama (that which shows us that the toxins are present), before it is removed.

For people that have recent issues or symptoms that are not too deep-seated, PK can clear these and bring balance. For chronic and/or multi-system disease, there can be a lessening of the symptoms and significant return to a healthier state. The deeper the problem, the more work needs to be done. Long term or chronic issues may take several rounds of panchakarma to bring a state of balance. Each time a person goes through this process more and more toxins are scraped away.

How do we stay healthy after Panchakarma?

After PK each person is given a personalized plan for strengthening and then maintenance of health. Changing old habits, replacing them with new and healthier ones is not easy for any of us. Panchakarma makes it easier because people feel lighter, clearer and more balanced afterward. The monkey mind must be calmed in order for balance to be present. This why ayurveda focuses on body, mind, and spirit together, not as separate entities.

Can everyone do Panchakarma?

No. Not everyone can do PK at a particular point in time. What that means is that if a woman is pregnant she needs to wait until after the baby is born. If one is too weak, debilitated, very old or has multiple chronic illnesses they may need to have some palliative therapies to slowly cleanse and strengthen before they can undergo PK. Panchakarma is not easy. It is deeply cleansing. This is not a “retreat” in that way. It is wonderful for your body in the long run and we make the experience pleasant during one's stay. It is important to know that this is not “spa” treatment just for fun.

Ashland Ayurveda is a private healing and retreat center in Southern Oregon. It offers traditional ayurvedic treatments, consultations, herb formulas, and a beautiful place to start the healing process.