According to Ayurveda, there are two main methods of restoring balance and health.
The first method of Ayurvedic treatment is called shamana, or palliative therapies. These treatments aim to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) through diet, lifestyle, herbal remedies, and self-care practices. These are most often the treatments recommended during an Ayurvedic consultation, and while effective, these methods usually take time to see results.
The second, and more powerful method of treatment, is called shodhana, or purification therapies. This focuses on cleansing and detoxifying the body to eliminate toxins (ama) and expel the doshas from the body, resetting the entire system. Shodhana includes panchakarma therapies, or five purification procedures which include vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), basti (enema), nasya (nasal medication), and rakta moksha (bloodletting).
This second approach is more intense, but results are generally seen much more quickly, and then maintained with a good preventative protocol.
If you’ve done a cleanse with me before, then you have experienced firsthand just how much a cleanse can accelerate your progress.
Of course, there are times when a more gentle approach is called for. But when one’s constitution is strong enough, panchakarma delivers incredible results, including:
Deep Detoxification. Panchakarma removes accumulated toxins, promoting a deep detoxification all the way to the cellular level. This results in improved metabolism, enhanced energy levels, and a revitalized immune system.
Stress Relief. Stress is a root cause of so many modern diseases. Panchakarma therapies help to release stress and tension and soothe the nervous system, leaving you feeling calm, centered, and resilient.
Balanced Digestion. Through personalized dietary recommendations and herbal treatments, Panchakarma helps balance your digestive system, alleviating symptoms such as bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and other digestive issues.
Mental Clarity. Panchakarma removes mental toxins and rejuvenates your mind and nervous system, helping you to be more present, clear, and focused.
Weight Management. Panchakarma supports healthy weight management by addressing the root causes of weight gain (or loss) and balancing metabolism.
Enhanced Skin Health. Radiant skin is a reflection of internal health. Panchakarma therapies promote healthy skin by eliminating toxins, cleansing the blood, and nourishing your skin from within for a radiant, glowing complexion.
The best way to receive panchakarma is in a retreat-style setting, with lots of support so that you can rest, rejuvenate, and heal. For the first time ever, I am offering this option in May at Mountain Top Clinic in India. The location is breathtakingly beautiful, and space is very limited. This 21-day retreat is about the same price as a 7-day panchakarma retreat here in the US. Learn more about the Panchakarma Retreat here.
If a retreat-style panchakarma isn’t in the budget for this year, the next best option is to do a Home Panchakarma Cleanse. I offer a guided Ayurvedic cleanse every spring and fall. This spring the group cleanse will be March 21-April 3. Learn more about the Spring Ayurvedic Cleanse here.