Journey to the Center of Yourself: The Experience of Pancha Karma, Ayurveda’s Cleansing Practices
In every culture and healing system, there exists the concept of cleansing the body to rid it of accumulated toxins. Ayurveda offers a program that is used for deep cleansing of the body for removal of toxins. Ayurvedic cleansing differs from others in many ways. Most cleanses follow a specific regimen of diet and activities. This is true in Ayurvedic cleanses as well, but the first rule and gift of Ayurveda is that everyone is born with a unique constitution and, with time spent on the planet, a unique set of imbalances. This is always considered in an Ayurvedic cleansing consultation, so a cleansing program will be tailored specifically for each person.
The traditional purification regimen of Ayurveda is called Pancha Karma (P.K.). These Sanskrit words translate into "five actions" and they refer to five ways to cleanse . It is a simple and somewhat misleading name, as a P.K. program involves a preparation phase and a rejuvenation phase in addition to the cleansing phase. The process is not confined to five days in a Pancha Karma Center.These three distinct phases, the preparatory phase, the cleansing phase, and the rejuvenation phase are necessary in order for the entire process to achieve optimal effect. Each phase has its own particular goal and means of achieving the goal.
Preparation phase
The more time and thought given to preparing the body, the more profound the results of the cleanse will be. A simple, light diet begins one to three weeks ahead of time. During this time, you let go of all stimulants, sweets, processed foods and most dairy products. The week before entering the cleansing phase, the diet switches to whole grains and vegetables in keeping with one's constitution. The preparatory diet adjusts the body's alkaline:acid ratio to support the cleansing process. Kichadi, an Indian dish, and green vegetables is a simple, light, yet nourishing combination. (A recipe for kichadi appears in this season's newsletter). Spices are also introduced into the diet to increase the digestive power. This type of diet allows the entire body to slow down and get ready to focus on letting go of the long-held toxins.
During this time, you also let go of excessive activities. The never-ending business of our daily lives can fill our days to where there remains little opportunity for our healing processes to take hold. Creating time and space for morning meditation, a daily walk, or some time in nature is very important and has many benefits. It allows you to see where you have created blockages to your free-flow of movement in the same way the toxins are blocking the flow of energy through your body. It also creates an environment of calm for the rest of the cleanse. At a P.K. Center the preparation stage also includes gentle, nourishing oil therapies and steam treatments. These treatments are deeply nourishing and relaxing to the nervous system and mind. A primary belief of Ayurveda is that that the nervous system must be nourished and balanced before the physical body can change. Oils are applied internally and externally to penetrate the deeper tissues, dislodge deeply held toxins, and gently carry them to the systems of elimination. Consider the way the oil in a car engine holds the dirt and grime and protects the engine from the deterioration these wastes would create; the oil works the same way in our bodies.
Cleansing phase- The Pancha Karma
The five cleansing therapies work by assisting the body to eliminate toxins through the regular channels of elimination. These five therapies are described below. These are performed by a trained P.K. technician under the direction of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Nasya- a facial massage using heat and herbal oils to cleanse the nasal passages and the entire respiratory system. It also lightens and uplifts the mind.
- Enemas-oil and cleansing enemas assist with cleansing the colon.
- Purgatives- herbal decoctions assist with the clearing of the channels of the small and large intestine.
- Emesis- (vomiting)- this therapy is useful for cleansing the respiratory system, including removing the mucus from the stomach and lungs. Because of its potential complications, emesis is rarely practiced in the United States. Please note it is always contra-indicated with any nervous or heart condition.
- Blood letting- this therapy involves the use of leeches or needles to remove "toxic blood" from the body. It is not used in the United States. The purification of the blood may be accomplished with herbs.
Rejuvenation phase This can be the most important part of pancha karma and is often overlooked because of our busy schedules. It is very important, however, to slowly reintroduce foods and activities following any type of cleanse. People often find that the most profound healing occurs during this phase. It is a time to rebuild and revitalize the internal energy of the body. Generally during rejuvenation you return to your pre-cleanse diet gradually. New foods are introduced each day and herbs or spices are used to assure proper digestion. Regular activities are incorporated into your day in such a way that they honor the new, calmer approach to daily life.
Pancha Karma can be a very sacred experience. It allows you to stop and rediscover the true inner self. Although you may begin the process with physical cleansing in mind, consider that most people are amazed at how these gentle therapies also bring a deep emotional cleansing and spiritual renewal. In the words of Dr. Avinash Lele, "Pancha Karma therapy is regarded as the means by which the body can, once again, re-establish its innate intelligence and regain the ability to naturally assimilate nutrients and eliminate wastes." P.K. is a unique and complex system that requires thorough understanding of the client's constitution and the nature of any imbalances. Every program should be designed individually and must include close supervision and attention. A highly trained Ayurvedic practitioner, trained specifically in P.K. is necessary for the client's welfare. Important qualities to look for in a practitioner or center are experience and compassion. It is best to get a referral from someone you know or talk to others who have received P.K. from the practitioner or center you are considering.
The experience of Ayurvedic cleansing can be the first step on an ever-unfolding journey of healing, creating balance and harmony with oneself and one's world.
by Linsey Richards, CAS, PKS