Pancha Karma

Pancha Karma is Ayurveda’s system for detoxification and rejuvenation of the body and mind. Pancha means “five” and karma means “actions,” which refer to five particular therapies that purify disturbances and toxins out of the body. The doshas have 2 natural cycles of dominance throughout the day where they rise and fall. If a dosha does not go into a waning phase, and instead keeps dominating, then it can create imbalances in the person. Excess kapha (principle of cohesion) may look like an excess of mucus or density in the body. Excess pitta (principle of transformation), inflammation, irritated skin, or migraines. Excess vata (principle of movement) may look like spasms, emaciation, joint degeneration.

Pancha Karma is a method for sytematically directing and pulling accumulations out of the body. It is traditionally done for 5-21 days and has specific features to its approach. It is very important to transition in and out of the deeper therapies, as too much change too fast can be a shock for the system. There is a preparatory phase, main-treatment, and post-treatment phase. This helps to direct what is trying to be eliminated to the digestive tract and lessen the burden of any accumulated wastes. There are additional therapies that can be used to prepare the body for the deeper “actions” such as abhyanga (oil massage) and swedhana (steam box). It can be used as a preventative program to maintain health, as well as remediate imbalances and repair tissues.

Pancha Karma is a specific program that is highly tailored to each individual. There are varying degrees of scope of practice, and potential contraindications for some therapies. Depending on the doshic imbalance, there are particular times of year that are more appropriate to recieve this treatment. That being said, Springtime is a beautiful time of year to cleanse as it is a time when the body naturally goes into a cleansing phase.

I offer a modified approach to Pancha Karma through the Ayurvedic Sacred Revival offerings, and work with clients based on their needs and windows of time they have available. This modality is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. I do not assume responsibility for the treatment, diagnosis, or cure of any particular health problem or disease.