Panchakarma is a way of eliminating the toxins present in the human body. Once this process is done, the digestive system is corrected at a micro-level. This process ensures that the energy derived from the foods reaches every single cell in the body. Once the required nourishments like vitamins, minerals have reached the cells along with the necessary hormones and enzymes, each cell begins to function at its optimal capacity thus improving the self-healing capacity, boosting immunity and improving the chances of conception. The whole procedure happens over a period of 21 days and will be done in three important steps:
Pre-process:
This process includes a variety of massages and internal medicines. The goal of this method is to remove the cellular toxins through excessive sweating or through the intestines.
Proper Process:
Once the toxins are collected in various parts of the body, they are eliminated through the following treatments and procedures:
- Sneha Vasthy or specialised oil massages
- Kashaya Vasthy or drinking of various Ayurvedic decoction
- Virechanam or elimination of toxins through purgation
- Nasyam which means purification through your nose
- Vamanam or elimination through excretion
Post-process:
This is the rejuvenating process that enhances the flow of positive energy through your body and establishes a proper connect between mind-body and soul. It is an important emotional aspect that helps in conception. Panchakarma is not the only treatment that helps treat infertility. There a variety of other treatments that can be offered to the couple based on the issues or the health problems they might be facing along with Panchakarma. There are several other treatments that take help in conception. They are as follows:
Abhyanga:
It is a therapeutic oil massage which is known to manage the balance of doshas. The oil used is pre-medicated with special herbs which are needed for the treatment.
Snehapanam:
In this process, the individual will consume medicated ghee which will treat a variety of gastrointestinal problems and help the digestive system function normally.
Podikizhi:
This treatment is effective for removing deep-rooted stress and tension, cleansing toxins and increasing blood circulation in the body. This procedure is performed using powdered herbs and it is known to strengthen muscle tissue while also removing the excess Kapha present in the body. Through this method, you can sweat out all the toxins and alleviate your doshas.
Elakizhi:
This massage is done with medicated herbs and leaves. Fresh leaves of plants like Eranda (Ricinus communist) Arka (Calotropis Procera), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), coconut leaves, lemon, and a variety of other herbal ingredients are fried together and are tied into cloth boluses. They are then dipped in medicated oil and used for massaging the body. It is effective for spondylitis, back pain and also helps reduce inflammation of the soft tissue.
Njavara:
Warm 'Nijavara' or cooked red rice with herbal decoction and mile is squeezed out from a cotton pouch and massaged onto the body. This continues for about 40 minutes until the whole preparation is spread across the body. As soon as the rice loses its warmth it is wiped off and warm oil is applied.
Pizhichil:
In this process, the whole body is bathed in streams of lukewarm medicated oil accompanied with a soft massage. Pizhichil protects the body from a variety of illnesses and improves the overall immunity of a person. It is also known to help in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis and also sexual weakness.
Snehavasthy:
This is an oil therapy which balances the Vata in the body. Vata is mainly present in the large intestine according to Ayurveda. So, Snehavasthi or medicated oil enema is used to pacify Vata and prevent degeneration of the intestine. This therapy helps maintain proper metabolism and improve digestion which improves the overall health and spirit of an individual.
Avagaham:
This is a relaxing sitz bath where a person is made to site in an avagham tub which is filled with warm decoction of herbs. The body is anointed with medicated oil and a plunge bath is given in a tub filled with the decoction of Vatahara leaves and other herbs as well.
Kashayavasthy:
This is a cleansing enema where a combination of honey, herbal paste, oil and a herbal decoction is provided to the person as per the requirement and condition. This therapy eliminates Vata which helps treat respective disorders.
Lepanam:
It is a procedure where a medicated paste is applied locally or all over the body based on the condition experienced by the person. It has to be removed once the paste dries. The thickness of the paste depends on the needs of a particular condition.
Evening therapy:
The evening therapies like thailadhara or thakradhara help in the reduction of emotional toxins through relaxation techniques and special massages.