These treatments helps to loosen the toxic residue of undigested food and move it out of the deep structures into the Gastro Intestinal [ G.I ] tract, where Panchakarma’s main therapies can then eliminate it. The most important process used to prepare the system for cleansing is ‘’SNEHANA’’ [ OLEATION] and ‘’SWEDANA’’ [ HEATING]. Without suitable and sufficient oleation and heating of the body, THE MAIN PROCEDURE OF PANCHAKARMA, will not be achieved. [DEEP CLEANSING]

EXTERNAL OLEATION

The first step of preparatory procedure, saturates the body with HERBAL and MEDICATED oils. The saturation takes two forms - External oleation, where the pressure of these strokes varies, relative to the pressure of sensitive points. .Also the pressure is geared to push generous amounts of herbal oil into the pores of the skin. During the process, the skin actually absorbs a significant amount of oil. PATIENT’S CONDITION. Both the massage techniques and the HERBS, allow the oil to penetrate deep into the tissues to loosen the grip of the toxic residue of undigested food lodged there.

INTERNAL OLEATION

Internal oleation consists of taking prescribed amount of warm herbal clarified butter first thing in the morning, and in the afternoon, on an empty stomach.THESE TREATMENTS CONTINUE FOR SEVEN DAYS after the seventh day, the oleation becomes counter productive, as there is nowhere else for the oil to go. Certain classical signs indicate oleation completion. The body is well lubricated internally and externally. The skin displays a soft and shiny appearance. Elimination is healthy. Both urine and fecal matter may smell like clarified butter, and the urine may look brighter than usual. The skin and hair become softer. Strength, enthusiasm,energy and clarity of mind all increase.

THERAPEUTIC HEAT [ swedana ]
The therapeutic application of heat to the body is the second major aspect of the preparatory procedures. The main purpose of therapeutic heat is to dialate the body’s channels so that the oleations objective of removing the toxic residue of undigested food from the structures of the body can be easily achieved. Dialating the body’s internal channels creates a free pathway for the removel of toxins and waste products as the toxic residue of undigested food leaves, rigidity and stiffness in the structures of the body are reduced giving the body greater flexibility and suppleness
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BASHPA SWEDANA [ STEAM BATH ]

For steam bath, a special box or a bed, in which the patient lies down on the back is used. Every part of the body is exposed to steam except the head, because it cannot tolerate high temperature. Herbal steam is released in to the steam box according to the needs of the patient. The duration of treatment is seven to ten minutes, or until sweat begins to be on the face and forehead.The signs of effective and complete steam bath including sweat, a redish colour to the skin and warmth in the body, with no chill or stiffness. The patient should feel light and more enthusiastic, as the heat liquefies the toxic residue of undigested food, and its heaviness decreases. Though, steam bath is an important preparatory procedure, it is not appropriate for people with heat diseases or hypertension since the heat may cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with anaemia or leukemia also cannot tolerate the temperatures.

SHIRODHARA [ Head Oil Bath ]

This treatment drips warm oil in a steady stream on the forehead, particularly on the brow in the region between the eyes. It is often added to the rejuvenation programme because it uses oils made with special herbs that calm the central nervous system. It quiets both the mind and the senses which allow the body’s natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous system. This, in turn improves mental clarity and comprehension. Shirodhara usually given for twenty minutes, every day during a Seven day treatment period. The masseure administers the oil in a thin stream which flows from a copper vessel hung approximately six to eight [ 6 to 8 ] inches above the patient’s forehead.

PINDA SWEDA

Pinda Swedana means heating with a soft rounded mass during the process a bolus of hot rice that has been cooked with special herbs to pacify functional intelligence in the body, is soaked in a herbal milk concoction of nutritive herbs. The hot bolus is then rubbed vigorously over the entire body, focusing on the muscle tissues and joints. It is usually performed after oleation, for about ten (10) minutes in most cases, and twenty (20) minutes for more severe conditions. It improves muscle tone and nourishes bodily tissues of muscles,and functional intelligence in the human body.It is highly benificial for treatments of Facial Paralysis or Hemiplegia and other degenerative muscle disease such as Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Atrophy. The patient cannot expect to gain results from this procedure with only one or two treatments. It is usually administered as a complete separate treatment programme for 3 to 4 weeks or performed in a series over a period of time.

LIFE STYLE ADJUSTMENTS – DURING PANCHAKARMA

Those under going this programme gain the maximum from it if they focus completely on the healing process taking place.That is why,an equally important part of “PANCHAKARMA” therapy, has to do with the patient's “ LIFE STYLE” during the process Certain changes in one's diet and daily routine are necessary to insure the greatest results.

DIET
The Diet prescribed during treatment by the Ayurvedic Physician constitutes a key element in the therapy. The ideal “PANCHAKARMA” diet consists of light, nourishing and easily digestable foods, such as steamed vegetables .

MEDITATION
Meditation each day significantly supports successful treatment. Even more benefit comes when meditation is preceeded by gentle stretching and breathing exercises of “ASANAS and PRANAYAMA” designed to refine physiological functioning, and alternate nostril breathing exercises.

REST
Taking rest is another key aspect of AYURVEDIC knowledge of proper life style, which promotes the quality that imparts curiosity, inspiration and creativity in the mind. .A major key to resting is to go to bed early, and wake up early. If we sleep when nature sleeps,and wake, when nature wakes, we attune our lives to nature's cycles , instead of resisting them.

EXERCISE
AYURVEDA prescribes two types of exercises to enhance the quality of life. The first is cardiovascular or aerobic exercises which stimulates muscles, metabolism and increases oxygenation. Gaining energy by exercising is the second form of exercise recommended by AYURVEDIC knowledge of proper life style. There are three specific exercises called, Suriya namaskar (sun salutation) Yoga asanas, and Pranayama.

PANCHAKARMA ' s Five main procedures

VAMANA KARMA (THERAPEUTIC VOMITING )

VAMANA is not for every one. It is usually administered only for KAPHA related disorders. These include: all lung problems, bronchial, asthma, allergies, chronic colds, rhinitis, diabetes mellitus (prameha), Arterio sclerisos , rheumatic diseases, arthritis and some chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis and leukoderma. It is also beneficial for some viral disorders, like Herpes zoster.

This poocedure purges and rejuvenates the tissues and organs of the head and neck. It introduces medicated oils and powders into the nose, the nearest access and outlet to the organs of the head. Nasya is indicated in diseases of the head and neck . It is used for dry nasal passages as well as sinus congesion, common cold, cronic sinusitis, allergies and allergic rhinitis. It releaves chronic vascular headaches, migraine, epilepsy , and has a positive effect on degenerative diseases of the brain and mental retardation. Nasya also helps with eye and ear problems, such as dry itching and watery eyes,conjunctivities,glaucoma, hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as loss of the sense of smell.