Panchakarma: Ayurveda's Mantra of Rejuvenation

The DVD on Panchakarma presented by Invis Multimedia has 27 treatment methods. The duration of the DVD is 50 minutes.

Ayurveda, the indigenous Indian Medical Science dates back to 3000 BC. In Sanskrit, Ayur means pertaining to life and Veda, science or wisdom. Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s pentad of rejuvenation therapies. This part of Ayurveda comprises of five therapeutic actions to detoxify the body and to revitalize the body system. Panchakarma is intended not only for the elimination of toxins but also for the replenishment of tissues.

There are two schools of thought regarding Panchakarma. According to one school of thought, Panchakarma refers to Nasya (nasal therapy), Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purging) and two kinds of Vasti (therapeutic enema), Nirooha Vasti, which uses herbal decoctions and Sneha Vasti which uses herbal oils.

The other school of thought regards Rakta (blood) as a Dosha (therapeutic humour), the vitiation of which can causes diseases. It advocates Rakthamokshana (bloodletting) as the fifth in the Panchakarma therapies. So the five therapies are as per this school of thought are Nasya, Vamana, Virechana, Vasti and Rakthamokshana.

Panchakarma is always performed in three stages – Purva Karma (pre-treatment), Pradhana Karma (primary treatment) and Paschat Karma (post treatment).