Panchakarma

Classical Ayurvedic cleansing and restoration physician‑supervised, personalised, and gentle.

Panchakarma at Atmabodh is a carefully sequenced program that helps release accumulated ama (metabolic waste), calm aggravated doshas, and reset digestion (agni). Every plan is doctor‑led, adapted to your constitution and current state, and coordinated with your ongoing medical care when required.

Panchakarma supports well‑being and lifestyle change. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Suitability is confirmed only after clinical assessment.

Who is it for?

• Digestive & metabolic balance: heaviness, bloating, irregular appetite, sluggishness.
• Musculoskeletal comfort: stiffness, recurrent aches, postural tension.
• Skin & scalp support: dryness/roughness, oil imbalance, seasonal flares (as advised).
• Stress, sleep & mind: restlessness, fatigue, shallow sleep, overdrive.
• Respiratory ease: seasonal congestion, head–neck load; post‑illness convalescence (only with clearance).
• Women’s health routines: peri‑menopause transitions, cycle comfort (timed away from menstruation).

Eligibility is case‑specific; some conditions are contraindicated (see Safety).

What are the “Five Actions”?

• Vamana(therapeutic emesis) – selected kapha presentations.
• Virechana(purgation) – guided elimination for pitta‑dominant states.
• Basti(medicated enema) – anuvāsana (oil), niruha/kashāya (decoction), matra (micro‑dose).
• Nasya(nasal therapy) – for head–neck pathways, preceded by local prep.
• Raktamokshana(blood‑letting) – rarely indicated; specialist‑only, strict protocols.

Not everyone receives all five; your physician selects the minimum effective pathway.

How it works – the three phases

Pūrva‑karma (Preparation)

• Snehana (Oleation): internal ghee/oil titration (if indicated) + external abhyanga.
• Swedana (Fomentation): steam/heat to soften tissues and mobilise doshas.
• Diet prep: light, warm, easy‑to‑digest meals; reduction of stimulants.

Pradhāna‑karma (Main procedure)

• The chosen action (e.g., virechana, basti) performed on the medically optimal day.
• Close monitoring of vitals, comfort, and response.

Paśchāt‑karma (Recovery & Rasāyana)

• Samsarjana‑krama: stepwise diet progression from thin gruels to normal meals.
• Gentle routine, rest, and targeted rejuvenation.

Pre‑program preparation (what we do together)

• Clinical history, vitals, and relevant labs (as advised).
• Explain what to expect, precautions, and consent.
• Set a realistic schedule (typically 10–21+ days depending on goals and responses).
• Plan for lighter work/social load during intensive days.

A typical day during Panchakarma (illustrative)

• Quiet morning start → vitals & doctor check‑in.
• Abhyanga (warm oil application) → Swedana (steam) as pre‑procedure.
• Main procedure on indicated days (e.g., virechana or basti); otherwise supportive care.
• Simple, warm meals at set times; hydration guidance.
• Rest, gentle walks, breath‑led relaxation; screen and stimulation kept low.

Diet & recovery – Samsarjana‑Krama(post‑procedure)

• Stage 1: thin rice gruel (peya/kanji).
• Stage 2: thicker gruel (vilepi).
• Stage 3: soft rice + light lentils/vegetables (yavāgu/khichri‑style).
• Stage 4: gradual return to regular, warm, fresh meals.

Spices, oils, and portions are adjusted case‑by‑case. No fasting or extremes unless prescribed.

Safety, eligibility & contraindications

• Physician‑reviewed contraindications may include: pregnancy, active infection/fever, uncontrolled BP/diabetes, severe anemia, active ulcers, recent surgery, frailty, acute psychiatric crises.
• Medications are not stopped or altered without your treating doctor’s advice.
• Informed consent; hygienic protocols; vitals monitoring when indicated.
• We coordinate with your physician upon request.

What you may notice over time

• Lighter digestion, clearer appetite cues, reduced abdominal discomfort.
• Ease and suppleness in joints and soft tissue.
• Calmer mind, steadier energy, improved sleep quality.
• Skin comfort and scalp balance.
• A renewed baseline for sustainable lifestyle change.

Timelines vary. Many guests observe a shift within 2–4 weeks with adherence to guidance.

Related Therapies

Oleation & fomentation

• Abhyanga (whole‑body oiling)
• Snehapāna (measured internal oleation, if indicated)
• Swedana (steam/sudation)

Head–neck & mind‑calming

• Shirodhara / Takradhara
• Shiroabhyanga (head–neck oiling)
• Nasya (also one of the five, used in specific plans)

Localized applications

• Kati/Grīva/Jānu/Uro Basti (warm oil pooling)
• Pichu (oil‑soaked pad)
• Kizhi (Potli) (herbal bolus compress)
• Udvartana (herbal powder rub)
• Lepam (herbal paste packs)

Recovery & rejuvenation

• Rasāyana guidance (diet, routine, sleep hygiene, gentle movement)
• Breath‑led relaxation / Yoga Nidra