Ayurveda is a science of longevity and is the oldest method of treatment for obstinate type of diseases. Its main aim is preservation of health for healthy persons, and to help persons using only natural methods. tridosha theory of Ayurveda is well known, which depends on Pancha Mahaboota theory of Vedic and Darshanic philosophy of our Shad-Darshan.

According to our Ayurvedic philosophy Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (i.e., our nervous system, enzyme system, and nutritive system), keep the body in balance; and when these systems become deranged (imbalanced), diseases appear. The main objective of the Ayurvedic system of treatment is to restore this balance.

With this pancha karma Chikitsa (method of treatment) we remove toxic or poisonous substances that have accumulated in our body. After this purification and proper post-nourishing program, the body becomes healthy.

Generally, two kinds of treatment are practiced in Ayurveda:
1) Samshaman- which gives medicine internally to try and restore a balanced state of health
2) Samshodhan- which rids the body of toxic substances that have accumulated in the body due to faulty metabolism. This second line of treatment is called "Pancha Karma Chikitsa".

Before starting Pancha Karma Chikitsa, we prepare our patient so that we may be able to give them their next treatment. This preparatory treatment is called"poorva karma" which is known as 'snehana' and 'swedana'. In this treatment, massage with oily substances is called snehana. Dry and wet methods of sweating is called swedana. These two methods help dislodge the accumulated poisonous substances in the body, preparing for their complete removal.

The main treatment of Pancha Karma is divided into five karmas (methods):
1. Vaman (therapeutic vomiting) to relieve Kapha.
2. Virechana (purgation) to relieve Pitta.
3. Basti (enema) which is divided into two parts;
        Nirooha- used to get rid of Vayu, wind, etc.
        Anuvasana (or snehan basti) to give nourishment to the body.
4. Shiro Virechana (Nasya) to expel foreign matter that has gathered in the nose or para nasal air sinuses.

Utility of Pancha Karma
Machinery always demands regular servicing, oiling, etc. so that it can function smoothly. Like this, our body also requires servicing so it may function properly and be able to eliminate those substances that are harmful and can start degenerative processes in the body that may ultimately lead to death (e.g., accumulated carbonic and non-carbonic substances, nitrogens, toxins, and oxygen free radicals).

Today we are so absorbed in our daily life that we do not pay any attention to atmospheric and food pollution that is ever-increasing and ultimately may cause high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, hemiplegia, etc. All these diseases are due to accumulation of toxins and metabolites by vikriti dosha in our body. Modern allopathic medicines also cause some diseases through side effects.

Ayurvedic pancha karma treatment is an absolutely scientific treatment. After the diagnosis of the disease it can be applied to patients with full faith and without any side effects. It is very effective for healing diseases of the nervous system, rheumatism, high blood pressure, obesity, skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema; nephritis, and liver diseases. Cases of hemiplegia show marked improvement after this treatment. Rejected cases of allopathic treatment may benefit by this pancha karma.

Healthy persons are advised to go for pancha karma regularly, once a year, or every two years, to maintain their health. Elderly persons are also advised to undergo pancha karma to maintain their health and to overcome diseases related to aging.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.