Abstract

PANCHAKARMA AN OVERVIEW

Sanjeevan* and Veenu Malhotra

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Abstract

Pancha means ‘five’ and Karma means ‘action’, so Panchakarma means five actions. Panchakarma includes a) Vamana, b) Virechana, c) Basti, d) Nasya, e) Raktamokshana. These five procedures are used for internal purification of the body through the nearest possible route. Panchakarma therapy is effective against the treatment of majority of diseases, it improves the body’s resistance (Immunity) and thereby checks the pathogenesis of the disease confirming its preventive effects also. The classical Panchakarma therapy consists of Purvakarma i.e., Snehana and Swedana Karma, Pradhana Karma i.e., Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana and Niruha Basti, Nasya Karma and Raktamokshana and Paschat Karma like Dhumapana, Ahara Samsarjana Krama etc. Panchakarma provides a comprehensive therapy role as a promoter, preventive, curative & rehabilitative procedure.

Keywords: Panchakarma, Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Raktamokshana.