How does Panchakarma Therapy Benefits Your Body?

Panchakarma therapy applies five tested and tried Ayurvedic therapeutic practices to the human body to rejuvenate and detoxify it. The respective therapy aims to achieve the holistic wellness of the person. It cleanses the impurities of the human body to restore the balance of the body, mind, heart, and soul.

In today’s time, Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy has been garnering a lot of attention, not just in India but worldwide. It has emerged as an alternative to allopathy treatment that frees a person’s body from diseases and enhances the quality of life. This therapy stands out for its distinctiveness, as it operates independently from medical complications and adverse side effects.

Let’s delve further to understand how these five Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments address the toxic substances to detox and help rejuvenate the body. 

What is Panchkarma Treatment?

Literally, the word Panchkarma has been derived from a Sanskrit word that means five actions or five treatments. The five treatments that are carried out to enhance a person’s innate ability to combat diseases and infections are Vaman, Purgation, Nirhuam, Anuvaasan, and Nasyam. As a result, Panchakarma therapy has become quintessential of Ayurvedic principles, therapies, and values. 

The above-mentioned five treatments under the Panchakarma detox therapy are considered effective in stimulating metabolism, unblocking energy, strengthening the digestive system, rejuvenating tissues and cells, and relieving stress. In this way, Panchakarma therapy nourishes the mind, intellect, heart, sense of organs, and spirit. As a result, individuals undergoing this holistic treatment often experience benefits in the form of enhanced reproductive health, increased potency, and longevity. 

Preparation for Panchakarma Detox Treatments 

Panchakarma therapy is based on reducing the excess dosha or cleansing ama (toxins) in the human body. Before beginning any one of the five treatments, the therapist has to follow some preparatory steps. Check out the following details to understand what these preparatory steps (preliminary therapies) are:

• Oleation 

Oleation or Snehan is carried out to prepare the body for the purgation (or disposal of toxins) procedure. Under this method, the therapist gives a medicated ghee in the increasing dosage for about 5 to 7 days. The fatty substances reach the tissues and then to the cells. As a result, they loosen up the toxic substances stuck to the cells, helping them to flush out of the body. 

• Sweating (Fomentation)

Sweating or Swedana aims to melt unwanted toxins so that they can be easily flushed out from the body. Under this treatment, the Ayurvedic therapist applies medicated oil, powders, or herbal steam for the patient’s body massage. As a result, toxins get liquified and leave the body. 

5 Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatments for Body Detox

Once the above-mentioned therapies are successfully applied, the patient’s body gets ready for the five purgation treatments. Continue reading to understand how these five treatments do a thorough cleansing of the internal human body to stimulate metabolism and reduce stress: 

1. Vaman (Vomiting)

Ayurvedic therapists apply this panchakarma treatment during the kapha-provoking time. According to Ayurveda, the Kapha-provoking time is the period of late spring or early summer. During this time, the water element goes high in the body and creates toxic substances. With the help of Vaman (vomiting) treatment, the toxic substances are flushed out. This treatment is preferred to cure Kapha-dominated diseases such as asthma, hyperacidity, etc.  

2. Basti

Basti treatment is often given to cure Vayu-dominated diseases. Basti is related to the colon, and in Ayurveda, it is believed that a well-functioning colon is vital for the proper assimilation of nutrients in the human body. Therefore, under this treatment, an herbal enema is prepared in the form of natural decoctions. These natural decoctions are given to cure the excess of Vata in the human body. 

3. Raktamokshan

The best time to apply Raktamokshan (or bloodletting) therapy is the period from the late summer to the early fall. During this period, the pitta dosha reaches its peak. Diseases related to the liver, spleen, and skin, like jaundice, headaches, hypertension, and gouts, often grapple the body. Under this treatment, the impure blood is let out of the patient’s body so that he/s will get relief from pitta diseases. For this, sterilised sharp instruments or leeches are used. 

4. Virechana

This purgatory therapy is given to treat diseases related to the liver, intestines, and gallbladder. Under this treatment, the guts (or gastrointestinal system) are cleaned to normalise the functioning of the bowel movements. For this, the Ayurvedic health care professional gives purgatives to clean the patient’s digestive system and to let out the toxic substances accumulated in the stomach. 

5. Nasya

This treatment is considered effective in clearing the head area. After giving oleation and fomentation, this treatment is initiated with the massage of the head and shoulder. Afterwards, nasal drops are applied in both nostrils to decongest the sinuses and cranial nerves. As a result, it cleanses or detoxifies the patient's head area. This treatment aims to cure neurological disorders, respiratory ailments, sleeping disorders, hair problems, chronic rhinitis, and cerebral pain. It is highly recommended to give nasya treatment in the early morning on an empty stomach. It should be avoided on rainy or cloudy days.

Health Insurance and Ayurvedic Treatments

Generally, Ayurvedic treatments are less expensive than allopathic ones. However, prolonged treatments can be a little heavy on the pocket. It may come as a surprise to you that your health insurance policy can offer you coverage for alternate treatments as well. While the IRDAI has directed all health insurance providers to offer AYUSH treatment coverage up to the sum insured, there are certain things that you should keep in mind. Knowing the coverage features will help you get the benefit of comprehensive coverage for the alternate treatment. The following pointers will help you get the maximum of your AYUSH benefit under health insurance: 

Typically 24 hour-hospitalisation is needed for making a claim.

Your medical practitioner should be licensed and certified to offer AYUSH treatment.

Your chosen AYUSH hospital should be linked with the Central government, State government, or local authority or be recognised by these bodies.

Get Ayurvedic Treatment Coverage with Care Health Insurance

In recent years, the inclination of youngsters, adults, and senior citizens has grown exponentially towards Ayurvedic treatment. Panchakarma therapy is completely rooted in Ayurvedic principles and values. It detoxifies and revitalises your body without giving you the threat of side effects and complications. If you have been interested in alternate therapies, AYUSH treatments can be a suitable option for you. 

With Care Health Insurance, you get numerous health insurance plans where you can get AYUSH treatments up to the sum insured. One such plan is Care Advantage that comes with several sum-insured options where you can choose coverage of up to ₹6 crore. Another top-notch health insurance plan is the Care Supreme, where coverage of up to ₹1 crore can be available for AYUSH treatment. 

Disclaimers: 

1. The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
2. All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.