Panchakarma
Seasonal changes, diet, lifestyle, age, habitual patterns, emotions and stress all contribute to offsetting our natural state of balance. This may weaken agni (digestive fire) and lead to an accumulation of (ama) toxin build up in the tissues, eventually leading to disease if not eliminated.
Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind and consciousness. This process gently releases residue, strengthening immunity, ultimately restoring (ojas) essences and reclaiming our inherent state of balance. The ancient texts recommend Panchakarma annually as a way of preventative health. This is often done during the seasonal transition of autumn and/or spring but can be done anytime that suits.
Panchakarma happens in three phases beginning with an Ayurvedic consultation to access your current state, discuss your goals and set intentions.
The first phase of is known as Purvakarma or pre cleanse. You will practice methods that prepare the body to release stagnation, accumulation and toxins. This preperation phase can be 7 to 14 days and involves: shifting to a vegan diet, omitting sugar, caffeine and alcohol, taking ghee internally, ayurvedic herbs, digestive spices, specific yoga and self-massage practice.
Panchakarma treatments are the second phase. This is a customized 5 – 7 day process and includes: daily check in, receiving full-body Abhyanga massage with warm, herbal infused oils, dry brushing, herbal steam therapy, localized oil, ghee treatments, and other traditional therapies which delicately and effectively purify the body. During this time you will maintain a simple vegan mono diet, variations of: basmati rice, quinoa, mung and red lentils, seasonal vegetables herbs, spices and herbal teas.
Paschatkarma or Rejuvenation is the final and most vital stage. During this phase we begin to mindfully reintroduce foods back into the diet. It is also a time of integrating strengthening, adaptogenic herbs and implementing a personalized self care plan to maintain wellness.
A follow up appointment is included and scheduled within four weeks post Panchakarma.
Some known benefits of Panchakarma:
- Reconnecting to innate intelligence and ability to heal
- Cleansing the body of accumulated (ama) toxins
- Rebuild (ojas) internal strength, immunity and resilience
- Improvement in appetite and digestion
- Improved sleep and awareness of circadian rhythm
- Slowing down the aging process
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Clearing the subtle energy channels
- Increased energy, vitality and mental clarity
- Space and time for self care, contemplation, self inquiry and expansion
- Rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit
A Sample Panchakarma schedule:
- Daily check in including gentle Yoga, meditation and Pranayama practice
- Abhyanga: Traditional full body massage. This is calming and soothing to the nervous system. Warm herbal oil is used nourish the body.
- Swedana: Sweat Therapy with essential oils. Swedana dilates the channels of the body to increase circulation, further loosening and removing impurities through the skin
- Basti: A dough dam is applied to an area of focus on the body. The dough is filled with a large pool of herbal oil which is retained to promote restorative healing.
- Shirodhara: known as the Queen of Ayurvedic treatments: A stream of warm oil steadily flows on third eye center and entire scalp. This treatment calms the mind and expands consciousness.
$2,600 Price includes: 3.5 hours of treatment over 5 days, all Ayurvedic herbs, initial 1.5 hour consultation and a half hour follow up scheduled 4 weeks post Panchakarma.
PK is contraindicated for those pregnant, nursing, elderly, children and during the menstrual cycle.