“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”

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Cleansing Therapy

Detoxification and Rejuvenation through the treasured Ayurvedic system of Pancha Karma

As our physical and mental systems accumulate impurities from our toxic and stress-filled world, they no longer function optimally.  The eventual weakening of the systems, tissues, and channels of the body and mind signal the very first stages of the disease process.  Over time, if these conditions continue, we may see chronic, degenerative diseases manifest. 

Ayurveda includes an effective and comprehensive set of procedures to assist in slowing and reversing the downward spiral of deterioration.  Long cherished by royalty to build and maintain health and extend longevity, these practices are intended to restore natural balance.  Known as Panchakarma or Pancha Karma (pon-cha-car-mah, meaning “five actions”), this set of procedures and their adjuncts open the subtle channels, deeply detoxify at a cellular level, and rejuvenate the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the body, bringing energy and increased vitality and inner peace.    

Prior to the actual purification, the body is prepared, using traditional methods, to stimulate the release of toxins at the proper time.  The methods used are daily massages with specially formulated oil, to saturate the body and grasp the toxins to move them to the site of elimination, and heat or herbal steam therapies to encourage sweating, the opening of channels and the release of toxins.  Toxins moving back into the digestive tract prior to the final cleansing will slow digestion, so a simple, nutritive, easily digestible diet is prescribed to allow the digestive system to rest.  Specific herbal support might also be recommended.  The individual is encouraged to rest and go inward as much as possible.  Most people report feelings of deep relaxation and bliss.  The therapies themselves are quieting to the mind and support a deep relaxation conducive to healing.

After a number of days of these therapies in combination with the healing diet, the body becomes ready to release the accumulated imbalances.   Following these preparatory procedures, when there are indications that the toxins are accumulated in the proper sites, and in accordance with the individual’s particular constitution and disorder, one or more Pancha Karma procedures are performed to purge the toxins from the body.  The individual is then given guidance in proper food and lifestyle habits in order to ensure that the body is readied to return to a broader diet and lifestyle.   

A word about expectations:  While the Pancha Karma therapeutic process appears quite simple in application, its effects are quite powerful and effective. However, if an individual has been suffering from symptoms of illness for many years and thereby storing the seeds of the manifested imbalance even longer, it is unlikely for the imbalances to be completely reversed in several days of Pancha Karma.   Although Pancha Karma may alleviate symptoms; true healing and rebuilding of cells and tissues, takes time. Clients must do their part by continuing with ongoing Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations.   Repeated treatments and additional therapies may be recommended. Ayurveda and Pancha Karma are ultimately about assisting individuals in establishing a deep connection to wholeness.   

Potential Benefits of Pancha Karma:

Scheduling for Pancha Karma:  Our Pancha Karma programs are typically 7 – 10 days in length, however we can provide programs up to a month in length as needed.  Individuals must receive prior approval to participate in Pancha Karma programs.   An initial intake will be performed, at which time it is determined whether the individual’s condition is already suitable for the program, or whether preliminary preparation is first needed to support the body.   Due to the length of the treatments, scheduling for Pancha Karma must be coordinated in advance.   

Price:  Depending upon the individual’s constitution and therapeutic needs, fees are $275 - $300 per day, and include all oils, herbal formulations, and instructions for post Pancha Karma care.

 

The following is a partial list of procedures that may be employed during the Pancha Karma program, depending upon the individual’s constitution, strength and needs: 

Snehana (snay-ha-nah) or oleation, is the first step in preparing the body for Pancha Karma, and describes saturating the body with herbal and medicated oils. The external form of this saturation is Abhyanga (ah-bee-ang-ah) or Ayurvedic massage.  Warm oils infused with medicated herbs specific to one’s constitution are applied according to Ayurvedic principles.  This massage may be deeply relaxing or energizing – depending upon the needs of the particular constitution.  In either case, the massage is rejuvenating and cleansing to the physical body.  Abhyanga’s purpose is to collect, liquefy and move toxic residues so that they may be removed from the body at the culmination of the program.  At Vitality and Balance, we practice Abhyanga styles from both the “north” and “south” of India.  Typically, Abhyanga is performed every day of the program.    

Swedana (sway-duh-nah) or fomentation therapy.  Swedana literally means to sweat.  Ayurveda uses several methods to encourage the body to sweat, including dry heat and herbally infused steam, to dilate the numerous major and minor channels of the body.  Steaming the body with herbal infusions induces sweat, relaxes the body, and liquefies the sticky toxic substances stored in the tissues, thereby allowing the collective procedures of Pancha Karma to more effectively cleanse toxins from the tissues.  Swedana may be done on the entire body or on parts of the body, e.g. specific joints, as Nadi (nah-dee) Swedana.  The specific herbs used, and the amount of time and temperature, all depend upon the individual’s constitution and the condition of the body/mind.  We offer several Swedana procedures including Sankara (San-car-ah) or Pinda (Pin-dah) Swedana often useful for joint and bone imbalances.

Shirodhara (shear-oh-dar-ah) is a much loved adjunctive procedure of Pancha Karma.  This treatment consists of pouring a continuous stream of warm, herbalized oil on the forehead and scalp.  Tremendously relaxing, this therapy is a favorite of almost everyone and often can be scheduled as a separate treatment.  Shirodhara quiets the mind and senses, and allows the body and mind to release stress.  It is traditionally used to enhance mental clarity, improve comprehension and deeply calm the emotions and nervous system.  It can be used for mental health disturbances as well.  Feelings of bliss are a common reaction.  A simplified, short version of Shirodhara is currently available in many spas.  However, during Pancha Karma, Shirodhara employs very specific herbs and techniques suited for deeper healing. 

Nasya (nahs-yah) or Ayurvedic nasal therapy is traditionally used to focus and purify the mind as well as to assist with conditions such as allergies and sinus problems.   Herbalized oil drops and powders are selected to assist in the release of toxins and promote balance.  These are selected based on the individual’s unique needs and are administered following a relaxing neck massage.

External Basti (bahs-tee) is the traditional Ayurvedic application of warm, pure or herbalized healing oils to specific body sites such as the lower back (Katti Basti), abdomen, heart (Uro Basti), or eyes (Netra Basti).  This therapy is deeply penetrating and rebalances excess.  Basti can also easily be provided as a stand-alone therapy if recommended.  At Vitality and Balance we do not administer internal basti (nirooha and anuwasan); however, we can provide you with specific information on the traditional use of this very valuable procedure and how to administer the procedure yourself at home. 

Though not a Pancha Karma procedure per se, Marma Point Therapy may be used during Pancha Karma to stimulate or pacify internal organs, tissues and channels by accessing vital energy points by means of pressure, massage, heat, biomagnetic therapy, aromatic or herbalized oils.  Referenced as far back as 4000 BC, Marma are vital energetic points on the body that are considered the junction of the body and mind.  Marma can be thought of as analogous to acupuncture/acupressure points.  At Vitality and Balance, we address specific marma points to encourage the restoration of balance.