Ayurvedic and Panchakarma Procedures 🌸 Description and Purpose

Panchakarma procedures in India — an ancient method of healing. A unique Ayurvedic technique that not only treats illnesses but also prevents further development of pathologies and controls the behavioural and psychological aspects of the patient's condition.

Panchakarma procedures are not limited to treating a specific disease; they have a positive effect on the entire body as a whole.

General information about Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine has over 20 different programmes. The duration of the course can vary from 2 to 6 weeks. To achieve a deep, tangible effect, the length of your trip to India should be at least 2-3 weeks. If you were only planning to travel for a week, it's worth considering – you may not experience a positive effect. Traditional medicine in Moscow will offer more guarantees for recovery than an interrupted course of Ayurvedic procedures.

For each visit to the special Ayurvedic clinic, one can undergo 2-3 treatments. The session lasts around one and a half hours.

The variety of treatments is surprising: it can range from warm milk douches, steam baths, special oil enemas, to massages.

Oil rubbing and therapeutic massages are performed with four hands (two therapists performing the massage simultaneously). Procedures for men are carried out by male doctors, and for women by female doctors.

The concept of the three doshas

Indian Ayurveda states that human health is based on the balance of three doshas:

Vata is a source of kinetic energy. Vata governs breathing, heart pulsations, individual nerve cell impulses, and feelings.;
Kapha is the stability of the body and fluids. This dosha is responsible for tissue strength, embodies attachments, supports memory, and immunity.;
Pitta is the balance of the body's energies. This dosha is responsible for metabolism, body temperature, and the shine in the eyes.

Restrictions during Panchakarma

When planning a Panchakarma tour, it is recommended to come to terms in advance with the idea that the procedures will require some restrictions. For example:

Strict prohibition of narcotic and alcoholic substances, cigarettes.;
minimal strenuous activity (running, swimming, long walks);
minimise the amount of sunbathing, reduce time spent at the computer or watching television, reading.

Diet is an integral part of traditional Indian medicine. In conjunction with the dietary course, patients are provided with a unique opportunity to master pranayama (proper breathing techniques) and asana practices (exercises that prolong life).

The main procedures in Panchakarma

Unlike traditional European medicine, the set of procedures in Panchakarma is selected strictly individually.

Basic Panchakarma procedures, The excursions included in the tour programme may be the following:

Ayurvedic massages

Body massage

Massage makes the body more flexible. This applies to the body as a whole – both mentally and physically. Blood circulation increases and waste is removed from the body, which in turn relieves anxiety, depression, circulatory disorders, rheumatic and arthritic complaints, back pain, sprains, and injuries.

The process involves the patient lying on a table made of a special type of wood. The masseuse follows the principles of ancient Ayurveda, and the massage allows the body to move.

Duration — massage can be performed in a single session or over a period of 7 to 21 days, as needed by the patient and as prescribed by the doctor. Each session typically lasts 50 minutes and varies depending on the type of treatment after consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.

Benefits include increased life expectancy, slowed ageing, help with overcoming fatigue, improved sleep and appearance, enhanced self-confidence, revitalised nervous system, and nourishment for the body.

Head massage

Special head and scalp massage.

Indications: Headache, Stress, good for hair growth, improves blood circulation.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is a full-body massage using medicinal oils prepared according to ancient Ayurvedic texts. While the massage itself holds significance, it is the therapeutic action of the medicinal oils that truly influences the outcome. Through this procedure, the various tissues in the body are properly lubricated, leaving the skin sensitive, soft, and radiant. This prevents excessive wear and tear of the body's tissues.

Abhyangam brings relief from anxiety, depression, fatigue, circulatory complaints, arthritis complaints, sprains, back pain, and injuries.

Roadstead Powder massage

This is a special type of Ayurvedic massage performed with a special herbal powder (Kolakulathadi choornam, Vara churnam) which is rhythmically rubbed into the body (upward strokes) by one or two masseurs. Udvartanam is ideal for excess weight, hemiplegia and tetraplegia, skin conditions, poor circulation, and Kapha imbalances. This massage is usually included in weight loss programmes.

Indication: Obesity (Removal of excess fat)

Chavutti Thirummu (Leg massage)

This is a special type of massage where the masseur massages with one leg, while holding onto a rope. (Dhanwantaram oil is used).

Indications: obesity, certain types of injuries, back pain, slipped disc.

Pouring

Shirodhara

During this treatment, herbal oils (Kshirbala oil), containing herbs, milk or buttermilk etc. are poured onto the forehead in a specific manner for 40 minutes from a perforated clay pot suspended above the head. The massage lasts 15 minutes and the oil is poured for 30 minutes.

Shirodhara helps to relieve mental tension, nourishes and rejuvenates the nerves, and improves blood circulation to the head and brain. It improves vision and hearing, eliminates problems related to the nose, and makes a person calm and relaxed.

Kshira Dhara

Medicinal milk is poured onto the body or head (Any plant with a cooling effect is boiled with milk. Herbs are used according to the ailment.)

Indications: insomnia, mental tension, headaches due to vata, pitta predominance, rejuvenation, skin nourishment.

Mascot

Pizhichil is one of rare and unique therapeutic methods. During this procedure, two masseurs rhythmically pour warm medicinal oil onto the body for 45-60 minutes (the masseurs soak a cloth in the oil and squeeze it onto the client's body). Pizhichil is also known as an oil bath procedure. This is done on a special massage table carved from a single piece of strychnine wood.

This treatment is a highly effective remedy for rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, tetraplegia or hemiplegia, various forms of paralysis, sexual disorders, and nervous system disorders.

In addition, Pyzhichi is also prescribed to healthy people as a rejuvenating and preventative treatment.

Indications: spondylitis, arthritis, hemiplegia, nervous disorders, sexual debility.

Herbal compress massage

Njavarakizhi

In this type of massage, seasoned rice (boiled in cow's milk) is placed inside a small bundle of linen cloth, and two masseuses use these to massage the entire body.

This is a special procedure where sweating is activated by applying warm medicinal rice pudding to the entire body or specific parts of the body.

The procedure is very effective for rheumatism, joint pains, low body weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain types of skin conditions.

Indications: exhaustion of limbs, rheumatism, and joint pain.

Show me

During this massage, a medicinal powder (Kolakulathadi churnam) is placed inside a small bundle of linen cloth, which is then soaked in warm medicinal oil, and two masseurs perform the massage with rhythmic movements.

Indications: spondylosis, osteoarthritis, oedema, hemiplegia.

Ela Khizhi (Patra Potala Wisdom)

During this massage, herbal leaves are placed in a small linen bundle, infused with warm oil, and two masseuses perform the massage.

Indications: rheumatoid arthritis, joint stiffness, low back pain, body ache, spondylitis, osteoarthritis.

Mutir Kizi The Tower of Wisdom

In this massage, ground peas are placed inside a small linen bundle, then heated, and two masseuses use it to massage the entire body.

Indications: rheumatism, joint pain, joint inflammation, joint stiffness, any type of pain.

Hot oil treatment

Kativasti

Specially prepared warm medicinal oil is poured onto the lower back and kept within walls of herbal paste for 30 minutes.

Indications: back and spinal pain

Urovesti

Like 'Kativasti', a specially prepared medicinal oil (the oil used corresponds to the ailment) is poured over the chest and retained within the boundaries of a herbal paste for 45 minutes.

Indications: asthma, heart disease, and chest muscle pain.

Broadbean

During this procedure, a special warm herbal oil is poured into a cap attached to the head, and it is left on for 15 to 60 minutes a day, depending on the patient's condition, for a period of seven days.

Indications: facial paralysis, insomnia, migraine, beneficial for the scalp, cools the head.

Nasim

Nasya is one of the Panchakarma treatments. This therapy involves introducing herbal juices, medicinal oils, etc., through the nose daily for 14 days. It is an effective remedy for certain headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, and some skin diseases.

Medicinal oil, herbal extracts (Anu Thailam, Cephagrain, nasal drops) will be dripped into the nostrils after oiling the face, throat and chest.

Indications: sinusitis, headaches, facial paralysis.

Netra Tarpan

This is a soothing, relaxing treatment for the eyes and face that removes impurities and provides optimal rejuvenation for the eyes and surrounding tissues. It's recommended for anyone suffering from eye fatigue, pain, dryness, irritation, burning, and soreness, especially for clients who wear glasses and for those who regularly work on computers.

In this procedure, medicinal oil, ghee, or other medicines are applied to the eyes and retained within a border made of herbal paste.

Indications: For all types of visual impairment

Benefits: Reduces dark circles around the eyes. Helps with dryness, watering, or burning and painful sensations in the eyes.

Dhania and Amla Decoction

Herbal liquids at a warm temperature should be poured from a special vessel all over the body according to a specific rhythmic pattern for 45-60 minutes a day.

This is the ideal treatment for hemiplegia and tetraplegia.

Karnapoorana

Medicinal oil is dripped into the ears.

Indications: Ear pain, ear infections.

Snowplough Internal greasing procedure

Preparations of clarified butter are administered internally for certain types of disorders, as well as for cleansing the channels as a preparatory measure in Panchakarma.

Vast medicated enema.

This is a therapeutic method where vegetable oils and plant extracts are administered daily via the rectum for 5-25 days.

This is a unique method of treating arthritis, hemiplegia, numbness of the limbs, complaints of gastritis, rheumatism, and chronic constipation.

Herbal masks and compresses

Herbal face mask

After a facial massage with oil (special massage oil), certain herbal remedies and creams are applied to the face.

Indications: adds colour and tones the skin.

Lebanon

This is a herbal medicinal paste for application to affected areas of the body. Lepanam has already established itself as an effective remedy for treating inflammation, skin diseases, arthritis, and gout.

Thalam

This is a special powder prepared by mixing with herbal oil, applied to the head and left for 20-45 minutes. This treatment helps with throat, nose, and ear problems, sleep disturbances, migraines, etc.

Indications: Headache, myofascitis, insomnia.

Thala got stuck

This treatment, using various medicinal herbs, is tailored to the patient's predominant dosha. A paste is applied to the scalp for 30-45 minutes. It is a very effective remedy for preventing sleep disturbances, premature greying, and other hair and scalp problems.

Indications: intellectual disability, mental disorders, migraines, insomnia.

Picture

A cloth soaked in medicinal oil (Dhanwantaram, Kottammchukadi, Karpuradi, Murivenna) is applied to the joints or other areas as per the doctor's recommendations.

Indications: Body aches, joint pain, arthritis, age-related disorders, spondylosis. (Lubricates joints. Good for applying to the spine and joints)

Sarvangakshiradhara

This is a very unique treatment. It is done by mixing medicinal herbs and cow's milk. It is heated and administered as steam through a pipe onto the entire body or to the affected areas of the body.

This treatment is ideally suited for Bell's palsy, speech impairment, organ prolapse, and various nervous disorders.

Rinses

Ghandušam / Qabalam

Medicinal oil, decoctions, or plant juice are put into the mouth, held for a while, and then spat out.

Indications: strengthens teeth, for mouth disorders.

Netra Sekam

A special decoction is made with several herbs (triphala churna) and used to wash the eyes.

Indications: Provides good eyesight, protects eyes from cataracts and other vision impairments.

Why you shouldn't undertake Panchakarma in Moscow

Ayurvedic procedures The climate in Moscow isn't conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and dampness, combined with everyday worries and lifestyle factors, contribute to the accumulation of waste and toxins in the body. The result is increased fatigue, lack of energy, and a loss of the body's self-cleaning properties.

Therefore, undergoing Panchakarma in Moscow or other cities in Russia is not too favourable; it is unlikely that a doctor would prescribe pouring warm milk or an oil enema for toxin removal and blood vessel dilation.

Ayurvedic Panchakarma is a comprehensive method for expelling toxins and poisons that hinder normal bodily functions. For cleansing, massages, steam baths, masks, and the administration of medicinal oils into the patient's nose may be used, among many other things. These practices are not typical for residents of Russia but are commonplace in India.

Rejuvenation using Panchakarma

The system is effective after the completion of a course of cleansing procedures. The aim of the methodology is to increase tone, performance, and overall energy. During the course, immunity increases, skin elasticity returns, and fatigue decreases.

Most often, the system implies the following procedures:

A steam bath with medicinal oils or milk vapours;
baths with herbs and infusions;
Herbal hand and foot massages.;
Massages with creams.

Weight loss with Panchakarma

The Ayurvedic method allows for the easiest and most painless way to get rid of excess kilograms. The special diets and procedures are distinguished by their gentleness. Ayurveda for weight loss is never accompanied by the symptoms of classic diets (lack of strength, dizziness, mood swings, rapid fatigue, irritability).

The Ayurvedic diet does not restrict the amount of food a patient consumes. Following the recommendations correctly will allow you to forget about 10–15 kilograms of excess weight in 2–5 weeks. Life in India will turn into a fairy tale.

Ayurvedic Beauty

Ayurvedic beauty procedures help to get rid of wrinkles and normalise skin pigmentation. After undergoing the procedures, the results are visible to the naked eye – the skin becomes softer, more elastic, and acquires a natural healthy colour.

The programme definitely includes work on biologically active points (marma therapy). Cleansing masks, inhalations and massages may also be prescribed.

Ayurveda for stress relief

Ayurvedic and Panchakarma procedures Ayurvedic procedures designed to eliminate chronic stress, insomnia, and nervous breakdowns. Indian philosophy states: the main source of health is a healthy mind.

The course helps to forget about depression, fears, and despondency. A doctor may recommend yoga, meditation, massages, and steam baths.

A rather relevant procedure is Shirodhara. Medicinal oils and warm infusions are slowly poured onto the patient's forehead. This Indian technique calms the mind, stimulates memory, and eliminates nervous tension.

Panchakarma procedures at the best resorts in India

If a traveller has no specific complaints or health issues, they can choose any Ayurvedic hotel they prefer. In the case of serious illnesses and pathologies, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the list of services and benefits offered by Indian medical centres.

Among the most popular medical centres and clinics, the following institutions stand out:

Kalarikkal Kovilakam A premium Ayurvedic clinic, with quality befitting a Maharaja.
Athreya Ayurveda — a very beautiful and cosy Ayurvedic resort, attracting with its comfort and high quality of services provided;
Raja Eco Beach — A very strong team of specialists, democratic prices, and high-quality services in the centre;