Panchakarma was developed thousands of years ago by the ancient healing masters of India. In Sanskrit, panchakarma means “the five actions” (pancha=five and karma=action), referring to the five different cleansing and rejuvenating procedures described in the classic ayurvedic textbooks.

As panchakarma has been adapted for use in the West, the therapies have evolved and the number of procedures included is not always five, but varies according to an individual’s mind-body type (dosha) and health concerns. However, the principles of purifying and replenishing remain the same. At the Chopra Center, panchakarma follows these steps:

Step One: Preparatory Procedures

Panchakarma begins with oleation – applying and ingesting pure essential oils in order to loosen and mobilize accumulated toxins or ama. This step includes supplementation with organic seeds, as well as deep, soothing daily ayurvedic massage treatments using herbalized oils.

A vital aspect of this step is Swedana, a Sankskrit word meaning “that which produces heat in the system.” Specific steam and warm oil therapies are used to heat the body. This process helps open the body’s circulation channels (srotas) and allows toxins to flow more easily from the tissues to the GI tract for elimination. Swedana also relaxes the body, releasing tension and allowing impurities to be eliminated through the sweat glands.

Step Two: Elimination and Release

Once the body's toxins have been mobilized, gentle therapies are used to release them from the body. The treatment includes a sequence of daily bastis – a therapeutic process in which medicated oils and herbal preparations are used to flush toxins from the intestinal tract. Bastis are often referred to as enemas but actually offer many more healing benefits than a simple colon cleanse. During a basti, the herbalized oils enter the deeper tissues and eliminate fat-soluble toxins that can't be dislodged with standard enemas.

This stage of panchakarma also includes nasya, an ayurvedic treatment that gently cleanses the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. This soothing process uses pure herbalized oils to improve the flow of life energy and help you breathe freely and easily.

Step Three: Rejuvenation

The final step of panchakarma is rasayana,a term that means “that which is nourishing.” Once the toxins have been released, this is a critical time to begin replenishing the body with natural foods and herbs, revitalizing massage treatments, and healing practices such as meditation and yoga.

Ayurvedic physicians recommend getting regular panchakarma treatments to detoxify and nourish your entire mind-body system. In just a few days, you will feel renewed as you release whatever is no longer serving you and open yourself to vibrant health.

"I prefer the Chopra exprience to the one in India; your practitioners are full of love and grace. Thank you!" -B. Prouster

To learn more about panchakarma and the Chopra Center's other mind-body healing treatments, please call 888.736.6895 or request more information here