Panchakarma
Vamana
Vamana is primarily used to eliminate excess kapha dosha from the body, although it can also balance pitta dosha. It helps to expel toxins (ama) from the upper respiratory tract and stomach.
Procedure:
Before the procedure, the individual undergoes oleation (snehana) and sudation (swedana). Then, a therapeutic emetic substance (like licorice root or calamus) is administered under supervision to induce vomiting and eliminate toxins.
Virechana
Virechana aims to eliminate excess pitta dosha and toxins from the small intestine and liver. It also balances other doshas, especially when combined with preparatory therapies.
Procedure:
Like Vamana, Virechana follows oleation and sudation therapies. The individual takes herbal laxatives (such as triphala or senna) to induce controlled purgation, expelling toxins from the body through the stool.
Basti
Basti primarily targets vata dosha imbalance and is used to cleanse and nourish the colon. It also benefits other doshas by promoting detoxification and improving digestive and eliminative functions.
Types of Basti:
- Niruha Basti (Decoction Enema): Involves administering a combination of herbal decoctions, oils, and other substances into the rectum to cleanse and nourish.
- Anuvasana Basti (Oil Enema): Uses medicated oils to lubricate the colon and promote the elimination of toxins and waste.
Nasya
Nasya focuses on balancing disorders of the head and neck, primarily vata and kapha imbalances. It clears the nasal passages, improves sensory organs’ function, and eliminates toxins.
Procedure:
Medicated oils or herbal preparations are administered through the nostrils to cleanse and treat conditions such as sinusitis, headaches, allergies, and neurological disorders.
Raktamokshana
Raktamokshana is aimed at purifying the blood and treating conditions related to blood disorders or toxicity. It is less commonly practiced today compared to the other Panchakarma procedures.
There are different methods of Raktamokshana, including using leeches (jalauka), bloodletting (siravedha), or using a surgical instrument (pracchana).