Panchakarma Therapies Explained: Basti, Nasya, and Rakta Moksha

Aggravated vata is one of the main etiological factors in the manifestation of diseases. If we can control vata through the use of bastis, we have gone a long way toward eliminating the cause of the vast majority of diseases. • nasya or nasal administration of medication, in which dry herbal powders or oils such as ghee are inserted into the nose to help remove accumulated doshas in the head, sinus, and throat areas, and to clear up breathing. • rakta moksha, purification of the blood, which is traditionally done in one of two ways.

Bloodletting, in which a small amount of blood is extracted from a vein, is one method, though it is illegal in the United States and is therefore not available here. The second way is to cleanse the blood using blood-purifying herbs such as burdock. Panchakarma is not the only method used by Ayurveda to remove ama from the body. Depending on the individual’s strength and the seriousness of the disease, one of two main approaches will be employed.

If the person is weak and debilitated and the disease is strong, the preferred method is palliation and pacification (shamanam), which neutralizes ama through gentler methods of purification, including herbs. If the patient has more strength and energy and the illness is not so complicated or serious, then panchakarma is appropriate. : Panchakarma is a special, powerful procedure requiring guidance from IMPORTANT NOTE a properly trained medical staff, not just someone with a modest amount of Ayurvedic training. It is performed individually for each person, with his or her specific constitution and medical condition in mind, and it requires close observation and supervision at every stage, including post-panchakarma support.

Should You Use Ghee? The use of ghee for internal oleation is recommended for most people. However, individuals with high blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and sugar should not use it. So before you begin your home treatment, see a doctor and have your blood tested for these factors.

If they are within the normal range, there is no problem. If they are high, then instead of ghee use flaxseed oil, which provides effective oleation and also contains fatty acids, which help to reduce cholesterol levels. Take 2 tablespoons of the flaxseed oil three times a day for three days, fifteen minutes before eating. A Simple Home Purification Both for periodic prevention (to reverse any buildup of ama) and to deal with a specific health problem, panchakarma is a highly recommended art of cleansing and detoxification.