Panchakarma detox therapy

After being declared fistula free in April 2023, I decided to end my time in Bangalore with Panchakarma as a way of re-setting my body and mind. I call it a Ctrl+Alt+Delete for the body – it’s essentially a medical, very personalised complete detox based on individual body type. This is the second time doing the treatment, and won't be the last. It's truly incredible.

Having done detoxes in the past, this one left me feeling so much better than I had in years. My energy was at an all-time high, my metabolism was functioning as though I was in my 20’s again, I was mentally alert and happy, my skin glowed – I felt absolutely amazing.

While Panchakarma is very different for everyone, I wanted to log my experience to assist others who might be curious. It’s important to remember that while the main treatments are similar in technique, each one can vary from person to person and should always be done under medical supervision.

After a consultation with doc where I reeled off a list of things I wanted addressed (eg chronic knee pain, digestive/gut issues, grief…), a program was designed for me.

What is Panchakarma?

‘Pancha’ in Sanskrit means five and ‘karma’ means action. Panchakarma ‘includes preventive, curative and promotive actions for various diseases.’

There are 5 main detoxification treatments, but there are also many other supporting treatments that can be incorporated into the program.

The 5 main treatments of Panchakarma are:

Vamana - inducing vomiting to rid the body of mucous and toxins

Virechana - uses herbs to encourage bowel movements and eradicate toxins

Basti - herbal enemas used to eliminate toxins from the colon (excellent for digestive disorders)

Nasya - uses herbal nasal drops/spray to rid the sinuses and respiratory system of toxins

Raktamokshan - cleansing toxic blood from the body

There are strict rules around diet and lifestyle throughout the process which generally takes a couple of weeks (if not longer). For example – it’s important to get as much rest as possible, avoid strenuous anything (eg exercise, loud sounds), and keep warm throughout by keeping away from wind and AC. It’s important to observe one’s thoughts throughout the process. Ideally food should be simple, warm, easy to digest. One of the most ideal meals, is kichadi:

“Kitchadi will provide adequate nourishment, is very easy to digest, nourishes all the tissues of the body, is excellent for the de-aging of cells, and assists in the detoxification and cleansing process. Kitchari is a seasoned mixture of rice and mung dal, and is basic to the Ayurvedic way of life. Basmati rice and mung dal both have the qualities of being sweet and cooling with a sweet aftertaste. Together they create a balanced food; an excellent protein combination that is tridoshic.”

Below is a list of all my treatments. 

Sarvanga Abhyanga

‘Sarvagna’ means whole body and ‘abhyanga’ is massage.

A traditional full body massage utilising warm medicated oil used to detoxify as well as treat many conditions. It also prepares the body for subsequent treatments.

This is followed by Sarvanga Bashpa Sweda (‘Sarvagna’ means whole body, ‘bashpa’ means steam, ‘sweda’ means sweat) which is essentially a steam chamber. It incorporates herbal steam to encourage sweat which aids in detoxifying the body, relieving muscular issues, helping circulation, respiratory and skin issues.

Janu Basti (Knee treatment) 

‘Janu’ means knee, ‘basti’ means to hold, contain or retain.

Treats chronic pain, stiffness, arthritis. It nourishes the tissue, reduces inflammation and improves mobility.

Dough is made from black gram flour and water which is used to create a wall/barrier for oil. Once the dough is molded to the skin, the medicated oil is poured in. Various medicines are included in the oil, which change dependent on the issue (ie joint, ligament, cartilage)

The oil stays in place for 20 minutes. Once removed, it is followed by an Ayurvedic massage then Nadi Sweda steam therapy to aid in further absorption and circulation. Within the steam is a concoction called Dashamoola (‘dasha’ means ten and ‘moola’ means roots) which has many health benefits and is used widely in Ayurveda.

Siravyadana

‘Sira’ means vein or tubular vessel, ‘vyadha’ means piercing, wound or breaking.

A para-surgical bloodletting technique used to eliminate toxins from the blood. A very effective treatment to reduce inflammation and pain, amongst other things. The location of the piercing is dependent on the patient’s condition and dosha.

Essentially the vein is pierced and blood is drained from the body (I believe I released about 40ml). Interestingly, the blood changes colour throughout the process. Once it changes from a darker colour to a brighter red, it indicates that the toxins have been successfully released.

Sadyovirechana

‘Sadyo’ means instant/immediate, ‘virechana’ means purging/laxative

This treatment completely cleans the lower gastrointestinal tract. It helps with digestive issues, constipation, inflammation, skin diseases…amongst many other things.

It began with a full body oil massage and steam, after this, warm oil and milk is taken orally. After a short period of time and sporadic pacing to bring about the action, bowels are released. Numerous times. Once the body has successfully released all toxins, hunger returns, at which point the medication has been released from the body and the process is complete. Rice water is initially consumed and if no further bowel movements, kichadi is then consume before being discharged.  

The most difficult part of this particular treatment was staying awake! As the body is working hard to eliminate toxins, lethargy is common. I was absolutely sleepy and struggling to keep my eyes open. It’s vital to avoid sleep during this process as it can affect dosha balance, staying awake until evening is ideal but extremely challenging.

That night I slept for 10 hours without moving.

Pranayama

‘Prana’ means life force/breath. ‘yama’ means control/restraint.

There are multiple Pranayama beathing techniques that can be incorporated into daily life to calm the mind and body, improve focus and concentration, as well as benefiting cardiovascular health, respiratory function, immune function and cognitive enhancement.

I learnt Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), and Bhramari Pranayama (Humming bee) in particular.  

Basti

An enema-based treatment designed to heal many conditions, determined by the individual’s constitution, health conditions and any dosha imbalances.

I had 2 versions of basti, daily for a week.

Immediate basti where warm medicated oil is inserted into the rectum and within a couple of minutes, soft bowel movements commence.

The other basti was inserted after an easy to digest meal (kichadi), a short stomach massage and a lie down for an hour. This remained internal until normal urge for bowel movement occurs, after which the medications are released.  

Shirodhara

‘Shiro’ means head, ‘dhara’ means flow.

A continuous stream of medicated oil is poured gently on the forehead/third eye. This is a classic Ayurvedic treatment used to balance the mind, body and soul. It is extremely calming and offers very deep relaxation.

Netra Seka

‘Seka’ means irrigation or pouring and ‘Netra’ means eye.

This treatment is used to relax and rejuvenate eyes. It soothes tired eyes/eye strain, restores natural clarity and freshness, is anti-inflammatory, strengthens eye muscles – amongst many other things.

A medicated liquid is poured over closed eyes in a continuous stream for a period of time, over a period of days.

How do I feel?

Amazing! In the following days after treatment, the effects are even more evident. Physically I’m much more energetic and mentally clearer and far less 'edgy'. 

The most difficult part of the the process for me was staying awake on the day of Virechana, and the lack of variety for diet (eating the same 3 things for over 2 weeks was annoying). 

As the treatment left my intestines clean and fresh, it was important to focus on diet and slow reintroduction of food. Sticking to warm, easy to digest, freshly prepared food is key.

Ideally, 80% of your diet should follow Ayurvedic principles, mindful eating, natural foods, proper sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. 20% can include flexibility, occasional treats or modern lifestyle indulgences. It teaches that rigid perfection isn't necessary; consistency and balance matter more than extremes. 

In a world where we make blanket statements for all, Ayurveda shows you why this is not realistic and why we are so different to each other.