An Appraisal of Bio-Purificatory and Therapeutic Potential of Panchakarma

Author(s)

Singh, S.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

Ayurveda  emphasizes on  three  fold  therapeutic management  of  the  diseases  viz;  Samshodhana (bio-purification), Samshamana (pacification) and Nidana Parivarjana  (avoiding causative  factors). Panchakarma is the therapeutic technology of Samsodhana. It presents a unique preventive as well as therapeutic approach in Ayurvedic system of medicine with specially designed five procedures used for internal bio-purification of body through the nearest possible route. Five procedures of Panchakarma include Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Niruha or Asthapan Basti (medicated decoction enema), Anuvasana Basti (medicated oil enema) and Nasya (nasal medication). Ayurveda emphasizes more on the preventive aspect of the Panchakarma rather than curative. It is believed to purify or cleanses all the body tissues and brings about the harmony of bio-humors (Tridosha i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and Manasa Dosha i.e. Raja and Tama) to obtain long-lasting beneficial effects. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrient and drugs administered thereafter in favor to attain their desired pharmaco-therapeutic effects. Panchakarma also restore the mental health, reduces the stress and therefore, help in the prevention as well as management of many psychosomatic disorders. Panchakarma is claimed for its preventive, promotive, prophylactic and rejuvenative properties.

Keywords

Panchakrma, Samshodhan, Bio-purification, Bio-humors, Dosha

Cite This Article

Singh, S. (2015). An Appraisal of Bio-Purificatory and Therapeutic Potential of Panchakarma, International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 4(3), 89-95.