The pinnacle of Ayurvedic detoxification — five classical procedures that eliminate vitiated doshas at the root, not just symptoms. Practised in Kerala for over 5,000 years; medicalised, supervised, and safe.
Panchakarma is not a wellness spa programme. It is a medical procedure described in Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam for removing accumulated, vitiated doshas (metabolic toxins) from the body. The five actions — vamana (therapeutic emesis), virechana (purgation), basti (medicated enema), nasya(nasal administration), and raktamokshana (therapeutic bloodletting) — each target a specific tissue layer and dosha pattern.
Done correctly, Panchakarma achieves what no symptomatic treatment can: it removes the underlying nidana (causative factor) of chronic disease. Done incorrectly — wrong patient, wrong season, untrained centre — it can cause significant harm. Always under supervision of a BAMS / MD doctor with hands-on Panchakarma training.
Every Panchakarma protocol follows this sequence — never skip the prep or the post-care.
5-14 days. Snehana (oleation with medicated ghee internally + abhyanga externally) loosens vitiated doshas; Swedana (steam) liquefies them.
One of the five — Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, or Raktamokshana — chosen based on dosha imbalance and patient state.
Samsarjana Krama: graduated diet (Peya → Vilepi → Krita → Akrita Yusha) for 7-14 days to rebuild Agni. Lifestyle restrictions on activity, sleep, exposure.
Click through to each — never self-prescribe; always under a doctor.
वमन
Therapeutic emesis — eliminates accumulated Kapha from the upper digestive tract.
Asthma, chronic skin disorders, bronchitis, obesity, insulin resistance, depression with hypersomnia.
Pregnancy, very young or very elderly, severe debility, diabetes, hypertension on multiple drugs.
विरेचन
Therapeutic purgation — eliminates excess Pitta via the lower GI tract. The most flexibly applicable Panchakarma procedure.
Psoriasis, chronic urticaria, jaundice, hepatitis, hyperacidity, gout, migraine.
Acute fever, severe diarrhea, post-partum, post-major-surgery.
बस्ति
Medicated enema — the most powerful Vata-pacifying treatment. Two types: Niruha (decoction) and Anuvasana (oil).
Sciatica, arthritis, paralysis, infertility, chronic constipation, neurological disorders, lower-back pain, ADHD.
Acute fever, severe diarrhea, anal fissures (relative).
नस्य
Nasal administration of medicated oils or powders — clears the head, neck and shoulders region.
Chronic sinusitis, migraine, frozen shoulder, hair fall, premature greying, mental fog, voice disorders.
Pregnancy, very full or empty stomach, immediately after bath.
रक्तमोक्षण
Therapeutic bloodletting using leeches (Jalauka) or specialised vessels (Siravyadha). Reserved for stubborn vitiated-blood disorders.
Severe psoriasis, chronic eczema, gout, varicose veins, abscesses, heel pain.
Anaemia, pregnancy, bleeding disorders, very young or very elderly.
Look for these three things — the rest is comfort.
Not just a therapist. A doctor with Panchakarma training (MD Panchakarma is the gold standard) must supervise every protocol.
The medicated oils and ghees are 70% of the treatment. Tourist spas use generic oils; classical centres make their own under GMP.
India's Ministry of AYUSH grades centres (Silver, Gold, Diamond). Look for at least Silver. NABH accreditation is even better.