Programs

What is Pancha karma?

Introduction

Pancha Karma is a cleansing therapy based on Ayurvedic Medicine. It is one of the most
complex and specific forms of detoxification practices in natural medicine. It includes
medicated oil treatments, sweating therapies, specified diet, massage and eliminations
designed on an individual basis.

‘Toxin’ is now a household word, and most of us are familiar with detoxification
programs, cleanses, fasts, and diets meant to eliminate them. Toxins are often blamed for
a myriad of diseases that are surfacing in today’s world such as chronic fatigue, candida,
fibromyalgia, celiacs disease, and many types of cancers specifically breast and uterine.
There are many people who believe that all disease directly comes from toxicity within
the physiology.

In Ayurveda, all toxins begin with ama, defined as the residue of poorly digested food.
There are foods that are difficult to digest such as heavy foods, dairy, meat, oily, sweet,
salty and sour foods (these are typical in the standard American diet). There is also our
inability to digest foods properly because we have over taxed our systems, or weakened it
through certain behaviors or emotional experiences. This means, that even when we eat
foods that are good for us we are still not utilizing their nutrients properly. When food is
not digested or utilized properly, it then becomes ama. Ama moves to various srotas in
the body, causing accumulations and toxic conditions, or disease.

Pancha Karma inverts the movement of ama, which takes place during the third and
fourth stages of the disease process. During prasara, the third stage of disease
manifestation, ama overruns the site of its initial accumulation in the G-I tract and flows
into other areas of the body. During sthana samshraya, the fourth stage, the spreading
ama enters and lodges in weak or defective dhatus, where its disruptive influence will
eventually produce the final stages of the disease process. Panchakarma is designed to
draw ama out of the dhatus, return it to the digestive tract and expel it from the body.

The name Pancha Karma comes from two Sanskrit words: panch, meaning “five,” and
karma meaning “action.” The name incorporates the core of the treatment: the five
primary actions or procedures that Ayurveda uses to purify the body of everything
foreign to it. Each procedure addresses a specific doshic imbalance and the ama that
forms as result. The five main procedures are designed to eliminate ama (toxins), restore
health to the dhatus (tissues), and re-establish proper digestive function.

Pancha Karma therapy, is also more than five purifactory and rejuvenative procedures. It
is also a three stage process in which the five core treatments serve as a focal point. The
first phase, called Purva Karma, comprises essential procedures designed to prepare the
body for elimination. Elimination occurs in the second phase of Pancha Karma, and the
last phase called Paschat Karma is used to help rejuvenate the body and build it to an
optimal health state.

Purva Karma

To get any benefit at all out of Pancha Karma, one must be properly prepared. This is
done through Purva Karma. Purva means “before” and karma means “actions.” These
treatments help to loosen ama and move it out of the deep structures into the G-I tract,
where Pancha Karma’s main therapies can then eliminate it. The main actions of Purva
Karma are Snehana and Swedana, this is accompanied by appropriate diet and herbs
facilitated by your Ayurvedic practitioner or physician.

Snehana, the first step of Purvakarma, saturates the body internally and externally with
herbal medicated oils. In general, snehana employs substances that lubricate the body and
intestinal tract, making it easier for the tissues to give up their accumulated toxins.
Medicated oils are chosen on an individual basis for a wide range of specific purposes.

The second major aspect of the preparatory procedures of Purvakarma is called Swedana,
the therapeutic application of heat to the body. Though “Swedana” literally means “to
sweat.” Its main purpose is not to induce sweating, rather, to dilate the Srotas (channels)
in the body so that oleation’s main purpose of liquefying ama is more easily achieved.

Pancha Karma

Pancha means ‘five,’ Karma means ‘action,’ and refers to five cleanse techniques. Once
the body has gone through the specific Purva Karma techniques of external oleation and
therapeutic heat, usually of a seven day duration, elimination is ready to take place.

One or more of the specific actions are chosen:

Vamana (Emesis) for Kapha imbalances such as excess mucus conditions, obesity,
cholesterol, swelling, water retention, depression, letheragy, bronchitis, excema, etc.
Therapy is focused on relieving Kapha from the stomach.

Virechana (Purgation) for Pitta imbalances such as hormonal dysfunction, fast digestion,
acne, heat eruptions on the skin, anger, stagnet liver, etc. Therapy is focused on relieving
Pitta from the small intestine.

Basti (Medicated Enemas) for Vata conditions such as arthritis, emaciation, anxiety,
nervousness, depression, insomnia, brittle bones, constipation, nervous system disorders,
etc. Therapy is focused on nourishing and/or relieving Vata from the colon.

Rakta Moksha (Blood Cleansing) is used to cleanse the blood, however there is some
difference in opinion regarding this therapy, and many practitioners employ a second
kind of Basti instead.
Nasya (Nasal intake of medictation) used to alleviate sinus conditions and improve brain
and sensory function.

Adjunctive Procedures of Panchakarma

There are also a variety of procedures used to enhance elimination and subdue certain
doshic imbalances. They generally employ some form of snehana or Swedana, and often
address the functions of a particular dosha. These procedures can be usued outside
Pancha Kamrma, by themselves, or in conjunction with other treatments. Some of these
procedures are: Shirodhara, pishinchhali, pinda Swedana, herbal steams/baths, bastis,
herbal scrubs, pastes, and massage techniques.

Lifestyle During Pancha Karma

Pancha Karma is a powerful therapy that provides a unique opportunity for the system to
repair and rejuvenate. Those undergoing this program gain the maximum from it if they
focus completely on the healing process taking place. Certain changes in one’s diet and
daily activities are necessary to insure the greatest results. These lifestyle adjustments
begin with the onset of Purva Karma, the preparatory phase, and continue through the end
of Paschat Karma, the post-treatment phase.

Ideally, the usual preoccupation with work and family is put aside. Schedules should be
light, and experiences that invoke strong emotions should be avoided. It is important to
forego sexual activity during and immediately after treatment. Sensory input from
computers and T.V. should be minimal if at all. Even reading should be done in
moderation. Strenuous activity and exercise should also be kept to a minimum.

Meditation and prayer are encouraged according to one’s own spiritual or religious
practice. Even more benefit comes when asana (yoga postures) and pranayama
(breathing techniques) is included.

Diet is prescribed by the Ayurvedic practitioner and consists of light, nourishing, and
easily digestible foods such as steamed vegetables and kichari. The dietary regimen
during Pancha Karma emphasizes kichari for a number of reasons. It does not tax the
digestive agni and it helps to liquefy ama. It is highly nourishing, digests easily and
calms the mind.

Paschat Karma

Often people feel as though they have completed their program at the closing of Pancha
Karma. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Paschat Karma program is
just as important, if not more important than the other two parts of the detoxification
process. This is the stabilizing effect. When the body truly begins to build itself back up
in a new way. Herbs are provided to give on-going stabilization and rejuvenation.
Dietary regiment is followed accordingly.

Paschat Karma generally consists of following a re-entry diet for about a week, and on-
going herbal dietary program.
What to expect from Pancha Karma

If a person has been storing the seeds of degenerative disease in his body for fifteen or
twenty years and suffering from symptoms for five or ten years, it is unlikely that they
will be completely healed in ten or fifteen days of Pancha Karma. It takes time and
repeated treatments to rid the body completely of ama and to rebuild and rejuvenate the
dhatus. The length of the treatments varies with the type of illness and adverse effects
created by previous treatment procedures. Individuals also respond differently to
Panchakarma treatment because of differences of their individual constitutions.

Pancha Karma works best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown
that the immune system improves substantially following pancha karma therapies,
however, if there is a quick return to poor habits and unhealthy lifestyle, results could
potentially be sabatoged.

How Much Time Does Panch Karma Take?

Pancha Karma programs ideally last a month. This allows for enough time to go through
all the eliminatory procedures. However, most of us are unable to take this much time off
from work or the rest of our responsibilities. Therefore, most Pancha Karma programs
are tailored to satisfy the individual concerns of the person and employed during a one to
two week period. This period combines Purva Karma procedures and Pancha Karma
treatments. In some cases, clients will have to prepare up to four months a head of their
Pancha Karma treatments if there are significant habits, addictions, or imbalances. This
is to prevent intense withdrawl during pancha karma treatments that could cause anxiety
and impede the healing process.

How To Get Started?

Programs start with an Initial Consult where an assessment is made regarding Prakruti
(innate constitution) and Vikruit (present imbalances). Pancha Karma programs are
designed considering the following:

• Degree of health and intent of the client.

• Present Imbalances
• Time Commitment
• Financial Investment

Weight Loss Program

The inability to lose weight can be caused by faulty digestion, food intolerance (gluten,
dairy, fructose or yeast)), and/or excess toxins. This program addresses all these issues,
by individualizing treatment to identify the source of the problem. Program construction
includes specific herbal and dietary regiments as well as lifestyle enhancements.
Treatment works to unclog the channels and invigorate the tissues removing blockages
and stagnation. Yogic breath work and postures are also used to help stimulate the
metabolic function in the body. This program is a minimum 21 day commitment.
Program outline is as follows.

Initial Consultation & Program Construction

Days 1 to 7- Dietary program is followed, herbal supplements and yoga program is used
to stimulate the metabolism, detoxify the channels, and purify the body. We meet for an
hour consult to check-in.

Days 7 to 14-Treatments begin: Daily yoga and meditation classes, followed by ubvartan
(an herbal scrub that is worked into the tissues) classically used in Ayurveda to stimulate
metabolism and shed excess weight, oil massage, and sweating therapy used to detoxify
the body. A fasting program that consists of immunity building soups and fresh squeezed
organic green juices and herbal teas are prepared for you during this time. This is a
thorough and deeply powerful detoxification program. Daily consults are included.

Days 14 to 21- Reintroduction into normal life begins. A graduation diet is designed for
you that allows you to integrate more foods into your routine. Herbal supplements and
juices are used, as well as yoga program. Follow-up consult is included during this
week.

Total Cost of 21 Day Weight Loss Program $2,815.00

Anti-Aging Program

Anti-aging medicine is a new phenomona in our Western world, but has been part of
Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years. This program requires at least a 21 day
commitment and works to revitalize the tissues and arrest the aging process. In Ayurvedic
medicine it is good to do embark on an anti-aging program at least once, ideally before
the age of 65. After cleansing procedures, herbs are used that detoxify the body of old
cells. Rejuvenation techniques work to:

• Provide luster to the skin and arrest the aging process.

• Remove the damages from pollution and years of unhealthy lifestyle.
• Oxygenate the cells, increase immunity and resistance.
• Enliven the mind and body.

Days 1 to 7: Dietary program is followed that works to subdue the tissues and prepare
body for elimination of toxins. Internal medicines are taken, as well as herbal
supplements and juices.
Days 7-14: Treatments begin that oleate the body and help to shed unwanted toxic build-
up. Foods that lighten the digestive load are provided so that participants can completely
rest in the healing process. Treatments include but are not limited to abhyanga massage,
shriodhara, pinda swedana, siro vasti, basti and swedana treatments. Yoga that helps to
enliven the body and cells with oxygen enlivens the tissues is practiced every morning.
Treatment is 3 ½ hours a day. All meals are provided.

Days 14-21: Rejuvenation is continued with internal herbal medicines that help to build
the body, mind and soul. Yoga and meditation program is continued. Follow-up consult
guarantees that program is being followed and is understood.

Total Cost of 21 Day Anti-Aging Program $2,815.00

Testimonials

“I was suffering from a rare endocrine condition which involved both types of Trab
antibodies (blocking and stimulating) attacking my thyroid and inflammation antibodies
present, which all caused me to be hospitalized hyPERthyroid, then hyPOthyroid, then
hyPER etc. Not to mention I was suffering from other precursor health issues that were
unknown before my immune system went awry and residual effects.

I did a 5-day panchakarma in the winter of 2008. I will not say that panchakarma cured
all my problems. I will say that it kickstarted a healthier routine and a life of more
awareness. I thought I knew a lot about nutrition and healthy eating, but it taught me
more specifics in Ayurvedic terms and according to the rhythm of our bodies. PK
detoxified me in physical, mental and emotional ways. It rebalanced me and took the
edge off. It allowed me to get to a tolerable place that made me feel like I was making
progress. And factually – my antibodies all decreased significantly and continued to
decrease thereafter. Plus, I felt a glimpse of me come back that I hadn’t see in awhile.

Monica made me feel very comfortable. The environment was very soothing, calming
and cozy. And I definitely took away knowledge that will last me a lifetime. I continue to
do treatments and panchakarma each year, preferably spring and fall.” Stacey Howland,
Chicago, IL

“When I took Monica's ayurvedic detoxification program, I felt a very real difference in
my energy levels. I feel much healthier and clearer now, I'm much more balanced, I lost
some unnecessary pounds, and I don't get tired in the middle of the day anymore. That,
and I learned so much more about this amazing ancient health system.
Monica very patiently handled my seemingly endless stream of questions about ayurveda,
and she worked with me to customize the detoxification program to my very specific
needs. She is everything you can ask for in an ayurvedic practitioner--knowledgeable,
compassionate, and truly devoted to her craft.” J. Daquilanea, Chicago, IL
“The panchakarma was great - I feel fantastic and am enjoying a clearer perception!”
William Russel, Chicago, IL

“I am feeling great since I am taking the herbs have so much energy and sleep better too.
Big Hug!!!! for you.” Claudia Uribe, Chicago, IL

“I have been using the herbs for two weeks and following the food guidance for three
weeks. The herbs are working well, my menstrual cycle has become normal and I feel
rejuvenated!” Beth Fuller, Chicago, IL

“Thank you so much for the CD's. I loved the treatment and I am for the most part
keeping with the Ayervedic principles. I love the oil massage each morning. I feel like I
am more balanced.” Pam Hutter, Chicago, IL

“When I first came in the room and you wanted to talk over tea, I was a bit
nervous/reserved. But within just a few seconds an amazing serenity came over me. I did
not think too much about it at the time, but I was very comfortable in your presence. The
actual treatments were wonderful. One of the most powerful things you did for me was
what you said as you began your massage. Talking about accepting the ancestors etc.
This caused me to think deeply about this over the coming days and I truly feel that I did
make a connection. I also expanded it. I tried(and continue to try) to accept the universe
in my heart and to myself be accepted. This has been most powerful for me. I had studied
about this before, but I never attempted to make it personal until you said that. Finally,
and probably most significant, I felt a intense amount of love (compassion) from you. I
am referring to the true universal love that we all should have for each other, specifically
during the Nasya pretreatment (head/neck massage). I literally felt while I was lying there
that you were pouring love directly into my heart/being, I could FEEL it. It was bizarre
and wonderful!” Jim Hoffman, Chicago, IL