Should I undergo Panchakarma treatment?

In Ayurveda, all the diseases are identified to be stemming from two conditions – malnourishment or overconsumption. Diseases from overconsumption are more difficult to treat than diseases from malnourishment. Once it goes into your system, it is difficult to eliminate. But if it is not there in your system, it is easier to top it. In today’s world, the illnesses that plague humanity are more from overconsumption than scarcity. Ironically, what was once called the treatment for kings has become a necessity for most individuals. Even today, during the pandemic, people with comorbidities are more vulnerable because of their over-consuming lifestyle.

Diseases of overconsumption are treated by two therapies – Shamana and Shodhana. Shamana is a mild purification therapy, while Shodhana is a more intense form of purification that can have mild stress on the body. Panchakarma falls under Shodhana.

In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that, in order to do Panchakarma, it is important to identify whether the person has the strength to undergo it. Even though you may need Panchakarma, if you do not have the strength to do it, you should not undergo it. This can only be determined by the Ayurvedic doctor after a consultation.

 

 

For the scope of this article, let us try to understand the limitations that can prevent you from undergoing this treatment.

Will Power

Ayurveda mentions that the most important factor in undergoing Panchakarma is the willpower of the person undergoing it, and his intentions to truly heal. Most treatments in Panchakarma are about resetting the body, calming you down and releasing you from the old unhealthy patterns that caused the issues in the first place. If a person is not willing to give up the habits, then the treatment can be a source of mental stress. Of course, the doctor, the environment and the therapist are going to support the patient in this journey, but ultimately the patient will be receptive to this only if he has strong willpower.

Age

Ayurveda does not advise this treatment for very young or old people, as their bodies may not be able to handle the treatment. Here, more than the age, it is the vitality and strength of the body that determines if you are capable of handling the treatment.

Pregnancy

A pregnant woman cannot undergo the treatment.

Chronic Conditions

• People who are in a bed-ridden conditions cannot undergo the treatment.
• Doing Panchakarma does not mean that you are cured for the rest of your life. It is a jumpstart. You get a better feeling about your body, and it is up to you to sustain that. Experiencing your healthy body after Panchakarma is a strong motivation to keep leading a healthy life. In fact, the environment in which you do this treatment also contributes to this.
• When we created Sitaram Beach Retreat, we made sure that the environment helps you to heal. The space makes it effortless to relax, connect with nature and get in the right mindset for the treatment. There are no distractions or access to unhealthy lifestyles. You are surrounded by people who make you feel safe, comfortable and are invested in your well-being.
• At Sitaram Beach Retreat, the infrastructure, the team, the environment and the therapies are put together with the vision of helping you heal.