Ayurveda and Panchakarma

Of all of the modalities I have utilized, panchakarma, when done correctly, has been by far the most effective at providing lasting relief because it thoroughly addresses the underlying impact that stress has on our bodies, mind, and emotions. Even if you are unable to do the full Panchakarma program, you can learn about Ayurveda and apply some of the principles and do daily self massage. There are lots of great resources on the MAPI website to get you started.

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient systems of health care in the world and one of the most well kept secrets for improving health is Panchakarma. My love for Ayurveda is what got me really into meditation and I worked as a panchakarma technician for a couple years in the 90s prior to getting my degree in Maharishi Ayurveda. Panchakarma is a series of specialized treatments designed for general rejuvenation and also to help more chronic disorders. We are often exposed to high levels of toxins in our environments, food, workloads, and experiences in life. Panchakarma loosens and removes impurities from the physiology and helps to restore balanced functioning to the nervous system. Impurities can mean any undigested or process thing, whether it be physically improperly digested foods or wrong foods that have resulted in things like high cholesterol, or it could also be improperly digested emotions or experiences. It is recommended to do a minimum of 7 days to properly address all 7 dhatus (or tissue types in the physiology). There is usually a week of preparation done beforehand and it takes about a week of rest to integrate and maximize the benefits afterward. One could do a much longer series as well. The past two years, out of complete desparation, I have done 10 days of panchakarma around the holidays, going into full hibernation mode. It's the best thing I have done in a while. Thanks, Santa!!!

Each of us process toxins and experiences differently and when undergoing panchakarma, an Ayurvedic specialist, or Vaidya, will determine your individual needs through Nadi Vigyan, or assessment of your pulse which shows the Vaidya your state of balance or imbalance. The Vaidya prescribe treatments based on your needs at that time and you start with a light diet and herbal preparations to loosen and remove toxins in your body. They may also recommend herbal formulas that are designed to support your physiology's processing of stress, like these listed on MAPI.com

Each day you receive a balancing massage administered by two technicians who work on you simultaneously in sync on each side of your body. It is typically an oil massage, or abhyanga, but it could also be an herbal paste like udvartana which helps to loosen and reduce fat buildup and improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. The massage is followed by one of a variety of treatments which could be a full body application of an herbal past or concoction, a steam treatment, or the very popular shirodhara (pictured). The shirodhara is a stream of oil pouring (dhara) over the head (shiro). The oil settles down the nerves that are in the forehead and connected to the entire body so it has a profound effect of settling down the entire system so the fight or flight symptoms decrease significantly, and it also has a nice effect on the third eye and connecting the mind and the heart. At the end of each day's session, you finish off with a light enema, alternating a nourshing oil enema (or basti) and a deeper cleansing herbal basti. To be honest, this is really where the full benefits of panchakarma are gained. Our gut health is everything and nothing will make you happier in the long run than a happy and properly cleaned out gut ;) I swear by it!

I have only received panchakarma 5 times in my lifetime and each time I felt the most healthy and happy I have ever felt afterward. It is recommended to do it a couple times a year to properly cleanse out as the seasons change and to remove the new toxins that have accumulated. When I was manager at the Lancaster, MA Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center (in a building that is featured in the 2019 Little Women movie), we saw several clients come 2-3 times a year. And while not everyone can afford to do that, it is beyond beneficial if you can. There are panchakarma centers all over the world, however, traveling to India can be more stress on the body and budget than it is worth.

If you do go, find a clinic that comes highly recommended by a trusted source!!!! I know too many people who have gotten really sick in their travels and when I have needed panchakarma I have been in too delicate of a state to take that risk.

I recommend Maharishi Ayurveda clinics because of the high quality treatments and care.

There are Maharishi Ayurveda clinics all over the world. These are just a few:

The Raj (Fairfield, Iowa)

Maharishi International University's Integrative Wellness Center (Fairfield, Iowa. Details aren't posted on the site. Contact them for info).

UK (Rendelsham)

Germany (Bad Ems)

India (West Delhi)

Depending on which center you go to, they may offer other Ayurvedic modalities as well, including light and sound therapies.

Maharishi Ayurveda products:

US - MAPI.com

EU - Ayurveda-Products.eu

These are other Ayurvedic clinics I can personally recommend: