The need to clear out and clean up all the systems of the body becomes increasingly pressing in this modern age. No matter how careful we are in choosing organic food and mineral waters, pollutants are ubiquitous and pervade every aspect of our lives.
The most obvious offenders are polluted water systems, contaminated animal feeds, and the pesticides and herbicides used on crops. But the list of possible contaminators is endless: metal poison, organic solvents, aromatic hydrocarbons from the vehicle exhaust fumes, never mind tobacco smoke, cleaning products, the contraceptive pill, asbestos, and radioactive pollution.
Ayurvedic Approach
Detoxification of the system is best done by complementary approaches unless the condition is life threatening. For example, poisoning by drugs should be approached via a hospital, although after the dangerous initial toxic levels are reduced complementary treatments can be employed. Generalized detoxification from unhealthy habits and lifestyle is not embraced by orthodox medicine.
Looking back over the centuries, we find that the principle of detoxification was recommended and practiced by most of the world’s religions or traditional medical systems to clear the mind and cleanse the body. These ancient principles, which were important to a person’s health thousands of years ago, have a particular relevance in today’s polluted world. Many symptoms can be alleviated by detoxification.
Moreover, a detoxification program can help prevent a recurrence of ill health, as well as supporting other complementary therapies such as homeopathy or osteopathy. Many people’s systems are so toxic that treatments take longer to work, so a detoxification program can help other therapies to produce faster results.
There are many different methods of detoxification but detoxification through Ayurveda have a very powerful effect on the body, so it is generally better not to combine too many. Colonic irrigation, lymphatic drainage and the detox treatments can safely be used together. Otherwise, check with your practitioner before undertaking more than one detoxification treatment.
Ayurveda & Panchakarma detox programs will help clear the mind and calm the emotions, but it is important to be aware that some patients may need further support from psychology or hypnosis in dealing with any mental or emotional problems.
AYURVEDA
Panchakarma is the Ayurvedic form of detoxification and has been practiced in India throughout the ages. It is a way of cleansing and servicing the body, which can be used not only to treat certain conditions but also to prevent illness.
The treatment involves five activities :
The two karma prior to five karma’s are :-
Snehana Karma : (the application of herbal oil either externally, orally, or rectally).
Swedana karma : (herbal diaphoretic therapy or steam bath).
Five main activities :-
Vamana Karma : (Forced Emesis through herbs).
Virechana Karma : (Forced Purgation through herbs).
Niruha vasthi (herbal enemas); and anwasana vasthi (herbal oil enemas).
Nasya Karma ( Herbal Medicines Inhalation).
Raktmokshan ( Blood Letting ).
Depending on the amount of toxins in the body, the treatment could be weekly or once every three months, with the change of seasons.