The Pradhankarma

This is the main part of the Panchkarma ritual. It is where the chosen cleansing therapies are administered.

The 5 therapies are Vamana or induced vomiting through medicated drink. This helps to harmonise the Kapha dosha with the other doshas, getting rid of the mucus which clogs up the system. It cleanses the respiratory system. It is particularly useful for people who suffer from ailments such as cough, asthma, colds, and insanity. When a person is afflicted with skin disorders too, the Vamana is indicated.

Visit or enema. This cleanses toxins moved by the Poorvkarma into the large intestine. There are 2 types of enemas: the medicated oil enema ( called Sneha Basti) and the decoction enema ( called the Kashaya Basti). In some schools of Ayurveda, these 2 enemas are counted as 2 of the cleansing techniques, while some schools club them together as a cleansing technique called Vasti. The Vasti is the Panchkarma of choice when a person is suffering from arthritis. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, both mean that the Panchkarma technique to be used must be the Vasti. The Vasti too helps in cases of obesity, constipation and the shakes…involuntary trembling of the body. 

Nasya is the 3rd Panchkarma cleansing technique in Ayurveda. Here nasal drops are given with specific dosages of Ayurvedic medicines, to cleanse the nose, throat, sinuses and head. Because it opens up the channels of the head, Ayurveda holds it increases oxygenation and Life Energy or Prana Shakti. The Nasya helps preserve the health of the hair, eyes and respiratory system. It also helps alleviate pains related to frozen shoulders and tensed muscles in the neck and shoulders and facial palsy.

Virechana or purging is the 4th Panchkarma mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. This method is used especially when the pitta dosha needs balancing. Virechana is essentially cleaning the bowel by using a special Ayurvedic medicated drink which acts as a laxative. Toxins collected in the liver and gall bladder are flushed out during this Panchkarma technique. This is a major cleansing technique and completely cleans the entire gastrointestinal tract. All ailments related to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes are helped by doing a Panchkarma using Virechana as the cleansing method. The Ayurveda schools combine the Sneha Vasti and Kashaya Vasti as a single Panchkarma cleansing technique, see

Raktamokshana as the 5th Panchkarma. The word Rakta ( blood) and Mokshana ( releasing, letting flow) explain what the technique is. It is a blood purification technique where carefully controlled amounts of blood are removed to calm and balance the Pitta dosha. The toxins in the bloodstream are released, thus averting blood-borne diseases. There are several methods for this blood-letting. They range from the use of leeches or a vegetable called Alabu or Bottle Gourd to the actual extraction of blood by using metal instruments. The Rakta Mokshana is used for skin ailments like Eczema, swellings and abscesses, dullness and fatigue and issues related to the heart and liver.