Dive Deeper into Panchakarma
THREE MAIN PHASES OF PANCHAKARMA
Poorva karma
Preparatory Procedures
Panchakarma
Detox/Cleansing Procedure
Pashchaath karma
Post-Therapeutic Dietetics
We offer an authentic Ayurveda Panchakarma experience,
not a spa vacation
Our emphasis on traditional Ayurveda guidelines will ensure that the balance of your body is restored and you get to enjoy the benefits for a long time to come. Please note that to achieve this, certain diet restrictions may apply and there are times when you will experience discomfort and some treatments that you do not enjoy. However, this is part of the whole process and well worth the results!
What does authentic Panchakarma mean?
It is a common misconception that a PK is only authentic when it involves drinking ghee for 3-5 days, followed by purgation and eating repetitive food like kitchadi every day. However, there are many other considerations taken into account. The doctors will look at your age, bio-energies, imbalances, status of digestive fire, disease and its stage, extent of ama/endotoxins, seat of toxins and many other factors before deciding which treatment is best suited for you and selecting the detox method. Depending on your condition and progress during the PK, you might undergo several detoxes but it is very rare that one person has all five methods.
When the endotoxins are deep-seated, an external and internal oleation or snehana will be chosen. This treatment involves drinking ghee or oil or adding them to a soup or rice. But maybe a medicated oil enema, dripping oil into the ears, an oil massage or a bath are the best options for you, not to mention the many localised oil treatments for knees, lower back etc. Next comes formentation (swedana) using external dry or wet heat. This includes poultices, herbal baths, steam therapy, mild exercise or yoga etc. In addition to the above, your digestive fire will be improved and undigested matter (ama) removed by herbal medicines prescribed by the doctors.
All these stages are important to remove the deep-seated endotoxins from the tissues. Once they are ready for this, the right detox method will be chosen for you. And sometimes the endotoxins are already ripe for removal and no fomentation or oleation is needed at all. In cases like this, it is important that the endotoxins are removed as soon as possible.
As for the food, your diet during your PK will be light, easily digestable, not clogging your micro channels or producing ama, undigested matter. All the dishes on our menu were created with this in mind. Your diet will be adjusted by the doctors according to your condition and progress but you will be enjoying many delicious dishes along the occasional kitchadi!
There are Dos and Don’ts in Panchakarama, rules which should be followed strictly; your doctor will explain them to you. Among them are things like no swimming, no exposure to sun or wind, getting lots of rest and not going out for excursions or shopping trips, digital detox etc. If the rules are followed, the results of the PK will be good and the process easier for you. If not, you may be facing problems or unpleasant effects or will not obtain the results you came for. This is very important to understand and though at times may feel exaggerated, trust your doctors on this!
Read moreA typical day during your Panchakarma
As each person’s experience will be different, the daily schedules will vary. But to give you an idea of what your day could look like during your Panchakarma, here is a short outline:
Wake up early to the sounds of a gong before receiving your medicines. Do yoga and meditation in the beautiful yoga hall overlooking the rice fields or just relax on your terrace or in the gardens, taking a morning walk. After that, it is time for breakfast before you meet with the doctor and start your daily treatments in the Panchakarma treatment centre. The duration and number of the daily treatments will vary, depending on the stage you are at.
You may join the cooking demonstration and get some tips and tricks to take home with you. After lunch you will have free time to yourself in which to relax before your scheduled treatments. Early evening, there will be a meditation class and then it is time to enjoy dinner. Some days, there will be talks on interesting topics or guided rice field walks.
Read moreFood plays an important role in an Ayurvedic Panchakarma.
Ayurvedic food consists of six main tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. We serve delicious, balanced meals, many are from traditional recipes that are thousands of years old as well as dishes adapted to Western kitchen. Naturally, always respecting the nutritional wisdom of Ayurveda!
You can also purchase our Ayurvedic cookbook and will also have the opportunity to participate in cooking demonstrations to learn the principles and the methods of Ayurvedic cuisine. We hope that this will encourage you to continue with healthy eating habits once you are back home.
You have the option to have your meals served in the privacy of your own room or in the dining room.
In Ayurveda, food is one of the important medicines. During a Panchakarma, the food is prepared in a special manner, everything is well cooked and hot spices are not used. This is to get your digestive fire working at its optimal level. Very often the reason for many illnesses lies in the digestive tract! This is the reason why you will not find crunchy salads, spicy or raw food on the menu during your Panchakarma. It may sometimes feel a bit boring, but believe the doctors who have put the menu together, it has a powerful effect on your health!
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Yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation, bringing together the body and the mind, are a perfect complement to a Panchakarma.
The yoga we offer is based on Hatha yoga and includes pranayama (breathing exercises). Ayurveda advocates a softer version of yoga during Panchakarma. It is ideal for reducing physical and mental stress as well as to quiet the mind.
The morning yoga classes and early evening restorative yoga and meditation classes are held in the beautiful yoga hall overlooking the rice fields.
Other activities
Purification ritual
To prepare you for your Panchakarma you will do a Balinese Purification Ritual at Oneworld Ayurveda’s temple—this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what has brought you here, what you want to achieve and what you want to let go of during your healing journey. Depending on your arrival time, you will do this ritual on the first day of your arrival, before the beginning of Panchakarma.
Rice field walks
Our centre is surrounded by beautiful terraced rice fields in terraces with pathways for walks among them. Guided walks will be included in your schedule.
Talks
There will be regular informative talks on different topics. You will find them on your daily schedule.
Cooking demonstrations
To familiarise you with Ayurvedic cooking, regular cooking demonstrations are offered. We hope that they will encourage you to keep up healthy eating habits back home!
Herbal walks
We grow most of the plants used for the medicines in our own permaculture gardens. You can explore them any time at your leisure, but regular guided walks with our gardener are offered as well. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the healing plants – observe, inhale, feel and taste!
Letting go ritual
Towards the end of your stay, you are invited to do a Letting Go Ritual at the retreat temple. This small ritual supports you to let go of everything that no longer serves you. It also symbolizes the process of purification that you have gone through during your Panchakarma.
Give yourself a gift of rejuvenation
to the body, mind and soul!
Learn more about Panchakarma
Do you have a question regarding Panchakarma or your health?
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