![]() Panchakarma is an extensive treatment process of Ayurveda that eliminates toxins and restores the body’s health. This method cleanses the body, and also augments digestive and metabolic abilities. Panchakarma includes three broad sub-categories namely; i. Purva Karma (preparatory procedures), ii. Pradhan Karma (main procedures) and iii. Paschat Karma (follow up treatments). Methods of Purva Karma in Panchakarma Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the body to let go of the toxins. The two procedures are Snehana and Swedana. ![]() Swedana: Swedana (fomentation / sweating) removes the toxins from the body by melting them. Swedana follows snehan, which implies dry or wet fomentation or heat therapy. There can be different types of fomentation procedures according to the need and body category of the patient. These are taking a sunbath, sitting in a bathtub, taking a steam bath, pouring hot water on the body or sitting in a specially prepared wooden sweatbox. Swedana can be applied to the whole body, for the diseased part of the body, or the perineal region as per the need of the patient. Many kinds of warm poultices like cloth, sand bags, heat pads and liquids like warm water, water with milk, herbal potions and medicated oil can be used for fomentation. But every procedure should be carried out under the supervision of an Ayurvedic specialist. Thus, the procedures of Purva Karma collectively help in the purgation of the deposited toxin, the settling of the imbalanced doshas, the opening of the clogged body channels and in lubricating the passages of excretion. In fact, Purva Karma is vital because it prepares the body for Pradhan Karma, another necessary step under the process of Panchakarma. |