Panchakarma Treatment in Pune
Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s way of cleansing the body through five procedures, each prepared for with oil massage and steam and followed by a set diet. Dr. Nileema Shisode took her M.D. in Kayachikitsa-Panchakarma and plans every course after a detailed history.
The five procedures
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Vamanam
Therapeutic emesis for kapha complaints: chronic urticaria, migraine, scalp psoriasis.
Classically in spring -
Virechan
Purgation therapy for hyperacidity, skin disease and obesity; best in October and November.
Best in October and November -
Basti
Medicated enema for the joints, back and bones, in a course of 8 to 30 days.
8 to 30 days -
Nasya
Medicine through the nose for chronic rhinitis, cervical spondylosis and weakening eyesight.
Above the neck -
Raktamokshan
Bloodletting by fine incision or leech application, for skin disease and eczema.
Incision or leeches
Supporting treatments
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Shirodhara
Warm medicated oil poured over the forehead for 45 minutes, for calm, sleep and hair.
45 minutes a day -
Shirobasti
Warm oil held over the scalp for 15 to 30 minutes; used for hair fall.
15 to 30 minutes -
Pindswedana
Fomentation with warm herbal boluses for weak joints, the spine and the muscles.
Joints, spine, muscles -
Abhyangam
Warm oil massage that reduces vata and prepares the body for the main procedures.
Before Panchakarma -
Udvartan
Dry massage with herbal powders, used to reduce body fat and improve circulation.
Part of weight care -
Steam bath
Herbal steam after oil massage, to bring on perspiration.
After the massage
How long it takes
A standard rejuvenation course runs 21 to 35 days. A course planned wholly around one person runs about three months.
The season for each
Ayurveda times its cleansing procedures to the ritu, the season. The calendar on the home page shows the one we are in.
- Vasant वसंत Spring, mid-March to mid-May The classical season for Vamanam.
- Grishma ग्रीष्म Summer, mid-May to mid-July
- Varsha वर्षा Monsoon, mid-July to mid-September The classical season for Basti.
- Sharad शरद Autumn, mid-September to mid-November The season for Virechan, best taken in October and November.
- Hemant हेमंत Early winter, mid-November to mid-January
- Shishir शिशिर Late winter, mid-January to mid-March
Questions patients ask
What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma means five procedures: Vamanam, Virechan, Basti, Nasya and Raktamokshan. Ayurveda uses them to cleanse the body, each after preparation with oil massage and steam and each followed by a set diet.
How long does Panchakarma take?
A standard rejuvenation course runs 21 to 35 days, and a course planned wholly around one person about three months. A Basti course on its own runs 8 to 30 days.
Do I need all five procedures?
No. The doctor advises only the procedures your complaint and constitution call for, after a detailed history.
When is the best time for Panchakarma?
The clinic recommends October and November for the seasonal cleanse. Classical texts place Vamanam in spring and Basti in the monsoon.
Other treatments
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Skin
Peels, skin polishing, dermaroller, RF mole removal, non-surgical face lifting and facials.
Courses of 6 sittings -
Hair
Hair fall, alopecia areata, pattern hair loss and scalp conditions; PRP and dermaroller.
Courses of 9 sittings -
Suvarnprashan
Monthly drops for children from birth to 16 years, given on Pushya Nakshatra.
Monthly, 12 doses -
Programmes
Joints and spine, weight, acidity, allergies, diabetes, menopause, pre-conception and bridal care.
Planned at consultation