WHAT IS PANCHAKARMA AND WHAT IS IT FOR?
From the point of view of Ayurveda, diseases are caused by the accumulation of toxins or “ama” in the body. We are currently subject to various forms of toxins: pollutants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, drug residues and, above all, toxins resulting from an incorrect diet and poor digestion. These toxins are responsible for the increase in oncological and chronic diseases, which are difficult to treat, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, arthritis and chronic fatigue. They also contribute to nervous and psychological imbalances, such as insomnia, irritability, depression and anxiety, that are increasing daily.
Even when toxins do not cause specific diseases, that can be medically diagnosed, they impair the functioning of the body, which is reflected, among other symptoms, in increased fatigue, an apathetic mind and in reduced longevity. Panchakarma is the body’s detoxification therapy by excellence, eliminating not only the toxins accumulated in the digestive system, but also the toxins inside the cells. This cell purification promotes the correct functioning of the immune system and the rejuvenation of the entire organism, increasing vitality and quality of life.
Panchakarma means “five actions”, which means. five procedures that can be used to eliminate toxins:
- Therapeutic vomiting (vamana karma)
- Therapeutic diarrhea (virechana karma)
- Medicated enemas (basti karma)
- Nasal application of medicated oils (nasya karma)Bloodletting (raktamokshana)
In general, Panchakarma can be divided into 3 phases:
1st phase: preparation of the organism for the detoxification procedures;
2nd phase: detoxification procedures (defined individually for each person, after diagnosing their constitution, pathologies to be treated and health status);
3rd phase: rejuvenation and toning therapies.
This therapy is applied in Spring or Autumn, according to the person’s constitution (the combination of doshas) and the problems to be treated. Ideally, Panchakarma procedures should be done in retreat so that the person can be as relaxed as possible and available for treatments. This increases the effectiveness of the entire procedure.
General Program:
- Evaluation and Treatments
- Individualized detox treatments
- Vegetarian meals adapted to each person’s Ayurvedic constitution
- Yoga and meditation classes
- Bio Movement classes, with actress Valéria Carvalho
- Workshops
Date: 11 to 24 September 2023
Retreat Location: Herdade do Barrocal de Baixo em Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo – Portugal [https://rural.lrlodge.pt/].
Deadline for registration: 5 August
