These days, it’s virtually impossible to avoid the toxins, stress, radiation, smoke and synthetic chemicals that damage our bodies and minds and that reduce vitality. We may think that these stressors have recently come into existence, but they have probably been around in one form or another since the very beginning of man-kind. Many methods have been used to neutralize these toxins and purify the body, but perhaps the oldest of these has received very little attention recently.

Ayurveda’s “Panchakarma” literally means five therapies. They include Vamana (therapeutic emesis or vomiting), Virechana (therapeutic purgations), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal drops) and Rakta Mokshana (blood-letting). They are generally followed by a course of Rasayana (rejuvenation) to arrest the ageing process and promote radiant vitality.

Each one of these has very specific indications in both the management and prevention of disease. Depending on the dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), Continue reading →