Panchakarma is a classical ayurvedic therapy that
involves Pancha (five) karmas (actions) that helps in cleansing the body of accumulated
toxins with an aim to restore health. The 5 actions are: vamana (therapeutic emesis,
induced vomiting), virechana (therapeutic purgation with herbal laxatives), vasti
(medicated enema), nasya (nasal therapy), raktamokshana (bloodletting with leaches).
The ayurvedic doctor, after evaluating your various physical and mental parameters,
decides the right cleansing procedures for you and makes a complete therapy plan.
Panchakarma therapy helps to rekindle the digestive enzymes, as optimal digestion and
absorption are the basis for health and wellbeing. Clinical studies suggest panchakarma
supports the elimination of metabolic waste (ama), regulates digestion and absorption,
and enhances systemic resilience by optimizing immune and neurological functions.
Panchakarma works holistically, purifying both the body and mind.
Before Panchakarma treatment is carried out, certain preparatory steps are needed
(Purvakarma). This helps ensure the body is prepared for the process of detoxification.
This is necessary as a sudden expulsion of toxins may affect the body. The preparatory
processes include: 
 Snehana or internal oleation by oral consumption of the prescribed medicated
ghee in increasing dosage. As toxins are fat soluble, this is done with an aim to
extract the toxins from the cellular level to the stomach for the ensuing purging
procedure.
 Swedana involves generating controlled heat on the body by massaging it with
prescribed oils or powders and herbal steam. The sweating process liquefies the
toxins making them easy to be eliminated. 
Once the Panchakarma procedure is complete, the rejuvenation phase follows. The use
of a balanced diet, exercises through yoga, abhyanga (oil massages), and meditation
and mindfulness help to rejuvenate the mind and body.