Priniciples of Panchkarma

About the Authors Dr. Pankaj Pathak, M. D., Ph.D. (Ayu) is presently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Basic Principles at JSS Ayurveda Medical College, Mysuru. The author has published more than twenty five research articles in various disciplines of Ayurveda and has delivered many guest lectures on advance research in Ayurveda. He has received prestigious young scientist award for his study on Computer Vision syndrome. His research work on Rasayana was recognized and highly appreciated at various national and international levels.

Dr.Mridul Ranjan, M.D., Ph.D. (Ayu), is serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Panchakarma at Major S.D. Ayurvedic Medical College, Farrukhabaad. Author has obtained his M.D in Panchakarma at National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. Author has published various research papers in national and international journals. The author is passionate about Panchakarma and has very sound knowledge of Panchakarma; he has been treating various acute and chronic diseases successfully in his clinical practise.

Foreword I have great pleasure in writing foreword for the book "Principles of Panchakarma" by Dr. Pankaj Pathak and Dr. Mridul Ranjan, the eminent scholars of Ayurveda.

The authors have done tremendous efforts in preparing this book, focussing on concepts of Panchakarma. They have maintained simplicity and readability that would help Ayurveda scholars and practitioners to understand the Concepts of Panchakarma.

This book has been very thoughtfully divided into various chapters that makes useful for the students and - academicians.

Preface At this amenity of successful integrating of our work, we prostrate on the feet of Lord Almighty and His Holiness Sri Sri Rajendra Mahaswamiji who inculcated in us enough amount of strength to complete this book.

This book is designed for Ayurveda scholars and professionals who need a comprehensive knowledge of Ayurvediya Panchakarma and its treatment modalities. Panchakarma Chikitsa is the backbone of Ayurvedic treatment modalities.

The description of Panchakarma is scattered in all over Ayurvedic lexicons. Panchakarma is the ultimate mind-body healing experience for detoxifying the body, strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance and well-being. It is one the most effective healing modality in Ayurvedic Medicine. It promotes Detoxification and Rejuvenation. So, effort is being made by the authors to present the concepts and procedures of Panchakarma in more precise, viable and student friendly form. The detailed descriptions of various topics have been tabulated and summarised in chart form so as to make it more useful for the students.

Our goal in writing this book is to provide a comprehensive guide to Ayurvedic scholars in the subject of Panchakarma. What we are presenting for you is not just an overview of the Panchakarma, but a detailed text.

Introduction Ayurveda which literary means the science of life (Ayu- life, Veda- Science) is an ancient science which was developed in India thousands of years ago. It describes the basic and applied aspect of life process, disease and its management in terms of its own principles and approaches. It is believed to have been passed on to humans from the God themselves. Ayurveda having two aims i.e. which means to preserve the health of a healthy person and to treat the disease of ill person. So, Ayurveda believe in preventive aspect first then curative aspect. The ancient Vedic literatures have clearly laid out the instructions to maintain the health as well as fight against illness through different therapies, herbal medication, diet control and physical exercise. Ayurvedic approach to the treatment of any ailment is either of followings two-Samshodhana Chikitsa (Bio purification of the body) and Samshamana Chikitsa (Palliative treatment). Shodhana Chikitsa means to remove excessive increased Dachas from nearest possible route in the body, whereas Shamana Chikitsa means to bring vitiated Doshas to their normalcy instead of removing them from the body.

Shodhan Chikitsa prevents disease recurrence by removing Vriddha Doshas from the body. Shodhana means detoxification of the body means to eliminate the vitiated doshas i.e. vitiated Vata, vitiated Pitta and vitiated Kapha from the body. According to Charaka the five procedures are Vamana, Virechana, Anuvasana Basti, Asthapana Basti and Nasya.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages