Poorvakarmas (Pre-Panchakarma Measures)
Before performing Panchakarma, the body needs to be prepared. The doshas accumulated in and adhering to cells, tissues and organs need to be detached from their sites so that they can be expelled through various panchakarma therapeutic measures. Poorvakarma serves this purpose.
Poorvakarma is broadly classified into
- Snehana
- Swedana
Snehana
Administration of oily medicaments dermally (e.g Abhyangam) and orally (Snehapanam).
Some random examples of Poorvakarmas are given below
Abhyangam
This is a process of rubbing in warm, medicated oil on to various body parts or over the whole body and doing mild massage. This procedure relieves body pain and muscle spasms, ensures better peripheral blood circulation and is also a soothing and a relaxing procedure.
Pizhichil
This is an exclusive Kerala Ayurveda treatment modality of drip-pouring warm medicated oil on/over the body. The therapists squeeze the oil with one hand and simultaneously massage with the other in downward strokes. This procedure is recommended in degenerative bone and joint disorders. It relieves joint stiffness and promotes muscular development.f
Dhara
Dhara is the continuous pouring of medicated oils [Thaila Dhara] or of decoction [Kashaya Dhara] or of medicated buttermilk [Thakra Dhara].This process is recommended in cases of neurological and endocrinal disorders, joint diseases and mental problems. This can also be a relaxing and calming procedure.
Shirovasthi
This refers to retaining for varying periods, pools of medicated oil on top of the head, held up by a goblet cap cemented by Urad dal dough walls. This process gives excellent results in Bell’s palsy, paralytic strokes and insomnia
Snehapanam
In this process medicated ghee or oil, the composition of which varies with the diagnosed illness, is given orally on a daily basis in increasing doses for about 5-7 days. This is a procedure where there is cell to cell purification through cell saturation.
Swedanam
This is a method of inducing dehydration of excessive cellular / muscular fluids, and is very much effective in inflammatory diseases. A couple of methods of swedanam are explained below.
Pathrapotaliswedam ( Elakkizhi )
A pack of warmed specially prepared herbal leaves is continuously tapped over the body. This is very much effective in Neuralgia, Myalgia, Muscular Spasm and Joint pains.
Shashtika Pindaswedam ( Navarakizhi )
This is an exclusive Kerala Ayurveda treatment modality. A special type of rice called Navara is processed with herbal mix and milk, and made into a poultice, which is then applied over the affected area or all over the body. This relieves neuromuscular problems, degenerative bone and joint disorders and muscular dystrophy.