In Ayurvedic medicine, the process of cleansing and detoxifying the body is known as

panchakarma. Derived from a Sanskrit word, the treatment generally involves daily herbal oil

massages to relieve tension and pain, shirodhara to calm the mind, herbal paste scrubs to increase lymphatic and blood flow, herbal steam to release toxins through sweat, and nasal administration of medicated oils to clear the head and sinuses. Additional treatments may be incorporated according to the individual’s doshic imbalance.

“A rejuvenating experience for body and soul, panchakarma aims to correct imbalances by

naturally eliminating harmful toxins and waste matter, known in Ayurveda as ama,” says

Christina Carlin, an Ayurvedic practitioner and owner of the Ayurveda, Massage & Yoga

Institute in Naples.

“The lifestyle that many individuals lead makes it challenging for the body to naturally rid itself

of the harmful toxins in our food, air, and water,” adds Carlin, who has been practicing holistic

medicine since 1987. Often referred to as a fivefold therapy, the treatment is customized to suit

each individual’s specific needs. It varies considerably depending on one’s Ayurvedic

constitution, doshic imbalances, age, digestive strength, and immunity.

Each constitution has its own unique doshic balance of vata, pitta, and kapha (VPK). The

balance of VPK is considered the natural order, while imbalance creates disorder. Ayurveda

defines health as order and disease as disorder. Within the body, there is a constant interplay

between the two. Once an individual understands the nature and structure of disorder, order can

be reestablished. Ayurveda teaches that order lies within disorder.

Order exists when the digestive fire (agni) is balanced, the bodily humors (vata, pitta, and kapha)

are in equilibrium, the three waste products (urine, feces, and sweat) are produced and eliminated

normally, the seven bodily tissues function properly, and the mind, senses, and consciousness

work in harmony.

When this balance is disturbed, the disease (disorder) process begins. Symptoms of disorder can

include hypertension, constipation, weight loss, weakness, arthritis, worry, insomnia, and

digestive challenges.

By contrast, balanced doshas manifest as excellent agility, healthy skin and hair, a lean frame,

creativity, energy, flexibility, love, enthusiasm, and openness to new experiences.

“Before the actual purification begins, the body needs to be prepared using prescribed methods

that encourage it to release toxins. At-home preparation for one to two weeks may include

consuming ghee (a type of clarified butter); spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, and

cardamom; drinking room-temperature water; and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and dairy. A vegan

diet of easily digestible kitchari—a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with split mung beans,

basmati rice, and spices such as turmeric, cumin seeds, ginger, and black pepper—is

recommended. Vegetables in kitchari should be prepared fresh daily, not frozen,” advises Carlin.

After panchakarma, the rejuvenation process begins. Herbs that support tissue regeneration

include triphala—a blend of medicinal herbs known to reduce inflammation—and

chyawanprash, a sweet, sour, and spicy herbal paste made from a variety of fruits and herbs.

“This depends on an individual’s dosha as well as their specific health concerns,” notes Carlin.

“I perform panchakarma treatments in my office, which is equipped with a shower. These may

range from one-day to 10-day treatments and always include shirodhara, an Ayurvedic healing

technique in which warm oil is gently poured onto the forehead. I combine this with a body,

scalp, or head massage. It is profoundly relaxing and has a calming effect on the mind.”

The Ayurveda, Massage & Yoga Institute is located at 501 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N., Ste. A-107, in Naples. For more information, call 239-450-6903.