“The secret of an all-weather building lies in its strong foundation” which means a proper preparation is needed for every process otherwise, it may lead to complications. Panchakarma is a special procedure which needs a lot of care and skill.
The whole procedure is divided into three major steps: Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma, and Paschat Karma. The fruitfulness of the Panchakarma procedure depends upon a well-performed Purvakarma.
The Threefold Classification
- Purva Karma: Includes Pachana, Deepana, Snehana, and Swedana.
- Pradhana Karma: Includes Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Rakta Mokshana.
- Paschat Karma: Includes Peyadi Samsarjana Karma (post-operative diet regimen).
Necessity of Poorvakarma
The Ama Doshas (toxins) spread all over the body must not be forcefully eliminated while they are deeply seated in the tissues. According to Ashtanga, squeezing a raw fruit does not yield juice but destroys the fruit itself. Similarly, Shodhana done prematurely can damage the body.
Therefore, vitiated Doshas should be expelled only after administering the Purva Karmas to loosen and mobilize them.
1. Pachana
Digests the Ama without enhancing the digestive fire. Examples include Nagakeshar, Sunthi, and Jeeraka. It helps in curing diseases at their root by digesting toxins.
2. Deepana
Enhances the digestive fire (Agni) without digesting the Ama. Examples include Pippali, Chitraka, and Ajamoda. It clears the bowel and prepares the body to digest fats used in the next step.
Snehana and Swedana
Snehana (Oleation) and Swedana (Sudation) are the most vital preparatory steps. They help in bringing Doshas from the Sakha (periphery) to the Koshta (gastrointestinal tract) for easy elimination.
Classical Similes of Importance:
- Like dirt detaching from a cloth when treated with alkali and hot water, Malas detach from tissues after Snehana and Swedana.
- As fire causes liquid to ooze from wet wood, Swedana helps adhered Doshas to mobilize in an oleated person.
- Water is easily removed from an oiled pot; similarly, Kapha and other Doshas are easily removed from a body prepared with Snehana.
- Warning: Attempting Shodhana without preparation is like trying to bend dry wood—it will simply break and destroy the body.
Conclusion
In summary, Pachana digets morbid humours, Deepana detaches them from tissues, Snehana increases their mobility, and Swedana liquefies them for movement into the Koshta. Proper Purva Karma is the foundation of successful detoxification without complications.
Article by: Dr Snigdha Rani Patra, MD(Ayu), Panchakarma consultant, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital, Cuttack.
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