Panchakarma is the ultimate therapy for the mind and body, a deep detoxifying and healing experience, strengthening the immune system, restoring balance and well-being to body and mind. Developed thousands of years ago in India, it is recommended on a seasonal basis, as well as when you feel out of balance or experiencing illness.
In order to have good health and stay fit depends upon our capability to fully metabolise all aspects of life, assimilating that which nourishes and eliminating the rest. When we are unable to completely digest our food, are experiences and emotions, toxins accumulate in our body creating imbalance and ultimately the main reason for sickness. Panchakarma is a wonderful cleansing process that releases stored toxins and restores the body’s innate healing ability.
When our digestive energies, known as agni (fire) are in balance, the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha are in equilibrium and we create healthy tissues, eliminating waste products, gaining physical strength, clarity of mind and a strong immunity. If our agni is weakened, digestion is incomplete and creates toxins that get stored in the body. This toxic waste build up is known as ama.
When ama accumulates in the body, it blocks the flow of energy, information and nourishment throughout the body and mind. Ayurveda considers this build-up of toxins to be the underlying cause of all sickness and disease. An example of this is the accumulation of saturated fat and cholesterol that is beyond the body’s capacity to metabolise. Over time, this leads to the blockage of the blood vessels and arteries, ultimately leading to heart attacks.
Your emotional agni is responsible for processing your experiences and feelings, if it is strong, you are able to extract nourishment and eliminate the toxic waste. If your agni is not strong it produces just as much toxic waste as undigested food, pent-up anger, long-held sadness and lingering guilt are more debilitating for most people than problems with physical digestion. If you want optimal health it is crucial to maintain a strong digestive fire and eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma is a time-proven natural therapy that detoxifies and restores the body’s inner balance and vitality.
During the first few days the toxins are loosened up with a massage called Abhyangam a warm herbal oil massage. This therapy is used to heat the body and open the body’s circulation channels, it also relaxes the body releasing tension and allowing toxins to flow more easily from the tissues for elimination.
This is followed by a deep cleansing combination of Ela-khizi a highly effective massage treatment which shatters any blockages in the blood and lymphatic circulation, cleanses channels, increases circulation, eliminates wastes and toxins through perspiration. It is also a traditional herbal massage treatment for stiffness, body pain, back pain, arthritis and sports injuries etc.
Nasayam a facial massage that gently cleanses the upper respiratory tract and sinuses. This process uses pure herbal oils to improve the flow of life energy and help you breathe more freely. It is also a wonderfully effective treatment for sufferers of migraine or sinusitis.
Virechana a herbal powder to clean and dislodge any toxic residue in your intestines
And finally Shirodhara the head, shoulders and whole body is massaged, this is followed by the pouring of medicated oil on the forehead in a rhythmic pattern, which loosen’s up the toxins in the mind. It is a marvellous treatment for balancing and releasing stored emotions, relieves anxiety, stress and mental exhaustion. It is also a wonderful treatment for headaches, excessive thinking and sleeping disorders like insomnia etc. After a Shirodhara treatment, most people notice a marked reduction in stress and anxiety; with many reporting a calming of emotions, improved sleep, deep relaxation and a temporary blissful state.
While participating in Panchkarma, it is important to follow a light vegetarian diet of fruit juices, vegetable soups and freshly prepared salads, helping with the elimination process. We also strongly recommend a complete rest, especially from mobiles, computers, television and any thing that disturbs your peace of mind. We advise to reframe from alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and black tea.
The daily practice of yoga is also very beneficial to help with the elimination of toxic waste from the mind and body. It also give’s you energy, a peaceful mind and a strong and flexible body.
Please call Caroline for package prices on +34 669 84 71 27 or email her at caroline@lotusblooming-retreatmarbella.com
Lotus Blooming – Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
Marbella, Costa del Sol.
Tel.: +34 669 84 71 27
caroline@lotusblooming-retreatmarbella.com