Last Updated:- 21st July 2024
Tips for Panchakarma Success
As a regular Panchakarma goer, every year for the last ten years, I write this article to share tips gleaned along the way. I have been fortunate to interact with many Ayurvedic doctors and health professionals across India, drawing much from their wisdom.
Some things can make or break your experience. The extent to which one is committed and disciplined largely determines the results of a panchakarma Before we delve into the tips of panchakarma success, let's cover the basics about Panchakarma.
1. What is Panchakarma?
For the uninitiated, Panchakarma is a wellness program. It is usually a residential program, under doctor supervision, lasting anywhere from 14 to 28 days. It is best to do this within the context of a Panchakarma resort, Ayurvedic resort, Ayurvedic homestay or an Ayurvedic hospital.
2. How often should Panchakarma be done?
For best results, annually.
If your goal is (1) maximum longevity and (2) maximum quality-of-life into old age, then Panchakarma is for you. Do it annually.
3. What does Panchakarma involve?
The program involves detoxifying, strengthening and balancing the body, using a combination of physical body treatments (e.g. massages, scrubs, medicated hot applications, medicated baths) and internal cleansing processes (e.g. enemas) . The aim is to improve diet and digestion, and to help the body heal from ailments.
4. How long does Panchakarma take?
Shorter stays, i.e. 7 days or less, promote primarily stress relief and mild detoxification. Relief from symptoms is usually temporary.
Medium stays, i.e. 8 to 14 days, provides a window to do some serious detoxification, but not enough time for the rejuvenation and balancing phases of a comprehensive panchakarma.
Longer stays, i.e.14 to 28 days, are necessary in order to heal serious ailments and/or to strengthen the body's capacity to heal itself in the days and months following the Panchakarma.
Miracles do happen. People have seen miraculous in results in 4 to 12 days, depending on the ailment. The main thing is to start an annual detox, even if it is only 7 days.
Side point: At Ayurooms, about 70% of our clients stay between 14 and 21 days. About 10% stay for 21 days or more. The remaining 20% stay for less than 14 days, with the shortest stay being around 3 days.
Stays of 3 to 7 days can really only provide a taste of Ayurveda, not a proper Panchakarma. There are places where an accelerated Panchakarma can be done but you may have to make certain sacrifices in terms of comfort.
5. Who should do Panchakarma?
If you feel depleted, fatigued, physically weak, stressed out or burnt out, Panchakarma is for you.
If you feel that your health is not on track but you are not sure of the cause, Panchakarma is for you.
If you have nagging aches and pains, but you ignore them and push ahead with life, Panchakarma is for you.
If you are trying to heal from a relationship or some form of loss, Panchakarma is for you.
Some things can make or break your experience. The extent to which one is committed and disciplined largely determines the results of a panchakarma Before we delve into the tips of panchakarma success, let's cover the basics about Panchakarma.
1. What is Panchakarma?
For the uninitiated, Panchakarma is a wellness program. It is usually a residential program, under doctor supervision, lasting anywhere from 14 to 28 days. It is best to do this within the context of a Panchakarma resort, Ayurvedic resort, Ayurvedic homestay or an Ayurvedic hospital.
2. How often should Panchakarma be done?
For best results, annually.
If your goal is (1) maximum longevity and (2) maximum quality-of-life into old age, then Panchakarma is for you. Do it annually.
3. What does Panchakarma involve?
The program involves detoxifying, strengthening and balancing the body, using a combination of physical body treatments (e.g. massages, scrubs, medicated hot applications, medicated baths) and internal cleansing processes (e.g. enemas) . The aim is to improve diet and digestion, and to help the body heal from ailments.
4. How long does Panchakarma take?
Shorter stays, i.e. 7 days or less, promote primarily stress relief and mild detoxification. Relief from symptoms is usually temporary.
Medium stays, i.e. 8 to 14 days, provides a window to do some serious detoxification, but not enough time for the rejuvenation and balancing phases of a comprehensive panchakarma.
Longer stays, i.e.14 to 28 days, are necessary in order to heal serious ailments and/or to strengthen the body's capacity to heal itself in the days and months following the Panchakarma.
Miracles do happen. People have seen miraculous in results in 4 to 12 days, depending on the ailment. The main thing is to start an annual detox, even if it is only 7 days.
Side point: At Ayurooms, about 70% of our clients stay between 14 and 21 days. About 10% stay for 21 days or more. The remaining 20% stay for less than 14 days, with the shortest stay being around 3 days.
Stays of 3 to 7 days can really only provide a taste of Ayurveda, not a proper Panchakarma. There are places where an accelerated Panchakarma can be done but you may have to make certain sacrifices in terms of comfort.
5. Who should do Panchakarma?
If you feel depleted, fatigued, physically weak, stressed out or burnt out, Panchakarma is for you.
If you feel that your health is not on track but you are not sure of the cause, Panchakarma is for you.
If you have nagging aches and pains, but you ignore them and push ahead with life, Panchakarma is for you.
If you are trying to heal from a relationship or some form of loss, Panchakarma is for you.
Panchakarma Success
Here is a succinct list of recommendations, my top tips for Panchakarma Success:
1. Be forthcoming. Share maximum information with the doctor during the doctor's consultation. Be clear about your goals, health history, allergies, medicines, addictions, ailments, aches and pains, surgeries, and anything else related to your health and lifestyle. The more you share, the better will be the doctor's understanding on how best to treat you.
2. Follow the doctor's advice. Rigorous adherence to the doctor's advice, guidance, prescriptions and wisdom will support a healthy Panchakarma.
3. Things may get worse before they get better. As the body detoxes, things may get worse in the short run. This is normal. Temper tantrums can and do happen. Frustration may rise in the short run. Keep the faith. Things will get better.
4. Let the caffeine go. Panchakarma offers a well-needed break from chai, Americanos, Cappuccinos, energy drinks and cold drinks. This allows your inner batteries to recharge, without the support of caffeine. This is a good thing. You can go back to coffee after your Panchakarma, but abstain during it.
5. Sip warm to hot water all day long. Sip on Ayurvedic water, sariva water, ginger water and/or decaffeinated teas all day long, but check with the doctor on which would be best for you. Sipping hot water promotes detox. It is important.
6. Take a digital detox. We all check our phones way too much in modern life. Take a break. Turn it off. Reduce the number of hours. Only check emails and WhatsApp messages during a fixed window. Avoid looking at the phone first thing in the morning. Try to start your day for 2 to 3 hours without checking your phone. Give loved ones the number for reception, if they need to get an urgent message to you. The more you can get off the phone, the more you can focus on gratitude, yoga, meditation, walking in nature, and other practices to help you heal.
7. Start a gratitude practice. Gratitude is a powerful healer. Write in a journal or in your phone. Write on a note pad or a piece of paper. Make a list each day of 10 things that you are very grateful for. Nothing is too small to acknowledge. Be grateful for every functioning body part. Put your gaze upon it. And give appreciation in words or thoughts, aloud or inwards, but feel gratitude. And if you can't feel it, just observe what comes to mind. Gratitude will make its debut. And when it does, it can release burdens.
8. Avoid incessant talking, complaining and unnecessary conversations. The words we speak and the thoughts we think are connected and have tremendous power. During Panchakarma, it is best to avoid these things. Speak less. Talk less on the phone. By all means, socialize with other guests and have meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges. But keep things light. Avoid politics. Avoid business and finances, if you can. Go inward to heal the outer life.
The above is just a shortlist of tips for Panchakarma Success.
Bonus Tip #1: Panchakarma is not easy. There will be difficult days. The mind also needs to detox and has its own ways. Keep the faith. Things will get better. Do the hard work. There is light at the end of the funnel.
Bonus Tip #2: Drink medicated ghee if the doctor recommends this. Ghee is the elixir of life. Yes, the process of drinking ghee, the taste, and the smell may not be pleasant, but understand that your needs it. It is like taking your car for an oil change. So too, you need to change the oil in your body.
This is not medical advice. Snehapana should always be done under doctor supervision. Only when you have done three to five full pancharmas may consideration be given to doing Snehapana at home. Do not be afraid of ghee: it is your best friend on the road to wellness
Send me an email if you need any other advice: [email protected]
Here below I list some Panchakarma FAQs related the above.
1. Be forthcoming. Share maximum information with the doctor during the doctor's consultation. Be clear about your goals, health history, allergies, medicines, addictions, ailments, aches and pains, surgeries, and anything else related to your health and lifestyle. The more you share, the better will be the doctor's understanding on how best to treat you.
2. Follow the doctor's advice. Rigorous adherence to the doctor's advice, guidance, prescriptions and wisdom will support a healthy Panchakarma.
3. Things may get worse before they get better. As the body detoxes, things may get worse in the short run. This is normal. Temper tantrums can and do happen. Frustration may rise in the short run. Keep the faith. Things will get better.
4. Let the caffeine go. Panchakarma offers a well-needed break from chai, Americanos, Cappuccinos, energy drinks and cold drinks. This allows your inner batteries to recharge, without the support of caffeine. This is a good thing. You can go back to coffee after your Panchakarma, but abstain during it.
5. Sip warm to hot water all day long. Sip on Ayurvedic water, sariva water, ginger water and/or decaffeinated teas all day long, but check with the doctor on which would be best for you. Sipping hot water promotes detox. It is important.
6. Take a digital detox. We all check our phones way too much in modern life. Take a break. Turn it off. Reduce the number of hours. Only check emails and WhatsApp messages during a fixed window. Avoid looking at the phone first thing in the morning. Try to start your day for 2 to 3 hours without checking your phone. Give loved ones the number for reception, if they need to get an urgent message to you. The more you can get off the phone, the more you can focus on gratitude, yoga, meditation, walking in nature, and other practices to help you heal.
7. Start a gratitude practice. Gratitude is a powerful healer. Write in a journal or in your phone. Write on a note pad or a piece of paper. Make a list each day of 10 things that you are very grateful for. Nothing is too small to acknowledge. Be grateful for every functioning body part. Put your gaze upon it. And give appreciation in words or thoughts, aloud or inwards, but feel gratitude. And if you can't feel it, just observe what comes to mind. Gratitude will make its debut. And when it does, it can release burdens.
8. Avoid incessant talking, complaining and unnecessary conversations. The words we speak and the thoughts we think are connected and have tremendous power. During Panchakarma, it is best to avoid these things. Speak less. Talk less on the phone. By all means, socialize with other guests and have meaningful conversations and cultural exchanges. But keep things light. Avoid politics. Avoid business and finances, if you can. Go inward to heal the outer life.
The above is just a shortlist of tips for Panchakarma Success.
Bonus Tip #1: Panchakarma is not easy. There will be difficult days. The mind also needs to detox and has its own ways. Keep the faith. Things will get better. Do the hard work. There is light at the end of the funnel.
Bonus Tip #2: Drink medicated ghee if the doctor recommends this. Ghee is the elixir of life. Yes, the process of drinking ghee, the taste, and the smell may not be pleasant, but understand that your needs it. It is like taking your car for an oil change. So too, you need to change the oil in your body.
This is not medical advice. Snehapana should always be done under doctor supervision. Only when you have done three to five full pancharmas may consideration be given to doing Snehapana at home. Do not be afraid of ghee: it is your best friend on the road to wellness
Send me an email if you need any other advice: [email protected]
Here below I list some Panchakarma FAQs related the above.
Panchakarma FAQs
Here below is a list of panchakarma questions that I am often asked. These questions are normal. You are not alone if you have asked these questions. But when questions arise, it is best to ask the doctor. I am also happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please get in touch!
Aly Alidina
Ayurooms CEO
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp or iMessage: +91 96 86 049 112
Aly Alidina
Ayurooms CEO
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp or iMessage: +91 96 86 049 112
#1 - What if I get a headache?
It is normal to get a headache in the first few days. Accept it as part of the process. Hydrate with warm water. Have coconut water if you must.
What if I do not like yoga?
Consult with the doctor on your other options. See if swimming is recommended, given your condition. If swimming is recommended, swim either before your Ayurvedic treatment. If you take treatments in the morning (recommended), then swim just before sunset as it helps to induce kapha and will lead to better sleep in the evening.
Do I have to do yoga?
If you book with Ayurooms and this is a key concern for you, then we will recommend a place where yoga is not obligatory and where you have other outlets for exercise and recreation. We even have retreat options where you can receive tennis lessons, surfing lessons, swimming lessons, private yoga, personal training, Indian martial arts, and more.
Do I need to drink ghee?
If the doctor recommends this, do it. Nothing detoxifies like medicated ghee. It is a core aspect of Ayurvedic treatment. And if you do it, you have the maximum chance of healing your ailments. This is not medical advice. This is just my own experience.
What if I get bored?
Coming soon.
Can I cheat?
It is very hard not to cheat. The temptation can be very great. Resist the temptation for as long as you.
If you must cheat, then limit the extent. For me, my cheat is an American with a touch of milk. Avoid white sugar. If you must sweeten it, use jaggery or honey.
A great alternative to coffee is Green Tea. If you can cope with green tea as your caffeine fix, then it would be healthier and better than coffee.
Sometimes during panchakarma, I make my own hibiscus tea. The hibiscus flower can be found everywhere in Kerala. I pluck a hibiscus flower from the wild, wash it, and boilt it with hot water in a kettle.
Camomile tea can also be great for stress relief and sleep. Herbal teas without caffeine may help you to stave off the desire for coffee. Getting off of caffeine is a critical aspect of Panchakarma and a good mind-body reset.
If you must cheat, then limit the extent. For me, my cheat is an American with a touch of milk. Avoid white sugar. If you must sweeten it, use jaggery or honey.
A great alternative to coffee is Green Tea. If you can cope with green tea as your caffeine fix, then it would be healthier and better than coffee.
Sometimes during panchakarma, I make my own hibiscus tea. The hibiscus flower can be found everywhere in Kerala. I pluck a hibiscus flower from the wild, wash it, and boilt it with hot water in a kettle.
Camomile tea can also be great for stress relief and sleep. Herbal teas without caffeine may help you to stave off the desire for coffee. Getting off of caffeine is a critical aspect of Panchakarma and a good mind-body reset.
Where can I learn more about Ayurveda?
Here are some more articles on Ayurveda:
7 reasons why we need Ayurveda
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda Tips
7 reasons why we need Ayurveda
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda Tips
More Ayurveda Tips
If you are looking for more tips and information related to Ayurveda, watch the video below.
None of this is intended as medical advice. Always consult a doctor to know if Ayurveda can help you. If you wish to consult a doctor at Ayurooms, please complete the contact form below and we will get back top you.
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Follow us on YouTube for insider tips on wellness retreats in India and panchakarma in India. To visit our YouTube channel, click here
Do you use Instagram? Visit our Instagram handle to discover India's best wellness retreats.
Not a fan of Instagram or Facebook, find us on: join our professionals network; visit Ayurooms on LinkedIn
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Panchakarma is a life-changing decisionThe decision to go for a Panchakarma is probably one of the most important decisions and one of the most important investments that you could ever make. It would be imprudent to make a decision based on pretty pictures and online written reviews. Always consult an expert who knows the wellness terrain in India. Ayurooms has helped thousands of people to discover and book the right wellness retreat for each individual's unique needs. We are highly personalized.
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