Purification There are many different forms of detoxification and purification therapies in Ayurveda. Any therapy which aims at eliminating or reduce something falls under this process. It might be through the promotion of sweating, urination or excretion, or through reduction therapy. Reduction therapy in Ayurveda has two parts: palliation (Shamana) and purification (Shodhana). Palliation means calming or pacifying. It is largely for reducing toxins (Ama), the undigested food mass, and calming the doshas so that they can be dispelled from the body through purification therapy. Palliation This is generally the first stage of any treatment when there are accumulated toxins in the bodily tissues. There are several parts to this: The use of herbs for burning up toxins and stimulating digestion Fasting Exercise Heating treatments such as sweating or warm oil massage These methods strengthen the digestive fire (Agni). They cleanse the digestive tract and allow the toxins in the deeper tissues to drain into the Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) so they can be eliminated. Purification therapy (Panchakarma) Purification is a special therapy to eliminate illness-causing doshas from the body. Ayurvedic purification therapy is a powerful and effective process for moving the toxins from deep within the bodily tissues to the appropriate sites for elimination. Merely to flush out various organs is not effective if the toxins have not first been moved from deeper tissues into the GIT. If the toxins, i.e. the waste material of the body and undigested food mass, are lodged in the tissues they cannot be directly eliminated. Palliation methods must first be applied. Purification therapy traditionally consist of five parts known as Panchakarma, the five cleansing actions. These actions constitute the most effective ways to cleanse the body and eliminate the illness-causing doshas. They are: Therapeutic vomiting (Vamana) Therapeutic purgation (Virechana) Medicated enemas (Basti) Nasal medications (Nasya) Therapeutic release of toxic blood (Rakta Moksha) Not all of these therapies are able to be practiced in New Zealand. At Ayurveda Wellbeing we use the following options: Therapeutic purgation (Virechana) using herbal purgatives to gently release the toxins in a downward movement. Medicated enemas (Basti) using oils and herbs to remove toxins from the colon. Nasal medications (Nasya) which helps clear the sinuses. Each being dependent on the dosha that requires to be dispelled. The patient should have good vitality and strength when undergo Panchakarma. It is a clinical practice which should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner utilising specialised equipment and facilities. Its methods are varied according to the individual, illness, season, culture etc. We also conduct several retreats each year where we bring clients together for an extended period where they can undergo these treatments in a relaxed, clean and comfortable environment.