Panchakarma Cleanse: Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners

Soniya
Panchakarma is a type of ayurvedic cleansing. (Image via Unsplash / Ale Romo)
Panchakarma is a type of ayurvedic cleansing. (Image via Unsplash/Ale Romo)

If you've ever wondered what the Panchakarma cleanse is and how it works, read on.

The word Panchakarma translates to five actions and refers to a type of Ayurvedic cleansing. In this guide, we will explore how the process works, why it's so important for overall wellness, and how to get started with your own Panchakarma cleanse.


Pre-cleanse

Pre-cleanse helps in detoxing all the toxins. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)
Pre-cleanse helps in detoxing all the toxins. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)

A pre-cleanse is a great way to prepare for the full cleanse by gently cleansing the system. It helps keep the body in balance before you begin the detox process, and it also sets you up for success by getting rid of any cravings that may interfere with your progress during the detox.

Pre-cleanse recommendations vary across practitioners, but most suggest drinking plenty of water, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and reducing intake of meat and dairy products.

Some practitioners recommend avoiding caffeine as well as alcohol consumption in preparation for a cleanse. This can be tough if you’re used to having coffee every morning or enjoying an occasional beer on Friday nights after work!

However, these recommendations are there for a reason: if we want our bodies exposed to less toxins over time, then we need to cut out some sources now so that our systems aren’t overwhelmed when they start processing larger amounts later on down the line.


Cleanse

Removing toxins from the body through fasting. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)
Removing toxins from the body through fasting. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)

A cleanse is the process of removing toxins from the body through fasting, dieting, or other methods. The most common reasons for doing that are to help you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and feel better overall.

How Long Should a Cleanse Last?

There isn't an exact formula for when you should start or end your cleanse, as everyone's bodies function differently. However, most experts recommend starting with 2-3 days of fasting and gradually moving up to 7-10 days before reaching a full juice fast, if desired.

How Do You Know If You Need to Cleanse?

There are certain symptoms that indicate toxicity in the body: headaches; fatigue; low energy levels; bloating after eating; digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea; skin issues like acne or rashes; mood swings like irritability and depression.


Post-Cleanse

Avoid any heavy meals after completing a cleanse. (Image via Pexels/Thiago Reboucas)
Avoid any heavy meals after completing a cleanse. (Image via Pexels/Thiago Reboucas)

Now that you've completed your cleanse, it's time to transition back into your normal routine.

To ensure that the benefits of your cleanse stick around for the long term, it’s important to gradually reintroduce foods and drinks that may have been eliminated during the cleanse.

For example, if you completed a Kapha cleansing (which promotes elimination), try introducing warm water first instead of cold water when drinking hot beverages or eating soup. That will help increase energy levels while simultaneously aiding in digestion by warming up the body from inside out.

You should also avoid any heavy meals after completing a cleanse. For example, if you completed an Ayurvedic cleansing program such as Panchakarma (which focuses on balancing all three doshas), avoid eating red meat or dairy products within an hour after completing your final treatment at home (e.g., oil pulling).

That will allow time for any toxins introduced during these treatments to be properly digested before hitting other organs, facilitating detoxification.


Panchakarma cleanse can play big role in eliminating toxins and achieving wellness

Panchakarma is to eliminate any toxins or harmful substances from the body. (Image via Unsplash/Rune Enstad Que)
Panchakarma is to eliminate any toxins or harmful substances from the body. (Image via Unsplash/Rune Enstad Que)

Panchakarma, or the practice of five actions, is a detoxification process that can help you achieve wellness.

According to Ayurveda, Panchakarma includes internal cleansing through fasting and purgation (cleansing the bowels), nasal cleansing through oil massage and steam inhalation, oleation therapy (massaging the body with oils), bloodletting (drawing blood), and enema.

While that may sound intimidating at first glance, it's quite beneficial for many who want to improve their health condition. The goal of Panchakarma is to eliminate any toxins or harmful substances from your body while also reducing stress and anxiety so that you feel relaxed enough to focus on healing.

This process isn't only effective for those who suffer from serious medical conditions. Anyone can experience benefits from doing a Panchakarma cleanse regularly.

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