USES OF PANCHAKARMA IN DINACHARYA AND RITUCHARYA

IN DINACHARYA (Daily Regimen)

‘Dinacharya’ this term denotes to some special dietetic behavioral regimen to be followed in day to day life for maintenance of health.

Following Panchakarma therapies can be practice in Dinacharya:

  v Abhyanga (application of oil followed by massage).

  v Udwartana (special type of dry powder massage).

  v Murdha Taila (application of oil over head).

  v Pratimarsh Nasya (instillation of medicated oil in to nostril).

  v Dhumpana (inhalation of medicated smoke through mouth).

  v Kavala and Gandhusa (gurgling by medicated decoction etc.).

IN RITUCHARYA (Seasonal Regimen)

In Ayurveda, emphasis has been given for different activities and restriction to be followed during different season considering the accumulation and aggravation of different Dosha. The main aim of Panchakarma is to eliminate morbid matter from the body and as the Chaya (accumulation), Prakopa (aggravation), Prasara (pacification) of different Dosha take place naturally in a seasonal rhythm, specific panchakarma is to be done in the appropriate months to eliminate aggravated Dosha in its Prakopa Kala.

The six seasons are basically divided into two as

            1.     Adana Kala

Ritu of Adana Kala are

                a.     Shishira

                b.      Vasanta

                c.      Grishma

          2.     Visarga Kala

Ritu of Visarga Kala are 

          a.      Varsha

               b.      Sarada

               c.      Hemanta

The Adana Kala is named so because, during this period the body becomes dry and weak due to predominant and influence of sun on individuals. Among three, Shishira is very cold and so procedures like Abhyanga (application of oil followed by massage), Utsadana (special type of wet powder massage), Murdha Taila (application of oil over head) are to be applied in the season to combat the ill effect of cold. Vasanta is the prime time for disease produced by Kapha, so Vaman (therapeutic emesis) is to be administered as a seasonal regimen to counteract the forthcoming disease. Udwartana (special type of dry powder massage), Dhuma (medicated smoke), Kavala (oil pooling), etc. are also beneficial in the season. Grishma, as it is very hot and dry, is not ideal for any Shodhana therapy rather Shitta Pralepa or other Shitakala Upachara is needed.

Varsha is the Prakopa Kala of Vayu, so Basti (enema) therapy is to be done during this period. Sarad Kala is the time for Pitta Prakopa, so Tikta Snehpana (internal oleation), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Raktmokshna (blood letting) are to be done aiming to eliminate Pitta from its adobe. All these therapies are designed to eliminate aggravated Dosha from their adobe to maintain the normalcy of health.