The practices of panchakarma are extremely gentle, effective and nurturing. Panchakarma helps to support detoxification and rejuvenation of our bodies and minds.

During the course of our lives, we may occasionally feel out of balance, stressed and out of touch with our inner knowing (prajna). It is at these times when taking a retreat will improve your overall condition. The Ayurveda suggests regular purification and rejuvenation therapies.

Benefits of Panchakarma

• It removes root cause of illness
• Eliminates toxins both physical and mental
• It restores constitutional balance, improving health and promoting an overall sense of well being
• Improves the immune system
• It reverses the negative effects of stress and pollution
• It promotes rejuvenation on the cellular level
• Increases longevity of life
• It enhances energy, vitality and mental clarity
• It brings about deep relaxation and stress reduction
• It brings about clarity and spiritual insight

Panchakarma also known as the Royal Spa Treatment has to ability to remove deep seated toxins and restore health and balance in your life again. 14 days of consecutive Panchakarma treatments are recommended for optimum results.

The preparation begins at home with a procedure called Purvakarma, preparing the body for detoxification. Purvakarama includes a specially prescribed diet and ingestion of oil or ghee. (Upon making a reservation you will be emailed directions. We suggest that you begin preparation one week before your arrival). The ghee serves to pacify vata through its unctuousness (vata is dry), pitta through its cooling action (pitta is hot), and kapha by carrying the properties of the herbs directly to the cells. Ama (toxins) is said to be fat soluble rather than water soluble, that's why ghee and oil work to loosen ama in the channels and tissues where water has no effect. The herbs generally used in the herbalized ghee are bitter alternatives (for blood cleansing) and pungent digestive stimulants.

The ghee is taken in increasing amounts over a period of three or six days followed by a virechena (purging of the small intestine with herbs or castor oil). This step is done at home before the person comes for the Royal Spa Panchakarma treatments.

The main preparatory practices (purvakarma) are oleation and fomentation. The oleation was started with the oil or ghee at home and continues at the Ayurveda Health Retreat with daily Royal Spa warm oil massage. The warm oils help to loosen and liquefy the ama (toxins) in the skin, lymph system, and blood. The oil penetrates the tissue layers from the outside whereas the ghee penetrates from the inside outward. The body is heated up to further dilate the channels of the body and soften the accumulated ama. This is accomplished through Svedhana, the use of warm oil massage and the use of an aromatherapy steam cabinet. The ama eventually drains into the gastrointestinal tract, where it is eliminated through the main Panchakarma practices; purgation, bhasti enemas, nasal cleansing, and if appropriate emesis.

Another treatment that is employed daily is Shirodhara, a deeply relaxing treatment where warm oil is poured continuously over the forehead for a half an hour. This treatment is specific for deeply relaxing the central nervous system, balancing both hemispheres of the brain, and allowing the release of stored emotions. Nasya therapy is the use of a few drops of medicated oils administered into each nostril. This opens and cleanses your nasal and sinus passages, enhancing the flow of oxygen to the brain. It may relieve allergy and sinus conditions and improve your memory. Each person has individual needs which are taken into consideration before and during the Panchakarma process.

Panchakarma works to detoxify the seven tissue layers in the body (dhatus). The seven layers are:

• *Rasa--plasma and lymph, immune system; joy, faith
• Rakta--blood; passion, invigoration
• Mamsa--skin, muscle; discernment, uprightness
• Medas--fat; ability to love and be loved
• Asthi--bone; confidence, intention
• Majja--nervous system, bone marrow; clarity of mind
• Shukra--reproductive tissues & fluids; creativity

As you see, each of the dhatus has connection with an emotional or mental component. As you detox you may feel extra tired or emotionally vulnerable. This is a natural cleansing reaction. Nurture yourself. Allow these feelings to rise up and out. Know that we are here for you if you need support.

During a Panchakarma treatment:

• Sleep as you need to. It's not unusual to sleep several hours a day during Panchakarma.
• Be gentle with yourself. You should have a totally stress free time.
• Stay warm (or cool) enough.
• Go for walks.
• Meditate.
• Stretch your body gently with simple yoga postures.
• Spend time basking in the sun, but don't overheat or chill yourself.

*Note about our Ayurvedic oils: All of our organic oils are made according to ancient recipes. We order them either from an Ayurvedic Pharmacy in India or a US based Ayurvedic Company that uses the highest standards for the sacred manufacturing of the oils. The process includes making an infusion of many kinds of herbs that are added to oil and slowly boiled until all the water evaporates. Different herbs added to oils determine their use (vata-pitta or kapha).