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“Panchakarma in Ayurveda is the best rejuvenation you can ever do. Once a year, if you can do Panchakarma, you can detoxify yourself enough to live life healthily,” said Dr. Naresh Trehan, renowned cardiovascular surgeon and Managing Director of Medanta, earlier this week, endorsing a centuries-old wellness practice rooted in Ayurveda.

As temperatures soar and people look for ways to reset their health, Panchakarma is gaining renewed attention as a summer detox therapy. This traditional five-fold Ayurvedic cleansing process aims to eliminate toxins (ama) accumulated in the body and restore the balance of the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Panchakarma, which translates to “five actions,” includes Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). These procedures are carefully personalized after detailed consultations with Ayurvedic physicians and are usually preceded by preparatory therapies like Snehana (internal and external oleation) and Swedana (sudation or sweating).

A well-conducted Panchakarma session not only removes physical toxins but also relieves stress, improves digestion, boosts immunity, and enhances mental clarity, experts say. They perceive a visible uptick in urban clients seeking Ayurvedic detox during summer, citing both seasonal imbalances and rising stress levels as triggers.

Traditionally performed in specialized Ayurvedic hospitals and wellness resorts, Panchakarma involves a stay ranging from 7 to 21 days. Kerala, often referred to as the home of Ayurveda, sees a steady influx of domestic and international health seekers opting for these therapies — especially in the hot months when the body is believed to be more receptive to detoxification.

However, caution has to be exercised against unregulated or DIY Panchakarma therapies. If not administered under expert guidance, the wrong treatment can do more harm than good, experts warn.

With growing scientific interest in integrative medicine, Panchakarma is no longer confined to Ayurvedic circles. Institutions like AIIMS and Medanta have begun exploring its therapeutic potential in managing chronic lifestyle disorders.

As modern medicine begins to acknowledge ancient wisdom, Panchakarma stands out not just as a detox therapy but as a holistic approach to preventive health. And in a world overwhelmed by fast-paced living and rising health issues, this timeless Ayurvedic cleanse might just be the annual ritual we all need.

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