Purvakarma:
Pre-purification

Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body with prescribed methods to encourage it to let go of the toxins. These two procedures are snehan and swedana.

Snehan means “love” in Sanskrit, which is referred to as “internal and external oleation”. You may find internal oleation directions in Purvakarma, and external oleation consists of Abhyanga (medicated herbal oil massage) and Shirodhara. In Abhyanga, warm herbal oil is applied to the entire body with unique strokes and pressure points, designed to help move toxins towards the gastrointestinal tract. Daily Abhyanga and Shirodhara also help make the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, ripening the doshas at fault, helping to remove stress and nourishing the nervous system. Snehan is usually given daily for three to seven days, or as indicated.

Daily Snehan profoundly relaxes the body and mind and improves the flow of energy by opening the channels of circulation. In addition Snehan prepares the body and mind to flush excess toxins and doshas from the system.

Swedhana is sweating induced by steam and is given every day immediately following the snehan. An essential oil(s) may be added to the steam to further loosen the toxins from the individual. Swedana liquefies the toxins and increases the movement of toxins into the gastrointestinal tract. After three to seven days of snehan and swedana, the doshas become well ripened. A unique panchakarma method is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder, prakruti and vikruti, respectively.

Pre-Panchakarma Preparation

• 7-to 10 days before your scheduled Panchakarma day, you should eat warm, oily food (such as kitchari) daily.
• Avoid cold food or drinks, raw vegetables (to give rest to your digestive tract), and no meat or dairy products.
  
• Decrease your daily activity as you mentally prepare for your upcoming panchakarma.
  
• Take triphala daily. Average dose will be 2 capsules or tablets daily before bedtime. Sometimes, you might have to take more to enhance the elimination of built up toxins in your intestines. Also, take one daily tablespoon of psyllium. If psyllium does not agree with you, consider rice bran or oat bran.
  
• Begin internal oilation by taking 2 to 4 tablespoons of Ghee, Flaxseed Oil or any other combination of oil every morning. If Ghee causes nausea, add the following spices to Ghee: one pinch of black pepper powder, one pinch of ginger powder, one pinch of mineral salt, followed by sipping hot water in an amount suitable to your thirst. If your cholesterol is high, instead of Ghee, take flaxseed oil.
  
• As it gets closer to your scheduled Panchakarma day, increase your internal oilation up to 6 tablespoons a day. If it is more comfortable, you may spread these out over 3 times a day.
  
• If no bowel movements occur two days prior to scheduled Panchakarma day, you should:
  — take castor oil in a cup of warm ginger tea
                     OR
  — take 8 tablets or 8 capsules of triphala.

Click here to see a detailed, daily chart for Pre-Panchakarma Preparation.