Treat yourself royally and prevent winter illness with Pancha Karma

Pancha karma is an Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation plan that was developed for royalty in India to prolong life and health by removing physical impurities. By cleansing the body, this three-phase therapeutic week long treatment protocol also results in bringing awareness to destructive thoughts and behaviors, and releases old patterns that no longer serve you.

Pancha Karma is typically done once a year for disease prevention and for emotional and spiritual growth. It is advised to be done with every season change, or four times a year, if there is a life threatening or chronic illness already in place.

Pancha Karma is literally translated to mean “five actions” and is divided into three phases of treatment:

Phase 1: Purva Karma, the Preparation Phase
The goal of Purva Karma is to prepare the body tissues for the cleanse and release of toxins. One to three weeks before the actual cleansing phase, you eliminate all processed foods, gluten, sweets, alcohol, stimulants such as coffee, and dairy products from your diet.

One week before the cleansing phase, the diet is further modified, becoming predominantly vegetables and whole grains. These foods, especially the vegetables, create a more alkaline (vs. acid) environment in the body, which supports the cleansing and detoxification process.

During this preparation phase, a person's activity shifts to become more internally-focused. This means letting go of some day-to-day activities and spending time meditating and taking walks in nature. Deep breathing, focused on the exhalation phase helps to rid the body of old ideas, emotions, and blockages.

A traditional food that is eaten during pancha karma is called khichadi. Following is a typical recipe for this wholesome meal:

Khichadi Recipe
Khichadi is a simple, easily digested stew that can prepare the body for cleansing. It is also suitable for coming off of a cleanse. This is only one recipe and way of making Khichadi; there are hundreds of options that a good internet search will reveal:
1 part brown basmati rice, soaked for at least 1/2 hour and drained
1 part split mung beans, soaked in water for at least 1 hour and drained
1 part vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, spinach and other green vegetables
6 parts water

Heat ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in a pan over moderate heat. Add cumin or coriander seeds to taste. Then add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, minced ginger and garlic and saute until golden brown. Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp. of black pepper powder, and 1 bay leaf. Add mung beans, water, vegetables, and rice.

Cook for about an hour. When the beans are completely soft, add a pinch of Celtic Sea salt. Serve this dish with ghee and chopped fresh cilantro leaves.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee is made by placing unsalted butter in a pan and letting it melt and simmer on very low heat. The butter may look cloudy and there may be foam at the top. In the first five minutes, stir the butter occasionally. Leave the butter to continue simmering for another 15 minutes. You will see the particles sink to the bottom of the pan and foam will settle at the top.

As soon as the sediment at the bottom starts to brown, remove the pan from the heat. Skim off and discard the foam. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or muslin into a glass jar.

Phase 2: Pancha Karma, the Cleansing Phase
Originally, this phase consisted of five practices: 2 person synchronistic (mirror) massage, nasal lubrication with nasya oil, steam, shirodhara (warm oil poured over the middle of the forehead for a short period of time), oil enema, and herbalized wraps/packs. This process lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on what is going on in the body.
A cleansing fast is often used during this period for those that have extra mucous and weight.

The Fast: Herbal Drink Recipe
8 cups of water
4 teaspoons each of cumin and coriander powder
8 cardamom pods
4 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds
2 pinches of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder (or 3 slices fresh ginger)
Mix all ingredients in a pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and keep covered for another 15-20 minutes. Strain through a sieve and drink it warm throughout the day.

2. Have 1-2 teaspoons of ghee with hot water in the morning on an empty stomach. This is believed to release toxins.

3. Apply ghee to the temples and coconut oil to the soles of the feet before bed. This helps to calm the mind and promote sleep.

4. Deep breathing or pranayama exercises

5. 1 teaspoon of psyllium fiber in a glass of water. Take 2 times per day.

Phase 3: Rejuvenation Phase or rasayana
During the rejuvenation phase, a person returns to the simple diet of the preparation phase. It is important to do this gradually, by slowly introducing solid foods. Rasyana is also achieved through the use of strengthening herbs, supplements and foods, as well as actions. This is the time to work on forgiveness and gratitude, integrate meditation into your life and to learn how to maintain the balance you have achieved.

On day 1 and day 2 of the rejuvenation phase, begin eating khichadi but change the proportion of water in the recipe to 14 parts water to 1 part rice, 1 part beans, and 1 part vegetables. On day three follow the original recipe.

Many people find that the most profound healing occurs during the rejuvenation phase. Physical, emotional and spiritual changes may be experienced in the days and weeks to come. Sometimes issues that have been suppressed will surface.

Check out the pancha karma program at Fern Life Center and begin your journey to whole life balance today! For the month of October we will give the “buddy pass discount of 10% off each 2 person-week long session” to any couple (friends or family) who gets PK in the same month.