Yesterday, I started a new to me therapy called Pancha Karma. If it sounds like I’m speaking a foreign language, I am.

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine practice in India. Ayurveda means “knowledge of life” (ayur = life, veda = science/knowledge). It is rooted in the concept that disease is due to a person’s imbalance of their body, mind and spirit – the focus is on restoring that balance through natural therapies and lifestyle interventions.

Pancha Karma means “five actions”. It is a whole body cleansing & rejuvination program for the body and mind. As an important part of Ayurveda, Pancha Karma helps move toxic waste out of our cells and tissues, while providing deep nourishment with nutritional foods.

PK is a focused time away from the stresses of daily life and a time to provide yourself with lots of self-care. This is not a concept we Americans are used to, it’s a very hard thing to do! Which is why people who practice Ayurveda do it with every seasonal change. Out with the old, chaotic, stressful patterns of life and in with new, healthy lifestyle and nutritional choices.

Purva karma (Prep Phase)

The prep phase starts at home and includes a keen focus on simple, clean meals. Warm ghee is taken every morning while specific herbs and warm teas are taken throughout the day. The days become focused largely on rest and quiet, mindful healing practices (take a walk in nature, enjoy lazing in the hammock staring at the sky).

Pancha Karma Cleanse

The cleanse itself is done at the practitioners office – which is similar to a relaxing day spa and filled with peaceful vibes. From the soothing music to the salt lamps and fresh plants, I begin to relax as I walk through the door. Daily treatments include:

Udvartana: An emulsifying herbal powder scrub that removes dead skin cells and toxins.

Abhyanga Warm Oil Massage: Balances the nervous system, bringing you into a state of relaxation and rejuvination while helping to increase lymph system movement.

Svedana: Done after abhyanga, this steam therapy helps detox the body and reduces stiffness, coldness, heaviness and inflammation.

Shirodhara: A steady stream of warm, herbed oil is poured of the forehead and crown, bringing balance and stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain to promote wellness throughout the body.

Paschat Karma (Post Cleanse)

After the cleanse (which can last anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks), you continue the daily routine of rest and healthy eating practices while reintroducing normal life gently and gradually. Slowly add foods and daily activities back in so as not to shock the system and undo the work that was just done.

My thoughts – this should be required for all of us

In a way, an annual vacation is intended to have a similar affect (sort of) on our bodies. We get away from the stresses of home and work and try to find balance and calm. I know that for me, vacation often included checking emails and a few phone calls, as well as making sure I’m caught up on home issues like paying bills and scheduling doctor’s appointments. I don’t think I ever took a true vacation before I got sick. There always seemed to be too many stressors looming in the background so I didn’t really shut down and disconnect from life. And returning to normal life was always abrupt and overwhelmingly shocking to the system.

In recent years, I’ve learned how important it truly is to find balance and allow your body, mind and spirit to rest and rejuvenate. My doctor has encouraged an “island lifestyle” ever since I first began to see him 9 years ago. Last summer, my husband and I took a 3-month motorhome trip across the country so that I could get specialized medical treatment in Florida. It was the first time either of us really took the time to turn off daily life and actually embrace that island lifestyle. During this time, we drastically changed our eating habits and we focused on being in the moment – and we found more peace than we’ve ever known.

We both have a desire to create a more calming world for our family and in our home. The stress to get to that point feels overwhelming. But I am hopeful that this practice of Pancha Karma can help us begin to transition to more of that island lifestyle.

Even after just one day of the actual cleanse, I feel more aware of how out of balance our world truly is. And while my eating choices are now ultra clean and healthy, the rest of life needs a serious shift to become less toxic to our mental and physical wellbeing.

So – I am committing to create lasting changes that will bring an atmosphere of peace and health in my home and daily life. How? I don’t know yet and I won’t be giving it any thought until after I’ve completed Pancha Karma. But I’ll keep you posted!