In Ayurveda, there are two main lines of management of internal diseases, Samana and Sodhana. The first i.e. Samana type of management subsides the vitiated Dosha without eliminating them from the body, while the second i.e. Sodhana type of management eliminates the vitiated Dosha out of the body.
Five therapeutic measures are used for the elimination of vitiated Dosha, therefore Sodhana is also called as Panchakarma (five fold therapy). The five measures are Vamana (emesis therapy), Virechana (purgation therapy), Basti (oily enema therapy), Nasya (nasal insufflation therapy) and Raktamoksha (blood letting).
Two accessory measures carried out before (Purva) and after (Pascata) performing the Panchakarma may also be considered as the part of Panchakarma therapy. The use of Snehana and Svedana before starting the Panchakarma is necessary. These two measures are collectively known as Purva Karma. After the Panchakarma the patient is gradually allowed to his normal routines of diet and duties and it is called as Pascata Karma. Dietary regime prescribed after Panchakarma is also known as SamsarjanaKrama.
Panchakarma therapy is used for promotion of health and prevention and cure of the disease. Vamana Karma is specific for elimination of vitiated Kapha, Virecana for vitiated Pitta and Basti is best for the elimination of vitiated Vata.
