How many times per year should I do Panchakarma?
Traditionally, Ayurveda recommends doing Panchakarma at the turn of each season (four times per year). Most of us are not able to do that – so the general recommendation is to do PK once per year. To enhance your wellbeing, you can perform Ayurvedic oleation cleanses in the comfort of your own home in lieu of seasonal Panchakarma.
How do I decide on how many days to receive therapies?
We work with our clients to find the ideal duration of their PK based on their health goals, budget and schedule. We recommend doing at least 7 days. This will help deeply unwind the nervous system, quiet the mind, and release toxins buried deep in your cells.
What’s the difference between doing 3, 5, or 7 days of therapies?
In general, the first 3 days provide a physical detox. The body releases fat-soluble cancer-causing chemicals and toxins. 4 and 5 days allows for a deeper experience – old emotions, beliefs and patterns are released – in addition to physical toxins. By days 6 and 7, you drop into the heart, the minds quiets, and you achieve a deep sense of peace.
Find answers to common questions clients have during the seven days of “Oleation” (the home cleanse is generally done at home in preparation for PK), before they begin their Panchakarma.
“When I take the ghee in the morning I feel nauseated – is there anything that I can do?”
If you feel nauseated, you can decrease the amount of ghee taken on the following mornings. You can also drink a cup of warm lemon ginger tea after the ghee.
What foods can I eat during my Oleation (Cleanse week)?
The most important element of the cleanse is to eat a non fat diet, dairy free, gluten free, caffeine and alcohol free, vegetarian diet during your home prep.
Don’t worry – we will provide clear direction, along with recipes and a shopping list. You will generally eat only kitcharee (a mixture of beans, rice, spices and vegetables) for all of your meals.
If you are having issues with your blood sugar, you may add more steamed vegetables, lean meat (such as chicken), or nonfat whey protein in water. Eat a large enough serving (without overeating) to sustain yourself and avoid snacking. Your cleanse packet will describe food in more detail.
Where can I get the moong dahl (mung dal) beans?
Split yellow moong dahl (or mung dal) beans are not easy to find. They are a very common in India.You can find them at most Indian grocery stores or — for a quality organic source, go to Banyan Botanicals to order here.
What happens if I don’t have a bowel movement after I take the castor oil on the last night of my Oleation?
It is completely normal and okay not to have any bowel movements after taking the castor oil. However; let us know, as this is important information that will help us tailor your treatment.
What is a typical daily schedule for me during the therapeutic portion of the process?
Check out “A Day in the Life” to get a sense of the day-to-day flow of the process.
What should I eat during the week that I receive therapies?
During your therapeutic week we recommend that you continue eating a detoxifying diet of kitcharee. This meal is very healing and nourishing to your digestive system, and is an important part of your healing. If your blood sugar needs balancing, you can add steamed vegetables or lean protein. You may like to choose a Panchakarma package that includes food preparation for you daily.
I’m receiving Panchakarma and I’m feeling very emotional, is that normal?
This is completely normal. It’s also a very good sign. It means that you are releasing old emotions from your past. Beautiful! It’s not easy in the moment, but if you can simply allow your emotions to flow, you will find a deep sense of lightness after they pass. Cry, scream into a pillow, journal, talk to yourself – do whatever necessary to allow for expression. Continue with your yoga, daily walks, meditation, breathing and journaling to keep these emotions in the forefront so that you can fully release them from your cells.
Can I exercise during Panchakarma?
It helps to slow down during Panchakarma. Intense workouts are not appropriate or beneficial to the process. You can do light, gentle, restorative yoga and gentle walks.
Do I stay on my herbs throughout Panchakarma?
Herbs will be recommended to you during your detox, therapeutic and rejuvenation process. We may adjust your herbs and dosage based on how you are doing after your Oleation (pre-cleanse done at home).
Can my spouse come with me, even though they aren’t doing Panchakarma?
To receive the most value from your Panchakarma, we have found that people often go much deeper when they do not have anyone else to think about, worry about or talk to with whom there are established behavioral patterns or history.
To support your inner sanctity of stillness and deep release, consider embarking on this process on your own.
Of course, you can do whatever you wish — many couples, friends and family members receive Panchakarma successfully together.
However, it is important that you are surrounded by harmonious people who can understand and support what you are going through without distracting you from the process.
Can I commute or drive during my therapeutic week?
Driving tends to stimulate the nervous system. We recommend staying close-by where you can easily stroll to our clinic. We will provide you with a list of lodging options.
Once I’ve completed Oleation (pre-cleanse performed at home) and have finished the therapy phase of treatment, then what?
This is when your ‘rejuvenation’ period begins. During this time, you are encouraged to spend time resting and caring for yourself as much as possible so that you can integrate the changes that you have just experienced. A primarily kitcharee-based diet should be followed, with slow integration of heavier, doshic-ly appropriate foods day-by-day. Rejuvenative herbs will be recommended and are a part of the rebuilding process. Ideally, this period lasts 7-14 days and is done in the comfort of your home.