Salt Spring island spa resort vacation in beautiful British Columbia Canada

Pancha Karma Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know how long I should stay?

There are seven constituents that make up the body, they are in order from superficial to deep; plasma, blood, muscle, adipose (fat), bone, nervous system tissue, and reproductive. Each day works on a consecutive deeper tissue, thus for a 'complete' Pancha Karma it takes at least seven days. We can customize Pancha Karma cleanses from one to twenty one days. Even so, if you can only do 3 or 4 days, you will still benefit greatly.

The 2 and 3 day retreats are meant for a "retreat cleanse" they will have relaxing, rejuvenating and moderately detoxifying effects on the person. Meanwhile, the 4 and 9 day programs are much more complete. There are 2 main methods of Pancha Karma used in India. The traditional and Northern method involves 6 weeks to complete; 1 week for Purva Karma or preparation; and 4 weeks for Pancha Karma. (the actual 5 action cleansing regimen); and the 1 week for Rasayana or rejuvenation. This is the most effective method for thorough cleansing of the entire system.

The symptomatic or Southern method can last as long as desired. This method focuses on immediate relief of ailments and is very effective for less serious problems that do not require deep cleansing. It rarely uses all 5 cleansing methods, generally employing a series of 1-3 of the different karmas or actions in a particular sequence and combined to suit the appropriate lifestyle, diet and exercise regimen for an individual.

A six week program can easily be condensed into 2 weeks if the proper preparation and rejuvenation is done at home before and after. Likewise, all 5 actions can be performed within a minimum of 9 days: 3 days prep/rejuvenation, 6 days cleansing/rejuvenation. The person will always feel more benefits if the cleanse is timed in accordance with the body’s natural responses. It is important to understand that cleansing is a process and that different people respond to different methods in different ways. Also, every cleanse should be appropriately tailored to the individual. This why any period of cleansing should begin with a consultation, whether by phone or upon arrival.

2. How many days notice do you require?

This really depends on how long you want to stay, how many people and for which days. Our therapist tend to have busy schedules; however, they are very flexible. Ideally, booking and beginning preparation a week in advance is recommended.

3. How different is this cleanse compared to fasting?

Fasting is a very general term. Different fasts generally target different organs or systems in the body depending on the substances, foods and medicines used during the fast. Complete fasting, i.e. not eating or drinking anything (but water) is almost never advisable. When the digestive system is given a rest by stopping to feed it, it begins to digest the previously undigested materials and eventually, the fat deposits in the body (this takes a long time).

Unfortunately, most people's immune systems are not strong enough to support the body when it is not receiving vitamins, nutrients, and other energy from an external source. In fact if a person feels they need cleansing, they probably have a large accumulation of toxins. They should not starve themselves since their body would not have any backup when its natural defences are low and there are already toxins in the body which will easily flourish and cause aggravation if there is no support for the immune system.

Many different juice fasts are very effective in cleansing particular organs and systems of the body but often deplete the person or make them sick to such a degree that they cannot function in every day life. Fasting is best for people with a strong constitution and healthy will and immune system. Certain fasts are used in conjunction with Pancha Karma.

In ayurveda regular fasting is routinely practised in one's lifestyle regimen. One day of the week is chosen and a person will fast on liquids from after 6pm the first and 6pm the second day. Different constitutions can tolerate different periods of fasting without side effects.

In Pancha Karma the philosophy is simple: begin by using herbs, diet and lifestyle in order to increase the agni (digestive fire) to burn up all the undigested food (part of preparation). When the body ingests inorganic or otherwise unassimilable materials and if the immune and excretory system are not able to expel these materials, they are stored in the fat. These toxins make their environment more susceptible to accumulation, spreading and disease.

The second step of preparation is to take tikta ghee, or clarified butter (with the water, sugars and proteins removed=pure animal fat) with bitter herbs cooked into it. The ghee is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and stored as fat. The body's natural reaction to anything bitter is to spit it out, likewise, human fat cells will spit out the bitter ghee and with it, the stored toxins. These toxins are thereby liquefied and more easily transported by the oleation process to the digestive tract for elimination through the 5 cleansing methods earlier described.

4. Salt Springs Spa Resort also has Ayurveda packages and retreat programs. Is there any difference?

Yes. Our retreats are combinations of the preparation/rejuvenation methods that are all used in Pancha Karma. They are more geared toward relaxation, rejuvenation, and mild cleansing but do not include meals. All retreats and extra treatments can be booked at the same time as your Pancha Karma to enhance the effects of your experience.

5. What will I do for the rest of the time, when I'm not receiving treatment?

The primary reason for receiving Pancha Karma (PK) is cleansing and rejuvenating the body. So this is a time when your energy and attention have an opportunity to turn inward. If you pay attention, you will notice many subtle changes that occur during the days of your treatments. In every day life the attention mostly goes outward and is spent. During PK, the energy and attention get turned inward for healing purposes. It is suggested that you invest time daily with practices such as, meditation, journaling, contemplation, and books on spirituality. If there are to be other activities such as walking, hiking, or yoga it is suggested that you take a lighter regime than usual. Essentially, this is an inner time, a time for repose and restoration.

6. Do I continue to take my vitamins during Pancha Karma?

Before making any major changes to your lifestyle, please consult your primary physician. Given that, generally it is not advised to take vitamins during and several days after Pancha Karma, please notify us if you are using vitamins or supplements.

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