01
Vamana
Kapha
Therapeutic emesis. After careful oleation and steam, controlled emesis is used when heaviness, mucus, and congestion dominate — selected asthma patterns, certain skin diseases, and kapha obesity among them.
Panchakarma
Five actions.
A planned purification, not a spa menu.
Panchakarma
Five actions. One intention: clear, then rebuild.
Panchakarma means five actions: a planned purification, not a spa menu. Used when the body is ready, and skipped when it is not.
02
Virechana
Pitta
Therapeutic purgation. A measured purge to clear heat from the liver, blood, skin, and small intestine. Often the karma of choice in pitta disorders once the body has been prepared.
03
Basti
Vata
Medicated enema. The principal treatment for Vata. Medicated oils or decoctions are introduced rectally in a planned course for pain, sciatica, dryness, and neurological strain.
04
Nasya
Head
Nasal therapy. Medicated oil or powder through the nose for sinusitis, migraine, cervical stiffness, and complaints seated above the collarbone.
05
Raktamokshana
Rakta
Bloodletting. A classical fifth karma, used sparingly when impure blood drives certain skin and pitta diseases. It is never routine, and only after the physician decides it is appropriate.
01
Purva karma
Preparation. Oleation and sweating loosen ama and guide it toward the channel that will clear it.
02
Pradhana karma
The main action — one of the five, chosen for the dosha and the strength of the person.
03
Paschat karma
Aftercare. A gradual diet, rest, and rasayana so digestion returns before ordinary life does.
With the five
The work around the karmas.
Shirodhara
A continuous stream of warm oil across the forehead. Used for migraine, sleeplessness, and a mind that will not settle.
Abhyanga
Full-body oil massage with oils matched to the dosha. The usual first step before steam and the main karmas.
Swedana
Herbal steam and leaf poultices — patra potali and nadi sweda — to loosen stiffness and move ama toward elimination.
Kati, Janu & Greeva Basti
Warm medicated oil pooled over the low back, knee, or neck. Local, unhurried, and often the therapy people return for.