What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is the ultimate mind body detoxifying experience. Panchakarma is for the person that wants to detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. It is recommended on a seasonal basis and when an individual feels out of balance, or is experiencing a particular illness.

According to Ayurveda, good health is dependent upon our capability to fully metabolize the nutritional, emotional and sensory information that we ingest. When our digestive energies, known as Agni (fire), are robust, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently and produce a subtle essence called ojas. Ojas, which may be envisioned as the innermost sap of our psychophysiology is the basis for clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity. On the other hand, if our agnis are weakened, digestion is incomplete. This accumulation of toxic residue is collectively known as ama.

The accumulation of toxins, or ama, in the system leads to obstructions in the flow of energy, information, and nourishment and is the basis of disease. Physical impurities in the physiology have their counterparts in the mind where negative emotions such as fear, anger, greed, and guilt create mental impurities. Undigested experiences become toxic like undigested food. These "mental toxins" obstruct the flow of positive feelings and mental clarity, and result in chronic psychological and emotional distress. Panchakarma, an ancient form of purification developed thousands of years ago in India, is used to remove ama. By cleansing and detoxifying the body the process helps build the natural fire within the body (agni) which naturally burns ama from the body and aids in digestion.

Call 888.736.6895 or request more information here

What is Ama?

Ama is the accumulation of toxins in the body from improperly digested food or waste materials in the body. Ama is heavy, dense, cold, and slimy. It is created by imbalances which disturb digestion or the proper formation of waste materials in the body. For example any of the following can give rise to ama in the physical body: air can accumulate as gas in the large intestine, mucus can form in the stomach and spread to the small intestine, or bile can accumulate in the small intestine and interfere with the digestion process.

Psychologically, ama arises from holding on to negative emotions. Negative emotions squelch mental clarity and diminish our physical spark. Undigested experiences become toxic like undigested food.

Symptoms of ama in the body include: loss of taste and appetite, indigestion, tongue-coating, bad breath, loss of strength, heaviness, lethargy, and obstruction of channels and vessels in the body. Other symptoms include: accumulation of waste-material, bad body odor including urine or feces, lack of attention, loss of clarity, depression, or irritability.

In fact, ama is the root of most colds, fevers and flues, as well as the chronic diseases of a weak auto-immune system which may range from allergies and hay fever to asthma, arthritis, or cancer. By removing ama from the body and mind we bring a higher state of being to our lives.

At The Chopra Center we have successfully merged the best of Western comfort with the ancient art of healing. The Panchakarma therapy" which enables the body to release accumulated ama with the use of massage treatments and herbalized oil based enemas (bastis)" gently cleanses the upper respiratory and elimination systems, strengthens the immune system, and restores harmony to the body and bliss to the body, mind, and soul.

Call 888.736.6895 or request more information here

The Panchakarma Process

The first step in Panchakarma is the process of oleation, which initiates the purification process by loosening ama, in the tissues. Oleation is accomplished by special massages using herbalized oils or by taking certain oils internally.

The second step is to heat the body using specific steam and warm oil therapies. This is known as Swedana in Ayurveda. Using therapeutic heat allows the loosened toxins to flow more easily from the tissues to the GI tract.

The third step in the Panchakarma process is to eliminate the toxins that have accumulated. This is accomplished by the use of gentle herbal enemas, known as bastis, and gentle cleansing of the upper respiratory tract and sinuses, known as nasya.

The panchakarma treatments are administered over a period of several consecutive days (up to 14 days), and creates a profound detoxifying and deeply purifying experience.

"I prefer the Chopra exprience to the one in India, your practitioners are full of love and grace. Thank you!"
" B. Prouster

Call 888.736.6895 or request more information here

Your Panchakarma

First time guests desiring Panchakarma must attend either Perfect Health or Soul of Healing. The accompanying classes on Ayurveda and Meditation complement the experience and bring you to a deeper level of understanding.

Our Perfect Health program includes daily panchakarma therapies and a medical evaluation with one of our doctors who will discuss your individualized course of action based on your mindbody constitution and lifestyle. The Perfect Health program includes a full-course of herbal supplements, daily Ayurvedic healing therapies, classes each day, meditation, yoga, and warm herbalized enemas. During the program, we recommend you follow a simplified Ayurvedic diet – we will instruct you on a nutritious vegetarian meal during the week. Panchakarma is available with a program or to returning guests on an a la carte basis.

If you have previously attended Perfect Health, we invite you to register for a la carte Panchakarma or a la carte Rasayana and you can attend any of the Perfect Health classes as our guest. The classes complement seasonal Panchakarma cleansing and detoxification.

"Wow! I feel great! Thank you for an amazing week."
" Shirley James

Call 888.736.6895 or request more information here