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Panchakarma and Ayurvedic Spa Therapies

Seasonal Panchakarma Dates
SUMMER PANCHAKARMA SESSION
July 19th - 27th, 2010

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is the Ayurvedic art of detoxification, purification, and rejuvenation, and is a powerful way to address the root cause of disease and has been used for thousands of years as a method for staying healthy, young, and vital.

Healing imbalances at their root is the ultimate goal of Ayurveda. Many times, the root of imbalance lies in the digestive system and in the mind. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy is the most powerful way of addressing the root causes of disease. Panchakarma purifies both the digestive system and the mind. Removing impurities from the body via the digestive system and bringing balance to the mind is the art of Ayurvedic Panchakarma.

The program begins by preparing the body to release stored accumulations of “ama”, a toxin formed within and stored thorughout the body. Panchakarma refers to treatments designed to remove Ama, a bodily by-product of inadequate digestion that accumulates in the digestive tract and then overflows into other internal systems. By disturbing the balance of our internal environment, excessive ama makes us vulnerable to diseases.

How will my lifestyle change during Panchakarma?

Clients eat a special diet and take specific herbs to aid this process while receiving a specific combination of the various oil and heat therapies listed below. The combination of these therapies loosens the toxins and brings them to the digestive tract for elimination. Although we know that taking time off from work is very difficult for many people, we recommend adjusting your daily routine as much as possible to reduce stress on your body during your Panchakarma.

How long is a typical Panchakarma cleanse?

The minimum time for our Panchakarma program is a total of 8 days (3 days of treatments), and longer programs can be arranged. A Panchakarma program is preceded by a period of special diet and herbs that facilitate purification. After Panchakarma the internal energy of the body is rebuilt through a rejuvenation process focused on the digestive and immune systems. Brief programs (8 days) are followed by a period of rejuvenation that can be done at home, while more in-depth programs can last up to one month.

Will I have necessary support through this process?

An Ayurvedic consultation is also necessary before beginning Panchakarma. Your Certified Panchakarma Technician (CPT) can then design an individualized combination of traditional therapies including massage, oil, steam, and heat therapies, primarily Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage), Shirodhara, and Swedana. Your practitioner will be available each day to answer questions and support you through each step of the process.

Can I do Panchakarma any time of the year?

The philosophy of Ayurveda flows with the seasons and rhythms of nature. It is traditional to cleanse and purify your body at the change of each season. Although we do offer specific seasonal dates for Panchakarma 4 times per year (January, April, July and October) you are welcome to schedule a Panchakarma session at any time. We have practitioners available year round.

What if I do not live near Kanyakumari?

Accommodations
If you will be traveling to receive your Panchakarma,
we will provide you with a list of several options for your accommodations at different price ranges and some with kitchens.

Auto rental
Our out of town guests will also need a vehicle to get to and from appointments.
Please make arrangements prior to your arrival. It would also be wise to have a map of Milwaukee and necessary addresses in advance. Driving in an unfamiliar city can be stressful, so please plan ahead to avoid any uncomfortable situations. If you do not drive and would like to book a shuttle from Kanyakumari, the cost is $20 per day (including airport shuttle, one trip to a grocery store and transportation to and from appointments).

Food
We can provide simple vegetarian food, perfect for Panchakarma, for those having to stay away from home.
We will provide lunch and dinner, however breakfast will be up to you. The cost is $25 per day for both meals or $15 for one meal.

There is a wonderful natural food coop called The Outpost, as well as a Trader Joe's within close proximity to Kanyakumari. Whole Foods is an approximate 15 minute drive.

What are "traditional rejuvenative therapies" and which are available at Kanyakumari?

The body therapies offered at Kanyakumari are specifically designed for rejuvenation and restoring vitality to the mind, body and spirit. These therapies are called "Rasayana" therapies in Ayurveda. The focus of these therapies are to help replenish the nervous system, feed the muscles and body tissues with nourishing herbs and oils. Many of the therapies are designed to specifically focus on a particular region, muscle group or organ system of the body.

A Panchakarma treatment may include any of the following therapies: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Swedana, Nasya, Adrenal dam, Thyroid dam, Uro Basti, Kati Basti, Netra Tarpana, Garshana, Leppa, Nadi Swedana, Pinda Swedana, Body Brush, and Scalp Massage.

Most Panchakarma sessions primarily include Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage), Shirodhara, and/or Swedana. These rejuvenative therapies can also be administered individually, outside of a specific Panchakarma program.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage)
A Certified Panchakarma Technician (CPT) massages oil deeply into your body from head to foot. This journey takes you into a state of deep relaxation and nourishes the skin and promotes cleansing and healing. Specialized herbal oils infused with herbs specific to your constitution help bring your body back into balance. This massage can also be done with two therapists.

Shirodhara
In this blissful therapy, a steady stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead. The shirodhara induces a profound sense of peace and well-being, balances the emotions, and calms the mind. It is an ideal treatment for headaches, anxiety, depression, and stress.

Swedana
This full body herbal steam follows any massage therapy. Hot steam which has been infused with special herbs allows the oil to penetrate deeper into the tissues as sweat is released through the skin, removing deep-seated toxins.

Pinda
A special rice and milk decoction is prepared and utilized as a poultice to massage and invigorate the body.

Nasya
This treatment begins with a facial massage and specific heat therapies for the forehead and face. It is followed by nasal administration of specific herbal oils to clean and purify the sinuses. Nasya is used classically for allergies, sinusitis, and headaches, and is a valuable aid for increasing mental focus.

Uro Basti
You will find loving support with the uro basti. A dough dam is created over the heart chakra. Warm medicated herbal oil is poured in as you lie back and allow yourself to open your heart and let any stress melt away.

Kati Basti
Like the Uro Basti, a dough dam is created over the lower spinal area and filled with warm oil. This is used for nurturing and de-stressing the lower part of the body. Kati Basti is used to relieve muscle spasms and rigidity of the lower spine, and strengthen bone tissue in that area.

Adrenal Dam
Adrenal Dam uses a dough dam to hold warm oil over the adrenal area, easing the demand on adrenal resources and inducing deep relaxation. The adrenal glands play a significant role in supporting our daily vitality. This treatment reduces stress and anxiety commonly held in this area of the body.

Thyroid Dam
Thyroid Dam uses a dough dam to hold warm oil over the thyroid area. This treatment nourishes and stimulates the thyroid and encourages natural gland activity.

Netra Tarpana
Netra Basti is used to reduce eye strain and stress. The eyes are bathed to remove any congested secretion. Then a dough dam is built up around the eye and a warm medicated oil is slowly poured into the dam, bringing peace and nourishment to the eyes. A shorter similar treatment can also be done using eye cups.

Garshana
To revitalize your skin and promote circulation, two Panchakarma Specialists wearing exfoliating gloves dry massage herbal powder over your entire body. Impurities are removed from the skin and the body is left invigorated.

Leppa
Leppa is an application of an external herbal paste on the skin, which dries and then is removed. Herbal paste applied to affected areas helps draw out any doshic imbalances.

Mukajara (Ageless Face) Ayurvedic Skin Care Treatment
This therapeutic facial combines grains herbs and aromatherapeutic essential oils to balance each unique skin type.

Marma therapy
Marma points are power points located on the body that are areas of concentrated life-force energy. Proper massage of these points and the light touch of pranic healing combine to balance the flow of energy through the muscles, joints and organs of the body.

Panchakarma and Spa Therapies pricing

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