Panchakarma is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy that involves the internal purification of the body through five specially designed treatments. The word "panchakarma" means "five actions or five treatments" in Sanskrit. The five primary treatments included in Panchakarma are:

• Vamana: This treatment involves therapeutic vomiting to clear the upper gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

• Virechana: This treatment involves the use of purgatives to eliminate toxins from the body.

• Basti: This treatment involves the use of enemas to cleanse the colon and promote the elimination of toxins.

• Nasya: This treatment involves the administration of herbal oils or powders through the nostrils to cleanse the sinuses and respiratory tract.

• Rakta Moksha: This treatment involves bloodletting, usually through the use of leeches, to treat skin and blood disorders.

Panchakarma is a unique Ayurvedic therapy that includes preventive, curative, and promotive actions for various diseases. It is essentially a detoxification program that eliminates accumulated impurities from the mind-body physiology. The therapy is highly individualized and depends on factors such as age, digestive strength, immune system, and other health conditions. Panchakarma is beneficial for strengthening the immune system, reversing the negative effects of stress on the body and mind, and promoting deep relaxation and a sense of well-being.

It is important to note that Panchakarma treatments should only be performed by qualified and experienced Ayurvedic practitioners. Certain procedures are not suitable for certain health problems, and some procedures should not be performed on children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Common side effects of Panchakarma include fatigue, malaise, headaches, congestion, and general illness. An initial increase in symptoms may also occur as a side effect, and some patients may experience mental disturbances and depression during the course of treatment.