Pancha Karma therapies are the most powerful healing modalities utilized in Ayurveda. As a complete therapy, Pancha Karma begins with proper preparation techniques, Purva Karma, to ready the body for the elimination of toxins. The second phase of Pancha Karma is the implementation of the main techniques, Pradhan Karma, used for the actual elimination of toxins. The last phase of Pancha Karma, Rasayana,   are techniques for rejuvenation and restoration.

The preparatory techniques or Purva Karma consist of a light diet, oleation internally and externally, and fomentation or heat therapies. The preparation phase can last from 3-21 days. The purpose is to move the toxins back to the G.I. tract for easy elimination. This part of the therapy can be performed at home with precise instructions from a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (C.A.S.). Light diet, internal use of oil, self-oil massage and a warm bath can all be implemented at home. However, it is most effective when performed by Pancha Karma Specialist (P.K.S.) in a peaceful and harmonious environment without the worry of daily activities.

The elimination techniques or the actual Pancha Karma procedures are called Pradhan Karma. Pancha Karma means five actions and the five classical Pancha Karma procedures consists of the following:

1. Vamana - therapeutic vomiting with the use of medicated decoction.
2. Virechana - purgation with the use of medicinal herbs or oils.
3. Anuvasana Basti - therapeutic enema with the use of medicated oil decoction.
4. Niruha Basti - therapeutic enema with the use of medicated water decoction.
5. Nasya - nasal purgation with the use of oleation and fomentation techniques and medicated oil.

Pradan Karma should be performed under the supervision of a Clinical Ayurvedic   Specialist or a Pancha Karma Specialist due to the risk of complications that may occur during these therapeutic procedures if a proper plan according to the clients constitution is not followed. Patients are advised to minimize their physical movements as well as mental activities during their entire Pancha Karma therapy program.

The rejuvenative techniques or Rasayana therapies are tonification methods which follow the purification or elimination therapies as part of the total Pancha Karma program. Rasayana means   "that which promotes longevity by preventing aging and by making the body young again". The therapies consist of re-building the digestive strength by gradually re-introducing foods that are light and easy to digest as per each individuals constitutional needs.   This process is very important and may take anywhere from 3 to 21 days by slowly re-integrating more substantial foods for the purpose of creating a healthy balanced state of digestion.

Ayurvedic therapies are deeply relaxing and create the "space" to allow the mind to become peaceful which in turn brings the physical body back to a state of balance and health. The rejuvenation of the body is also dependent upon the state of mind that the individual is able to maintain. Thus, patients are advised to direct their awareness toward their inner self or true nature as a body, mind, spirit complex. Daily routines or Sadhana, become an integral part of the therapies and practices. In working with a C.A.S. lifestyle choices are carefully examined and spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation are implemented to expand awareness toward one's higher self. When this occurs we achieve ease of being, optimal health, and peace of mind.  

Pancha Karma can be thought of as a "process" that requires a mutual level of commitment from a patient and a C.A.S. toward creating health. In Ayurveda health is considered a state of harmony and bliss. To achieve this, one must commit to a lifetime of being an active participant in the process.