PURVA KARMA literally means ‘before’ the Karma. This nutrition and diet plan prepares the body for detoxification and is done before main PANCHA KARMA therapies. It is a pre-purification therapy. Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body with prescribed methods to encourage it to let go of the toxins. Purvakarma is classified into two procedures;
- snehan (OLEATION)
- swedana (SUDATION/FOMENTATION)
Snehapana
Snehapana is an oral medication by intake of medicated ghee or oil for the preparation of the patient for the main panchakarma process. It is done early morning on an empty stomach. It is mainly used to nourish the body elements and to activate the body organs. It is used as a first therapy before doing other treatments.
There are two types of Snehapanam,
- Acha Snehapana
- Vicharana
Acha Snehapana is giving heavy doses of medicated ghee for a period of 7 or 8 days and to find out the maximum dose the patient can digest. Usually starting with a lower dose, say 25 ml up to a maximum of 250-300 ml. Medicine is given in the early morning in empty stomach and is allowed to drink little by little shundi water to increase the digestive power, Light diet and is given at times of appetite. It is not allowed to sleep during day time. Any exercise is also not allowed.
After Snehapana patient is subjected to swedana process. It gives more physical power. It is also used in rheumatism, paralysis, asthma, skin diseases and other diseases like wasting of the body.
Vicharana is giving divided dose of ghee daily 2 times along with normal diet.