In recent years, the number of people experiencing Panchakarma in India has been gradually increasing. However, there are many things that people don’t know: what are Panchakarma and Ayurvedic treatments? How do I have Panchakarma? Which facility should I choose?
Here, we’ll briefly explain the characteristics of Ayurvedic treatments and introduce some facilities that we can recommend.
Characteristics and Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment
Modern medicine is allopathic therapy. For example, for lower back pain or knee pain, it aims to alleviate the symptoms by taking painkillers or giving injections.
On the other hand, Ayurveda explores the causes of pain. Along with treating the pain, it aims to restore your physical condition and preventing recurrence by removing the causative factors and strengthening the weakened areas. Although it may sometimes take time, it places importance on achieving harmony and balance in the mind and body through fundamental solutions, so it is also necessary to review the diet and lifestyle habits that may be the cause.
When cleansing treatment is properly carried out in accordance with this theory, it is said to have the following effects due to detoxification (removal of toxins, waste products, and the root causes of disease).
Improves physical constitution, improves skin tone, prevents aging, improves sensory function, stabilizes the body and mind, improves digestion and immunity
Ayurvedic hospital programs in India
There are two main types of treatment programs.
1. Panchakarma (purification therapy)
Treatments such as vamana (emetic method), virechana (phlegmation method), basti (enema method), nasya (nasal method), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting method) are performed systematically based on the doctor’s judgment to improve the internal health of the body. It is a method of purifying the body by eliminating toxins and imbalances that have accumulated in the body. There are seasons when treatment is not possible depending on the symptoms. Even after treatment, it is necessary to maintain a proper diet to maintain a cleansed body.
2.General treatment (wellness treatment)
In many cases, sufficient effects can be obtained just by maintaining healthy digestion, taking appropriate exercise, and performing the so-called oil massage snehana (oil method) and svedana (sweating method), which are performed as pretreatment for panchakarma. The effects can be particularly enhanced by using medicated oils tailored to your symptoms.
Who should take what?
Panchakarma may be effective if you have a pre-existing condition or if the cause of your symptoms is deep-rooted. If you don’t have any particularly troublesome symptoms and your goal is to improve your health, a single oil treatment, or one that lasts for several days in a row, can be refreshing.
In addition, it takes time to expel toxins that have built up in the human body. As Panchakarma’s purpose is detoxification, it requires a minimum of 10 to 14 days. Treatment cannot be performed if you have a fever or are menstruating, so it is essential to schedule your treatment with plenty of time.
The best thing to do is to consult a doctor. Even if you want to receive Panchakarma, there are cases where your physical condition does not allow it.
Two facilities in Pune
There are many facilities in India, and each has its own advantages. Our organization has close ties with two facilities: 1) BSDT Panchakarma Hospital and 2) Ayurvedagram.
①BHARATIYA SAKSKRITI DARSHAN TRUST (BSDT) Panchakarma hospital
②Ayurvedgram
BSDT is the abbreviation for Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust, the name of the foundation. Founded by Prabhakar Maharaj in 1954, the current chairman is his eldest son, Dr. Sadananda Saradeshmukh. Meanwhile, Ayurvedagram is a clinic established by Dr. Sadananda’s second son, Dr. Sukumar Saradeshmukh. Dr. Sukumar also serves as a director of BSDT.
About BSDT
BSDT’s businesses can be broadly divided into three categories: 1. Healthcare-related businesses, 2. Education-related businesses, and 3. Culture and spirituality-related businesses (from the BSDT website).
● Healthcare:
○ Ayurved Hospital & Research Centre
○ Panchakarma Centre
○ Integrated Cancer Treatment & Research Centre
○ Sanjeevani Medicinal Plantation
○ Goshala (Cattle House)
○ Association with Atharva Naure Healthcare Pvt.Ltd.
● Education:
○ Ayurveda Collage
○ Ayurveda Course
○ Keshav Abaji English Medium School, Solapur
● Peace of Mind:
○ Parampoojya Shri Prabhakar Sardeshmukh Maharaj Devasthan
○ Centre for Yoga & Meditation
BSDT’s 26,000-acre campus in Wagholi is home to an Ayurvedic hospital, a medicinal plant garden, an Ayurvedic university, and the pharmaceutical company Atharva Nature Healthcare. Since 2002, Atharva has been producing high-quality herbal medicines, oils, and foods using methods based on classical texts. Atharva is currently led by Dr. Sukumar Saradeshmukh. Atharva’s products are used in both Panchakarma hospitals and Ayurvedagram.
Features of BSDT Panchakarma Hospital
The first floor is where patients are examined, has a conference hall and a cafeteria, while the second floor and above are inpatient facilities with nurses and caretakers on-site. To receive treatment here, patients are “admitted” and are generally not allowed to leave the campus during the treatment period. A junior doctor will make rounds in the morning and evening, and a senior doctor will make rounds after treatment.
If you wish, cooking classes and yoga classes can be arranged on campus. Three meals a day are provided to suit the patient, allowing you to focus on your treatment. General treatment programs at this facility are available for a minimum of 7 days, while Panchakarma is available for a minimum of 14 days (excluding Diwali). For more information about BSDT Panchakarma Hospital, please see the link below.
Features of Ayurvedgram
Ayurvedagram, located in Baner, Pune, does not have inpatient facilities. Therefore, patients must attend for long-term, continuous treatments such as panchakarma. Local patients attend from their homes, while those visiting from abroad stay in hotels or apartments. Meals are prepared individually based on patient instructions, or Ayurvedagram delivers prepared meals.
Patients are free to go shopping outside of treatment hours, but they must take care to manage their health so as not to interfere with treatment. Cooking classes and temple visits can also be arranged here. General treatments at this facility are available for 1 day and Panchakarma for 10 days. For more information on Ayurvedagram, please see the link below.
For having Panchakarma or Treatment and its costs
Regarding Panchakarma, the procedures and content from application to returning home vary depending on the facility. Panchakarma, in particular, requires physical exertion to expel toxins from the body. To achieve its benefits, you need to be in good physical condition, with careful attention to your digestive ability, the type and amount of food you eat, and the amount you consume. Please take these factors into consideration when planning your schedule.
The main costs to consider when receiving Panchakarma in India are:
○ Round-trip airfare from your place of residence to India
○ Local treatment and accommodation costs
○ Local transportation costs (e.g., from the airport to the facility)
○ Laboratory fees, if necessary
○ Prescribed medication costs
○ Personal shopping expenses, etc.
At the facilities listed here, treatment fees start at approximately $130 per day. Unless you’re receiving a one-off treatment while sightseeing, we recommend not scheduling sightseeing or other activities before or after your visit if your primary purpose is Panchakarma. After treatment, make sure to stay healthy and focus on recovery.
NPO Veda Beejam can provide information and handle the procedures for those who wish to experience Panchakarma or a general treatment at the facilities listed here.
In Pune, Maharashtra, where two facilities are located, Marathi, Hindi, and English are commonly spoken. However, we also provide English interpretation and translation services for communication with doctors if necessary. If you have no problem with English, please contact each facility directly.
Pune, the city
When you think of Ayurveda, many people probably think of Kerala or Sri Lanka. Here, we will give you a brief explanation of the city of Pune.
Pune is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Pune is the seventh most populous city in India and the second largest in Maharashtra after Mumbai. Its population in 2020 was approximately 7.4 million. It has been named “India’s most livable city” several times.
Despite significant deforestation due to development, large, lush trees still adorn the cityscape. Traffic congestion is quite severe in the city center and suburbs, but the recently opened metro system is expected to help alleviate it.
Pune is best known for its Ganesha Festival, held in the fall. Wagholi University also holds a Ganesha Festival, and during this time, you can see Lord Ganesha throughout the city. Community members often chant mantras at high volumes.
Pune, which also serves as an academic city and IT hub, boasts modern hotels and buildings, but also preserves ancient streets in the city center and historical buildings as the former capital of the Maratha Empire. For more information, please see here.
Map of Pune
There are two airports available for flying to Pune.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai (airport code BOM)
- Pune International Airport in Pune (airport code PNQ)
From the city center, BSDT is to the east and Ayurvedagram is to the west. BSDT Panchakarma Hospital is about 27 km from Ayurvedagram. BSDT is about 14 km from Pune Airport, and Ayurvedagram is about 18 km away.