Articles

A Fresh Start

Panchakarma means ‘5 actions’

It is a gentle but powerful purification therapy used in Ayurveda to cleanse, detoxify and revitalize the organs, metabolism and bodily functions. It is a key to anti-aging and longevity. These luxurious treatments were originally developed for the royal families of India and for rejuvenation of yogis after their austerities. 

Most western Panchakarma programs consist of a single, one hour treatment per day, or even one hour per week. Thus, a 5-day program would consist of only 5 hours of treatments. While helpful, nothing compares with the total bliss and life alteration that 3 full days, 18 hours of hands-on, luxurious treatments and cleansing can bring! Our clients report renewed balance and vitality, and a profound transformation on every level of being.

Our Panchakarma intensive program includes 3 days of: light diet with special healing foods, juices, herbal medicines, massage therapy and steams, medicated oil therapy, shirodhara, colon cleansing program, spa delights, yoga and meditation.

Before this intensive, you are seen and guided through a week of special preparations to loosen toxins and prepare for the cleansing process. This is known as oleanation.


Ayurveda believes in gentleness in all things - not straining or weakening the body, so the cleansing is followed by a toning and fortifying process. Panchakarma is a nurturing, purifying and rejuvenative program designed to transform your being on every level.

Ayurveda considers the ‘junctions between the seasons’ to be most critical for preserving health. Following the cycles of nature, each change of season indicates specific treatments to return the body to its natural state of balance and health. 

For instance, during the winter season, the amount of Kapha in our system increases in order to keep us warm and protected, especially here in the cold midwest. If we do not remove this excess Kapha in the spring, it turns to ama (toxins) and may bring excess weight, summer colds and seasonal allergies and contributes to other chronic health problems.

Panchakarma is the best 
investment you can make 
for your health!

When digestion is sharp and toxins removed - excess weight drops, moods balance, vitality returns and tissue and organ function are rejuvenated. Once balanced, Ayurveda provides the foundation for optimal health for your metabolic body type and key information to live with more harmony, clarity, energy and 
purpose.

Reservations for Panchakarma treatments are being taken now at 
Eight Limbs Yoga Center 
& Healing Arts. 
Call Debra at: 
773/561-1877 to 
make your reservation.

Sessions begin late April, placement is limited.

*   *   *   *

Glossary of Panchakarma Terms

& Treatments

Doshas ~ Everything in the universe is made of the elements ether, air, fire, water and earth. These elements come together in affinity and function to form the 3 doshas Vata (ether & air), Pitta (fire & water), and Kapha (water & earth). 

Prakruti ~ The Sanskrit term for your metabolic body type which is the balance of doshas in your system.

Ama ~ Toxins that accumulate in the body due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, toxins and low digestion.

Shirodhara ~ Focused streaming of special oils on the forehead produce an exquisite state of transcendence, bringing balance to the mind and emotions. 

Svedhana ~ Sweating opens the channels of elimination through your skin The herbal steam stimulates and opens up the pores so that they can drink up the nourishing oil. Heat is beneficial in raising the metabolic rate and stimulating the immune system.

Medicated Oil Therapy ~ Special ear and nose drops penetrate and stimulate the nervous system, awakening the psychic center.

Colon Cleanse ~ Cleansing the Intestinal tract with herbal teas and oils removes accumulated toxins, freeing the immune system so that rejuvenation can take place.

Give yourself the gift of optimal health!

Panchakarma is the ultimate luxurious purification and rejuvenation program.

Introduced to the west by Deepok Chopra, panchakarma produces amazing results for weight and mood balance, revitalization of organs and tissues, relief from chronic health issues. Clients report for amazing transformation on every level.

Panchakarma is now available here in Chicago for a limited time this spring at: Eight Limbs Yoga Center & Healing Arts. For more information and reservations - or to schedule an Ayurvedic consultation call: Debra at 773/561-1877