Ayurveda and Ayurvedic systems have long been associated with health benefits. Ayurvedic Panchkarma is a traditional detoxification and rejuvenation therapy from ancient India. It aims to balance the body’s energy and clear accumulated toxins, which can indirectly aid Weight LossRecently, Rohit Bose Roy discovered Ayurveda in 2021 and since then he has been completely devoted to it. He revealed how he travelled to Kerala for panchakarma and how it helped him lose weight.

On the ‘Unstoppable’ podcast, he explained that the therapy begins with cleansing the body to enhance the effect of the medicine. “I went there with severe digestive problems, but returned as a changed person. I lost 6 kg in 14 days, lost all the water weight and felt refreshed. I started waking up at 6 am without an alarm. All these changes happened after my first visit to the wellness center,” he said.

He further explained that panchakarma has become an annual ritual for him. “I go twice a year now, depending on my schedule, sometimes for 10 days. I go not to lose weight but to detox. When I come back, my body is healed and ready to do more work,” Roy said.

How does Panchakarma help in weight loss?

Panchakarma means “five actions” or “five treatments”, which refers to the main therapeutic techniques used in this ancient system. These treatments include vamana (therapeutic vomiting), virechan (purification), basti (enema), nasya (nasal administration) and raktamokshana (blood removal). Each procedure targets different aspects of detoxification and aims to restore balance to the body’s doshas – vata, pitta and kapha.

One of the main ways panchakarma aids weight loss is through detoxification. This therapy removes ama (toxic residues) that accumulate in the body due to improper digestion and lifestyle choices. Removing these toxins allows the body’s metabolic processes to work more efficiently, which can aid in weight loss.

Panchakarma therapies like vamana and virechana focus on cleansing the digestive system. A well-functioning digestive system is important for effective metabolism and nutrient absorption. When the digestive system is clean, it increases the body’s ability to process and use nutrients, potentially reducing cravings and the desire to overeat.

Panchakarma helps balance metabolic functions by harmonizing the body’s doshas. For example, an imbalance in the kapha dosha is often associated with sluggish metabolism and weight gain. Treatments such as basti, which involves herbal enemas, and nasya, which involves the nasal instillation of medicated oils, can help alleviate kapha imbalances.

By detoxifying and cleansing the body, panchakarma can improve the absorption of essential nutrients. When the digestive system is functioning optimally, the body can better utilize nutrients from food, which can support weight loss and overall health. Improved nutrient absorption also helps maintain energy levels, reduce fatigue, and promote a healthy appetite.

A key aspect of panchakarma is the inclusion of lifestyle and dietary changes along with the treatment.

During panchakarma, people are often advised to follow a diet that aids in detoxification. This usually involves consuming easily digestible foods such as soups, broths, and steamed vegetables, while avoiding heavy, processed, and fatty foods. These dietary changes help reduce calorie intake and promote healthier eating habits, which can aid in weight management.

Light exercises and yoga practices help improve blood circulation, increase metabolic rate and support the body’s detoxification processes. Regular physical activity also helps maintain the weight loss achieved through panchakarma.

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