General Guidelines for Panchakarma

Panchakarma is a delicate, yet powerful means to purify and detoxify body and mind. During Panchakarma some strict instructions and rules have to be followed to achieve maximum effect of the treatment. These guidelines are needed to protect the patient from unnecessary strain during this sensitive state when the physiology is adjusting to a more healthy and coherent functioning.

Therefore, to follow the house rules for Panchakarma is essential for gaining full success from the treatments. As one of our guests expressed our motto: "We don't give you what you necessarily like but we give you what you and your body really want and need."

Consciousness being the basis of life, Ayurveda strongly recommends the practice of Transcendental Meditation, Yoga Asanas, and Pranayama. These aspects of the Vedic approach to health are influencing your well-being at the root of life. If you wish to learn these techniques, please contact the management for more information.

  1. Allow yourself plenty of rest during Panchakarma.
  2. In general, just "take it easy". Don't get upset or angry. Easily follow the treatment schedule, and listen to your body: don't overeat, don't eat when not hungry, don't suppress natural calls of nature.
  3. Do not make too long tiring walks or intense sports activities. Some slight exercises or light walks are OK. Most suitable activity is to practice Yoga Asanas.
  4. Intense reading or study, giving lectures and long speeches is not recommended.
  5. Smoking and consummation of alcoholic beverages are to be avoided.
  6. Diet instructions during Panchakarma:
    Pure foods and regular light Panchakarma diet are essential for successful treatment. When in doubt about your diet, please contact the Vaidya.
    1. No solid foods should be taken at least 1½ hour before treatments (except before Matra Basti)
    2. During meals, it is preferable to be in silence. For good digestion it is recommendable to eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
    3. During meals, it is highly recommended to drink hot water. Cold drinks are not recommended. It is said that drinking of hot water cleans the body. You can take sips of hot water also during the whole day. If you prefer cool drinks, Vaidya recommends salty or sweet lassi (salty lassi is especially beneficial for digestion).
    4. During Panchakarma, liquid or semi-liquid foods are best suitable. For example: Khicheri (Dal and rice cooked with some spices etc.). Also good is Dalia porridge (consisting of rough wheat powder) that can be sweet or salty. Sweet porridge can be done with (little) milk.
    5. Dal should be also rather liquid. Best is mungdal. Red lentil dal is also OK.
    6. Avoid: eggplants, cauliflower, beans, peas, pumpkin, spicy and dry food, non-vegetarian food.
  7. "Early to bed, early to rise..." – Bedtime is between 9 and 10 p.m, waking up is ideal at 6 a.m.
  8. Do not take cold bath or shower
  9. During Panchakarma, sexual activity is not recommended.
  10. Daytime sleep is not recommended during Panchakarma
  11. We recommend to follow any additional advice given to you by our Vaidyas