Panchakarma home-based wellness retreat
Unlock the secrets of Ayurveda and immerse yourself in the profound healing of Panchakarma - Ayurveda's complete detoxification and rejuvenation program.
Rejuvenate your body and mind with Ayurveda's ultimate cleansing therapy
Home-based Panchakarma wellness retreat
Experience Ayurveda's ultimate cleansing and rejuvenation therapy, Panchakarma, right here in Melbourne. This ancient practice is designed to eliminate accumulated toxins or doshas and revitalise your body and mind.
Until recently, those seeking its profound benefits had to travel to India, often facing exorbitant prices. But we're thrilled to bring the wonders of Panchakarma to you with our carefully crafted home-based retreat.
Personalised Care by Expert Practitioners
Our highly experienced team, led by Ayurvedic Doctor Sonu and Ayurveda and Yoga Therapist Sre, will expertly guide you through a personalised program. Drawing from their extensive experience in administering Panchakarma in hospitals and clinics across India and Australia, you can be assured that you are in the most capable hands.
Embrace a Transformative Journey
Over 14-21 days you will be immersed in a transformative journey designed to reignite your body's innate healing processes and restore balance, vibrance, and inner harmony to you your body and mind.
Panchakarma involves 3 key phases (Preparation, Purification and Rejuvenation), which you can learn more about below.
Your home-based Panchakarma retreat includes:
cONSULTATIONS WITH OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS
You'll meet with our Ayurvedic Doctor and Therapist to assess the state of your doshas, ensure that the treatment is safe and effective for your individual needs, and confirm your personalised Panchakarma Plan. These will be followed-up with daily check-ins from our team to monitor your progress.
FOOD GUIDES & KITCHARI KITS
During each phase of the clease you'll receive personalised food guides to support the detoxification process. You will also a Panchakarma Pack with Kitchari Kits for Phase 1 & 2 of the cleanse.
PERSONALISED TREATMENTS
Throughout your cleanse you will receive various Ayurvedic treatments including Abhyanga massages, Swedana (herbal steam bath) and Shirodhara (warm oil across the brow) that are included in the package price. Depending on your state of health, we may also recommned additional treatments at a discounted price for Panchakarma participants.
HERBAL MEDICINES & OILS
During your initial consultation, you will be given herbal medicines and oils to support you at different stages throughout the cleanse, along with instructions on how to take them. Herbs will also be reviewed during your daily check-ins.
YOGA, MEDITATION & BREATHING PRACTICES
During the cleanse you'll have the option to particiapte in online yoga, meditation and breathing practices to enhance your detoxification process and Panchakarma experience. You'll also be able to reach out to the team for personalised practices to suit your individual needs.
DAILY ROUTINE TOOLS & PRACTICES
You'll be equipped with the tools and practices to develop a daily routine that supports your ongoing wellbeing. This includes an introduction into Ayurveda's self-care practices such as tongue scraping, dry-brushing, oil pulling and self-Abhyanga.
A PANCHAKARMA PACK
Your personalised Panchakarma Pack includes medicated ghee, herbal medicines and oils, a copper tongue cleaner, organic teas and your DIY Kitchari Kits to use throughout the cleanse.
DAILY ROUTINE TOOLS & PRACTICES
You'll also receive a guidebook to answer any questions and support you at each stage of your Panchakarma journey and beyond.
Panchakarma's 3-phased approach
Panchakarma involves 3 Phases: Preparation, Deep Cleanse and Rejuvenation under the guidance of a trained Ayurvedic doctor and therapist.
1.
Preparation
Known as 'Purva Karma', Phase 1 goes for approximately 5-7 days to prepare your body and mind for the detoxification process. It usually involves several steps to help prepare for the next Phase, including:
Snehana: Using herbal oils or ghee to lubricate the body and prepare it for detoxification. This includes prescribed doses of ghee (clarified butter) consumed daily.
Swedana: Using steam therapy to open up the pores and sweat out toxins from the body.
Abhyanga: A full-body massage that helps to ease the muscles and support relaxation, stimulate the lymphatic system and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.
Shirodhara: In this treatment, a continuous stream of warm oil or herbal decoction is poured onto the forehead. Shirodhara is used to calm the mind, relieve stress, support sound sleep, and promote mental clarity.
Deepana: Stimulating the digestive system and metabolism.
Pachana: Enhancing the process of digestion especially undigested and poorly metabolised substances (ama).
By undergoing these preliminary procedures, the body and mind are prepared for the detoxification process that will take place during the main Panchakarma treatment. Purva karma is an integral part of the overall Panchakarma treatment and helps to loosen and mobilise toxins towards the gut to support their elimination in Phase 2.
2.
Purification
This is the main detoxification phase known as 'Pradhana Karma' - the heart of the Panchakarma process. The word Panchakarma comes from the Sanskrit words 'Pancha,' meaning five, and 'karma,' meaning actions or therapies to expel toxins from the body. The five therapies or actions used during this phase include:
Virechana: Purgation or laxative therapy to stimulate the bowel and eliminate toxins.
Basti: Herbal enemas to cleanse the colon and eliminate toxins.
Nasya: Nasal administration of herbal oils or powders to cleanse the sinuses and respiratory system.
Rakta Mokshana: Bloodletting therapy to eliminate toxins from the bloodstream. *Not practiced in Australia.
Vamana: Therapeutic vomiting to eliminate excess mucus and toxins. *Not practiced in Australia.
Each of these therapies targets different areas of the body and eliminates toxins in different ways. The goal is to purify the body and restore balance to the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), improving overall health and wellbeing.
The specific treatments used will depend on the individual's condition and constitution.
3.
Rejuvenation
Known as 'Paschat Karma', Phase 3 is the phase where the body is nourished and rejuvenated after the detoxification process . This phase involves a special diet, herbs, and daily practices such as yoga and meditation, to help the body restore the body's strength and vitality and to promote long-term health and wellness.
The post-treatment steps may vary depending on the individual's needs and may include:
Samsarjana Karma: Gradually reintroducing foods and other substances avoided during detoxification.
Rasayana Therapy: Using herbal remedies and tonics to rejuvenate the body and promote overall health and vitality.
Yoga and Meditation: Practices to help to balance the mind and body and promote overall wellbeing.
Lifestyle Changes: Making changes to diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors can help to maintain the benefits of the Panchakarma treatment and promote long-term health.
Paschat Karma is an important part of the overall Panchakarma treatment and helps ensure that the body and mind remain balanced after detoxification.
By following the post-treatment steps, individuals can maintain the benefits of the Panchakarma treatment and promote overall health and wellness.
It's important to note that while Panchakarma can be helpful for many people, its effectiveness may vary from person to person, and it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Before undergoing Panchakarma or any other Ayurvedic therapy, it's essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to determine if it is suitable for your specific health condition and individual needs.
Who can benefit from Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is a gentle yet powerful therapy suitable for those seeking a healthy "reset" or facing significant health issues, such as:
- Digestive Disorders: Panchakarma may be effective in managing digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Chronic Fatigue: It is believed to rejuvenate the body and help alleviate chronic fatigue and tiredness.
- Stress and Anxiety: Panchakarma therapies may have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, making it beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and mild depression.
- Joint and Muscular Pain: Panchakarma treatments, like oil massages and steam therapies, may provide relief from joint and muscular pain, especially in conditions like arthritis.
- Weight Management: It may aid in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight when combined with proper diet and exercise.
- Respiratory Issues: Panchakarma may be beneficial for managing respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
- Insomnia: Some Panchakarma therapies may promote better sleep and help manage insomnia.
- Skin Problems: Certain Panchakarma techniques may help improve skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
By undergoing PK, individuals may find relief from these ailments, leading to a profound journey towards inner harmony and a revitalised state of health.
Who should not undergo Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is not recommended if:
- You are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive.
- You have diabetes
- You have undergone major surgery within the past 8 weeks
- For one reason or another, you are unable to perform the laxative therapy at the end of Phase 2
- You are lactose intolerant and unable to consume ghee (clarified butter)
- You are severely depleted
- You have been diagnosed or believe you may have an eating disorder
- You are super-sensitive to herbs and supplements
- You have severe digestive issues (ulcerative colitis/IBS/GERD)
In the case of the last four, it is best to undergo a Rasayana (rebuilding) program prior to a detoxification program. You can find out more about this by contacting our team at hello@onebiglove.com.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to do Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is typically done during the change of seasons when the body is more susceptible to illness and imbalances due to changes in weather, diet, and daily routines.While the milder seasons of Autumn and Spring are ideal times to undertake Panchakarma, the best time for you to cleanse is when your body is strong enough to undergo intensive treatments and when there is adequate time for rest and recovery.
Before you cleanse, consider your schedule and have a plan for how you’ll navigate through family commitments, travel, and other events. Choosing a 14-day period with the fewest interruptions is recommended. - Can I do PK while working?
Yes. Our Panchakarma program is designed to be able to do while working or relaxing. With the meal options provided, you can tailor your cleanse depending on the demands of your schedule. In addition, the daily routine and stress relief practices are optional, so you can incorporate as few or as many of them as your schedule allows. - Can I do the cleanse and still cook for my family?
Absolutely! Most people find that within a few days, their cravings for the usual comfort foods have eased so much so that they are comfortable cooking non-cleansing meals for their family while still following the recommended foods within their Phase. That being said, if you are the primary meal maker in the home, it can be helpful to pre-prepare meals for family members to cover the first couple of days of your cleanse, as this is when you are more likely to be feeling the symptoms of detoxification. - Can I do PK during my period?
Yes, there is normally no negative interaction between the menstrual cycle and the cleanse. In fact, as periods are a naturally cleansing time for women, pairing this with a cleanse can be synergistic. It can also happen that menses come out of sync with their usual cycles, encouraged by the cleanse. This is a normal sign of the body responding to the detox and typically normalising quickly. If you a feeling good and strong, you do not need to make adjustments to the cleanse. If you do not feel strong, please let our team know and we will adjust your daily ghee doses during Phase 1. As always, listen to your body. - Can I do PK if I am pregnant or nursing?
No, please wait until you are at least 6 weeks postpartum and finished nursing before you begin Panchakarma. According to Ayurveda, pregnancy is considered a deeply healing time for women, a time when the body is able to balance itself in an extraordinary way. We encourage you to allow this time for the body to do its healing work. At an appropriate time postpartum, taking a gentle approach to cleansing is a wonderful way to rebuild the body and transition into the next phase of your life. - What possible detox reactions might I experience during PK?
Ohh, this is a tough question. As we are all different, everyone’s response to Panchakarma varies. Some more common signs of cleaning include fatigue, headaches, mild muscle aches, and irritability. Many cleansers have gut and digestive problems that show up in Phase 1 and will usually subside during Phase 3.
An important thing to remember is that the problems we each experience during the cleanse are very diagnostic and can be useful to treat an underlying problem that may have been hiding for years. So it is important to stay in tune with your body, and also observe your thoughts during the cleanse.
SHOP
View our collection of organic, handcrafted, herbal tea blends and Ayurveda lifestyle products to help balance your dosha and restore harmony to your body, mind and life.