Om to all

We finished our second week of Pancha Karma (PK). This was the week of continued massage and steam in many different ways than done normally in the US. Most of the massages are done with two or three PK therapists. Maury and I both had allergy symptoms followed by coughs and mine moved into the lungs. This was partially a result of getting accustomed to the many new, strange smells and pollution in India. The other part is merely a manifestation of our detoxing and cleansing. My lung line on my tongue is the clearest it has been in some time which is very good.
We did the first two days of the week with more warm herbal oil massage along with hot herbal packs heated with medicated oils. This was followed by herbal steam and Netra Vasti. Netra means eyes. A gram flour mask was built around both eyes to hold medicated Ghee(clarified butter with triphala). You look through the ghee for several minutes during three applications of the ghee. This is extremely wonderful for the vision, ocular pressure, glaucoma and cataracts.
The next two days we received Savangadhara/PizhuChil which was the process of literally pouring warm medicated oil for an hour all over the body front, back and while sitting on a wooden table with a trough that collects the oil at the bottom and underneath the table. The oil is warmed and recycled during each person’s treatment. In India they use almost 2 gallons of oil for each treatment. It is very effective for Vata imbalances such as dryness, insomnia, wasting of tissues, poor memory and concentration, improper digestion and elimination.
This was followed each day with Nasya, which means nasal, that involved putting medicated oil in each nostril. We received steam, a facial massage and breathing in eucalyptus steam infused with herbs Then several droppers of the medicated oil are put in each nostril. The oil activates the cavities in the sinuses eliminating toxins from the head.

The final two days of the week we received an amazing treatment for Pitta which reduces heat and softens the skin. The two sometimes three PK therapists. They cooked rice in raw milk until soft then poured that warm substance all over the body with intermittently massaging us with bolluses (Cloth bundles) filled with herbal leaves, ginger, & ajwan spice. Then the male attendants wipe you down while you stand under a hot shower. This has been the most incredible treatment for me yet. After the treatment, of course, your skin becomes milky smooth and the body is cooled.

Sunday was a day of rest but we actually went White Water rafting which could have been a mistake since we were soaking wet with the cold water from Mother Ganga(Ganges). Cold water is contra-indicative for PK. We were stiff and sore from paddling which we had not been used to of course. Today we have recovered and continue with our third week of the amazing program of cleansing and rejuvenation. By the way to help in rejuvenating we found a German Bakery and restaurant which allowed us to sample some delicious sweets. Sweet is excellent for the mind and recuperating from the intense part of the detoxing. No, that’s really true.

Om Shanti
Vijaya