Panchakarma & Detoxification Flashcards

Which preparatory procedure involves the application of medicated oil to the entire body before Panchakarma?

Answer: Abhyanga

Abhyanga (medicated oil massage) is a key Purvakarma (preparatory procedure) that loosens toxins before the main Panchakarma therapies.

In Panchakarma, what is the term for the post-treatment regimen that includes diet, rest, and lifestyle guidelines?

Answer: Paschatkarma

Paschatkarma refers to the post-treatment phase that includes Samsarjana krama (graduated diet) and other rehabilitative measures after the main procedures.

Which dosha imbalance is the PRIMARY indication for Virechana (therapeutic purgation)?

Answer: Pitta

Virechana is the primary Panchakarma procedure for Pitta dosha disorders, as it eliminates excess Pitta from the small intestine.

What is the classical Ayurvedic term for the internal oleation (snehapana) used as preparation for Panchakarma?

Answer: Abhyantara snehana

Abhyantara snehana (internal oleation) involves oral administration of medicated ghee or oil to loosen toxins from deep tissues before elimination therapies.

Which of the following is a contraindication for Vamana (therapeutic emesis)?

Answer: Extreme weakness or debility

Extreme weakness or debility (daurbalya) is a contraindication for Vamana because the procedure requires sufficient strength to withstand the emetic process.

During Samsarjana krama (post-Panchakarma graduated diet), what is the FIRST food typically reintroduced after the procedure?

Answer: Manda (rice water)

Manda (the liquid portion of cooked rice, like rice water) is the lightest and first food introduced in Samsarjana krama to gently reawaken the digestive fire.

Shirodhara, the continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead, primarily pacifies which dosha and system?

Answer: Vata and the nervous system

Shirodhara primarily pacifies Vata dosha and calms the nervous system, making it effective for anxiety, insomnia, and neurological conditions.