What Should I Expect During the Panchkarma Process for Digestive and Skin Issues - #1630

Alright, let’s get into it. So Panchkarma, it's like a deep clean for your body, and yeah, it can be pretty intense but also super beneficial. It gears towards balancing your doshas, primarily focusing on your agni (digestive fire) and purifying the systems – perfect if you're struggling with digestion and skin. Now, there are five main steps but let's tackle the most relevant ones for your issues: Virechana and Basti. 1. **Virechana** focuses on Pitta dosha, and it’s a controlled purgation process to detox your liver and gallbladder while easing skin issues. It usually takes a few days, you start with internal oleation – that's consuming medicated ghee or oils. Then comes controlled fasting. After that, you’ll take herbal laxatives. Yeah, you might have a day or two of sticking close to a toilet – but many people say they feel lighter after! 2. **Basti** is another key cleanse, targeting Vata, and it involves enemas. Sounds awkward, I know, but its super effective for digestion and for removing toxins lodged in the deeper tissues. There are two types: oil-based and decoction-based, usually done over 8-30 days. Preparation is all about diet and mindset. Eat light meals a week before and minimize stress. Stretch a little everyday, think 5-min yoga perhaps? Stay hydrated, too. About concerns on intensity – side effects like tiredness or mild headache could appear, but they’re usually short-lived. You might see results right after or it could take a couple weeks, varies person to person. It's definitely safe if done properly with a qualified practitioner but make sure to chat with them about your health background to tailor the entire thing. Very personalized, that is the Ayurveda magic! Hope that sheds some light on it!