🌱 Poorva Karma — पूर्वकर्म
The Preparation Phase of Panchakarma
Poorva Karma ("pre-measures") prepares the body so deep Ama can be mobilised and moved to the GI tract for elimination by the main Panchakarma procedure. Without proper Poorva Karma, the main therapy (Pradhana Karma) cannot achieve its full therapeutic effect.
Duration: 3 to 14 days depending on the patient's constitution (Prakriti), disease severity, and season.
Three Stages of Poorva Karma
Deepana-Pachana
दीपन-पाचन3–5 daysKindle Agni (digestive fire) before oleation. Light diet + digestive herbs (Trikatu, Chitrakadi Vati). Introducing ghee into low-Agni or Ama-laden body worsens conditions.
Snehana (Internal)
स्नेहन3–7 daysMedicated ghee in increasing doses each morning, empty stomach. Penetrates deep tissues, softens Ama, mobilises toward GI tract. Signs: soft stools, oily skin, no desire for more ghee.
Snehana (External)
स्नेहन3–7 daysFull-body Abhyanga (warm oil massage) daily alongside internal Snehana. Softens outer tissues and supports inward Ama movement.
Swedana
स्वेदन3–7 daysSteam therapy after Abhyanga each day. Heat liquefies Ama further, expands Srotas so toxins flow freely to GI tract for elimination.