The last time I had an enema was due to a ‘severe blockage’ in Italy when I was 18 years old. At the time, my parents were frantically trying to think of a contingency plan should I have appendicitis (ironic how they didn’t trust the hospitals in Europe and were trying to get an airline to fly me home to South Africa).
Lucky for me though it was a case of serious constipation, which was easily solved by self administering an enema. Unlucky for me was the fact that all the nurses in the hospital were hot Italian males AND the enema process was explained in half Italian, half hand gestures with a super hot nurse.
When I signed up for the detox, the thought of putting myself through the final days of the program were not fun. Thus I’m not sure where to begin and how much detail I should unfold – but rather out than in say I.
The end of the detox was a rather intense one, as I’m sure you can understand. One of my fellow ashram-goers asked me how I felt and the honest truth was that… I wasn’t totally sure! The final part of the detox was 3 days of small oil enema’s and then a final big enema day where a liter and a half of a certain herbal concoction was administered.
The enemas seemed to bring up suppressed emotions that I hadn’t realised I had suppressed. According to the Ayurvedic Doc, we hold a lot of what we feel in our fat cells and within our intestines – and I for one definitely agree with this. Or it simply could have been some pretty uncomfortable days waiting for my intestines to empty. I am sorry to bring this up, but I must remind you that I am in India, and the toilets here are eastern (AKA every westerners nightmare) – I wont explain anymore but I’ll leave you with a happy note that my thighs have had their fair share of workout.
The idea of having someone else administer the enemas was also something I had to get used to, but like any good colonic irrigation – I learnt that my body had gotten too used to processed foods and that time for a dietary change was in order (thinking along the lines of becoming a full on vegetarian).
I thought I would end off the Pancha Karma detox with some more information about the program and the benefits of it (well the benefits it had for me).
According to the pamphlet these are the procedures and the benefits:
Abhyanga (oil massage) – to mobilize and liquefy toxins from the tissues, release muscular tension, improve circulation and give mental relaxation. [as part of my treatment I spent 15 minutes in a steam bath after my massages]
Kizhi (hot bundle) – process by which the whole body or specific parts are made to sweat by the application of warmed medicinal herb powder, leaf or hot rice tied into a cotton cloth. Kizhi serves to liquefy and help eliminate toxins, to release the pain of strained muscles (sciatica etc.) and give flexibility to the body.
Dhara – process by which medicated oil (thailadhara) is poured in a continuous stream on the forehead for a period 20 to 30 minutes. Enhances the effect of Panchakarma and calms the mind and emotions.
3 oil enemas – part of the elimination stage.
1 decoction enema – part of the elimination stage.
Hot water bath is included after each treatment in the ayurveda clinic.
Benefits:
– Increased energy
– Rejuvenation of mind and body
– Clarity of the mind
– Younger looking skin and eyes
– Restoration of regular sleep patterns
– Increased alertness and awareness
– A peaceful sense of well being
– A strengthened immune system
– A restored balance to the body’s constitutional Doshas
And for the most part I feel every single one of those. In fact my skin has regressed so far back into my teenage years I’ve had a complete breakout which I’m still waiting to clear. Besides that I have never felt more incredible inside.
So here’s my hope to return every year for the next 3 years to complete Panchakarma.
P.S. I lost 5 kgs in the 3 weeks of the program… That was a SUPER awesome benefit
Namaste
Xx
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