11 Integrative Medicine Practices from India Explained

10. Panchakarma — Detoxification and Therapeutic Procedures

Panchakarma is a set of five core cleansing and restorative therapies intended to remove toxins and restore balance. Treatments include preparatory diet and oiling, followed by procedures such as therapeutic vomiting (under strict supervision), enemas, nasal therapies, and medicated oil massages. In traditional settings Panchakarma is personalized by an Ayurvedic physician and carried out over days or weeks with close monitoring. Modern practitioners emphasize safe clinical settings, trained staff, and screening for contraindications. Many people report feeling refreshed and less stressed after a supervised Panchakarma program, though intensive detox protocols require medical oversight, especially for people with chronic disease. What the evidence says: Small clinical studies and observational reports describe symptomatic improvements and metabolic changes after Panchakarma, but larger randomized trials are limited and methodological quality varies (PMC; Ministry of AYUSH). When to consult a clinician: Do not attempt intensive detox at home; consult your primary care physician and a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner to assess safety and interactions with medications.