An undertaking of Ashtanga Educational Trust

Ayurveda Multi Speciality Medical College Hospital

Search

Panchakarmam

Department of Panchakarma

Ashtamgam Ayurveda Chikitsalayam & Vidyapeedham

Restoring Health Through Classical Ayurvedic Healing

 

1.   Department Introduction

At the Department of Panchakarma, healing is approached not merely as treating a disease, but as a process of restoring balance, function, strength, and overall well-being.

Rooted in the classical principles of Ayurveda, Panchakarma encompasses specialized Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (pacifying) therapies aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to illness. Every treatment plan is individualized after considering the patient’s clinical condition, constitution, strength, lifestyle, and overall health.

The department provides classical Panchakarma procedures including Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana, along with supportive therapies such as Abhyanga, Pizhichil, Ilakizhi, Podikizhi, Njavarakizhi, Thalapothichil, Shirodhara, Upanaha Sweda, and other Swedana procedures.

At Ashtamgam, Panchakarma is not merely a procedure—it is a guided journey towards long-term wellness.

2.   Vision & Mission

Vision

To preserve and promote authentic Panchakarma practices while providing safe, individualized Ayurvedic care and developing competent practitioners through quality academic education, clinical exposure, professional training, and continuing education.

Mission

  • To provide individualized, patient-centred Panchakarma
  • To uphold classical Ayurvedic principles in clinical
  • To integrate traditional knowledge with systematic clinical
  • To provide high-quality practical training to undergraduate students and practising Ayurvedic physicians.
  • To promote research, documentation, and academic advancement in
  • To preserve and promote authentic Keraleeya Ayurvedic therapeutic

 

3.   Clinical Services

The department provides comprehensive Ayurvedic clinical services through both OPD and inpatient facilities.

OPD Services

  • Daily OPD consultation: 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Online consultations through video conferencing
  • Clinical assessment and individualized treatment protocols
  • Panchakarma and Shamana treatment planning
  • Follow-up consultations

Inpatient Services

  • Admission for procedures requiring close monitoring
  • Individualized treatment schedules
  • Medical supervision throughout the treatment course
  • Post-procedure care and follow-up
  • Well-equipped Physiotherapy unit with trained physiotherapist

Major Procedures

  • Vamana
  • Virechana
  • Basti
  • Nasya
  • Raktamokshana

Supportive Therapies

  • Abhyanga
  • Pizhichil
  • Njavarakizhi
  • Ilakizhi
  • Podikizhi
  • Thalapothichil
  • Shirodhara
  • Sirovasthi
  • Thalapothichil
  • Thakradhara
  • Upanaha Sweda
  • All kinds of Ayurveda treatment procedures

 

4.   Specialty Clinics

The department offers focused clinical services for selected neurological and preventive health concerns.

Integrated Neuro Specialty OPD(hyperlink the content of integrated neuro OP )

Integrated Services of Allopathy and Ayurveda for patients with:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Motor Neuron Disease
  • Neurodegenerative disorders
  • Other neurological conditions

Medhya Clinic – Cognitive Health & Early Intervention

A dedicated clinic focusing on the early identification of cognitive and functional changes, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.

The clinic addresses concerns related to:

  • Memory
  • Attention and concentration
  • Mental fatigue
  • Sleep-related cognitive complaints
  • Age-associated cognitive changes

Patients undergo appropriate clinical and cognitive assessment followed by individualized guidance regarding Ahara, Vihara, Dinacharya, Nidra, mental well-being, and Medhya Rasayana-based approaches, where clinically appropriate.

The clinic emphasizes early recognition, prevention, healthy ageing, and maintenance of cognitive well-being, with referral for further specialist evaluation when significant or progressive impairment is suspected.

5.   Conditions Managed

The department provides Ayurvedic care for a wide range of neurological, musculoskeletal, chronic, and lifestyle-related disorders.

Examples of some Conditions and Modern Medical Correlations

 

 

Ayurvedic Condition / Clinical Presentation

Modern Medical Correlation

Areas of Care

 

Ayurvedic Condition / Clinical Presentation

Modern Medical Correlation

Areas of Care

 

Pakshaghata                                 Stroke / Hemiplegia            Post-stroke rehabilitation and functional recovery

Kampavata                                   Parkinson’s Disease             Tremor, rigidity and movement difficulties

Sandhivata                                   Osteoarthritis                      Joint pain, stiffness and restricted mobility

 

Gridhrasi                                      Sciatica / Radicular Low Back Pain

Manyastambha                            Cervical Spondylosis / Neck Pain

Amsa Shoola                                Shoulder Pain / Frozen Shoulder

Radiating pain and functional limitation

Neck pain and restricted movement

Pain and restricted shoulder movement

 

Madhumehajanya Nadi Vikara Diabetic Neuropathy           Numbness, tingling and

neuropathic symptoms

 

Demyelinating Disorders            Demyelinating

Neurological Disorders

Neurological dysfunction

 

Shirashoola                                  Headache / Migraine           Recurrent headache

 

Apasmara                                     Seizure Disorders / Epilepsy

Seizure-related neurological conditions

 

These modern correlations are provided for clinical communication and do not imply that Ayurvedic disease entities are identical to modern medical diagnoses.

 

6.   Integrated Patient Care Pathway

The Panchakarma department functions as an integrated clinical unit within the hospital, coordinating care from the initial consultation through treatment, monitoring, documentation, and follow-up.

Patient Flow

Hospital OPD / IP Admission

Clinical Consultation & Assessment

Individualized Treatment Plan by Consultant

Panchakarma Procedure Selected & Scheduled

Patient Informed About Date, Time

Pre-Procedure Assessment & Vitals by Theatre RMO

 

Fitness Confirmation

Major Procedure → Panchakarma Consultant Review

Dose Fixation & Procedure-Specific Fitness Confirmation

Procedure Conducted by Trained Therapists

Medical & Clinical Monitoring

Post-Procedure Care

Documentation & Follow-up

 

This coordinated pathway ensures continuity between the consultant, medical officer, nursing team, therapists, medicine preparation team, patient, and academic staff.

7.   Treatment Planning & Procedure Scheduling

Following consultation, the treating consultant determines the appropriate treatment protocol. The treatment plan is individualized according to:

  • Disease condition and stage
  • Patient strength
  • Age and general health
  • Constitution and clinical status
  • Previous treatment history
  • Therapeutic requirements

Once finalized, the therapy is scheduled in coordination with the Panchakarma theatre. Patients are informed in advance regarding:

  • Date and approximate time of procedure
  • Required preparation
  • Dietary instructions
  • Precautions
  • Relevant pre-procedure requirements

This advance scheduling allows appropriate preparation of medicines, materials, therapy rooms, and trained personnel.

8.   Safety, Quality & Clinical Monitoring

 

Patient safety is an integral part of every Panchakarma procedure.

Before the procedure, the Panchakarma Medical Officer (RMO) assesses the patient’s general condition and relevant vital parameters.

For major procedures such as Vamana, Virechana, Basti, and other intensive Kriyakarma procedures, the patient is additionally reviewed by the Panchakarma Consultant for:

  • Indication and suitability
  • Fitness
  • Assessment of strength
  • Dose fixation
  • Medicine selection
  • Procedure-specific modifications
  • Confirmation of the treatment protocol

Patients are monitored during major procedures and whenever clinically indicated. Any significant change in condition is promptly communicated to the responsible medical team.

9.   Panchakarma Theatre Complex

The Panchakarma theatre complex functions under the supervision of the department and provides dedicated facilities for conducting Kriyakarma procedures.

Facilities

  • Separate male and female therapy sections

·        24 trained Panchakarma therapists

  • Dedicated Panchakarma Medical Officer
  • Nursing support
  • Monitoring facilities
  • Exclusive medicine preparation room
  • Practical training space for students
  • Procedure documentation facilities

The male and female therapy sections function as coordinated units while maintaining appropriate privacy, patient comfort, and professional standards.

11.   Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care

The department provides Ayurvedic supportive care for patients requiring rehabilitation and long-term management.

Areas include:

 

  • Post-stroke rehabilitation
  • Parkinson’s supportive care
  • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
  • Functional recovery
  • Mobility-related problems
  • Chronic neurological conditions
  • Long-term follow-up
  • Patient and caregiver guidance

Treatment plans are individualized according to the patient’s functional status and therapeutic requirements.

12.   Academic Excellence & Student Training

The Department of Panchakarma plays an important role in final-year BAMS education by integrating classical theoretical knowledge with clinical exposure and practical training.

Student Training Includes

  • Demonstration sessions
  • Self-practice training
  • Procedure preparation techniques
  • Clinical observation
  • Case documentation
  • Hands-on training using models and dummies
  • Observation of patient assessment
  • Procedure monitoring
  • Clinical case discussions
  • Understanding indications, contraindications, preparation, execution, and post-procedure care

The department aims to develop graduates who are confident in Panchakarma procedures and understand their appropriate clinical application.

14.   Research, Documentation & Clinical Outcomes

The department actively contributes to clinical learning and academic advancement through:

  • Systematic case documentation
  • Therapy assessment
  • Clinical observation
  • Treatment outcome documentation
  • Monitoring of adverse reactions
  • Procedure-specific documentation

 

  • Therapist skill-enhancement programmes
  • Clinical audits and academic discussions
  • Research activities
  • Academic presentations and publications, where applicable

Clinical observations are used to improve treatment planning, teaching, documentation, and patient care.

15.   Seasonal & Preventive Programmes

The department conducts programmes based on classical seasonal and preventive principles.

Seasonal Purification Programmes

  • Vasanthika Vamana: conducted every year during Jan-Feb This procedure intends to eliminate the vitiated Kapha from the body by Sadyo Vamana
  • Sharadika Virechana: conducted every year during Sep-Oct This procedure intends to eliminate the vitiated Pitta from the body by Sadyo Virechana.

Such programmes provide an opportunity to apply classical concepts of seasonal purification while promoting awareness regarding preventive Ayurvedic healthcare.

16.   Seminars, Workshops & Special Initiatives

Karmasidhi – National level Hands-on Training Workshop

Karmasidhi is a Signature program of the department. The one-week residential training programme conducted by the Department of Panchakarma is intended for Ayurvedic practitioners from across India.

The programme focuses on practical training in Keraleeya Ayurvedic procedures, providing structured exposure to authentic Kerala therapeutic practices, preparation techniques, procedural skills, and clinical application. This started as a Webinar in the year 2020 and as hands-on training workshops during 2022, 2024 and 2026.

Objectives

  • Training Ayurvedic practitioners from across India
  • Preserving authentic Keraleeya Ayurvedic practices
  • Enhancing practical therapeutic skills
  • Improving clinical confidence
  • Facilitating professional knowledge exchange
  • Promoting continuing professional education

 

Karmasidhi strengthens the department’s role not only in undergraduate education but also in continuing professional development and academic excellence among practising Ayurvedic physicians.

Ghritha Sameeksha – November 2015

A seminar focusing on the therapeutic importance and clinical applications of medicated ghee in Ayurveda.

Dhara Vicharam – March 2016

A seminar dedicated to the principles, procedure, and therapeutic utility of Shirodhara.

Ghritha Sambharana Initiative

Since 2015, the department has been involved in the preservation and preparation of Purana Ghritha, supporting the continuation and academic exploration of this classical Ayurvedic practice.

Vata Vyadhi Vicharam

 

A 2-day seminar on the Ayurvedic aspects of Neurological Disorders together with a paper presentation competition was conducted in May 2025.

Clinical Discussions on Parkinsonism

A webinar conducted in April 2026, as part of World Parkinson’s Day, explored the possibilities of Ayurvedic and contemporary medical systems in the management of Parkinson’s Disease

Continuing Academic Activities

The department also encourages:

  • Workshops
  • Guest lectures
  • Case discussions
  • Skill-development programmes
  • Resource-person activities
  • Continuing professional education

17.   Department Infrastructure & Learning Resources

Vidyapeedham Facilities

  • Museum with 60 specimens
  • Library with 63 reference books

 

  • 20 teaching models
  • 20 academic charts

 

Chikitsalayam (Teaching Hospital) Facilities

  • Fully functional OPD consultation area
  • Panchakarma theatre complex
  • Separate male and female therapy sections
  • Medicine preparation facilities
  • Clinical training facilities
  • Practical teaching infrastructure

These facilities support both patient care and academic training.

18.   Faculty & Multidisciplinary Team

The department functions through coordinated teamwork involving:

  • Department faculty and consultants
  • Panchakarma Medical Officers
  • Theatre RMO
  • Nursing staff
  • Panchakarma therapists
  • Medicine preparation personnel
  • Students and academic trainees
  • Other hospital departments and specialists when required

This team-based approach facilitates coordinated clinical care, procedure monitoring, academic training, and continuity of patient management.

19.   Patient Information & Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Panchakarma treatment take?

The duration varies according to the disease, treatment protocol, individual response, and clinical requirements. Treatment may range from a few days to several weeks.

Are dietary restrictions necessary?

A light and easily digestible diet is generally advised during treatment. Specific dietary instructions are provided according to the procedure and individual treatment plan.

Can Panchakarma be done alongside modern medicines?

 

In many cases, Ayurvedic treatment may be provided alongside ongoing medications after appropriate medical evaluation. Medication continuation or modification is decided by the treating medical team.

Is Panchakarma painful?

Most supportive therapies are gentle and relaxing. Certain Shodhana procedures may be physically intensive but are performed after appropriate assessment and under medical supervision.

Is hospital stay necessary?

Some procedures require inpatient care for close monitoring, while others may be performed on an outpatient basis. The treating consultant determines the appropriate setting.

When can results be expected?

Response varies according to the condition, chronicity, treatment protocol, and individual factors. Chronic conditions may require a complete treatment course and continued follow-up.

20.   Contact, Consultation & Continuity of Care

The Department of Panchakarma provides structured access to consultation, treatment planning, inpatient procedures, follow-up, and academic services.

OPD Timing

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

 

Patients may approach the department for:

  • Initial consultation
  • Panchakarma treatment planning
  • Specialty clinic consultation
  • Inpatient treatment
  • Follow-up consultation
  • Preventive and wellness guidance

Continuity of Care

Patient care does not end with completion of a procedure. Follow-up assessment, dietary and lifestyle guidance, rehabilitation advice, medication review where required, and further treatment planning are incorporated into the overall care pathway.

 

Healing Through Tradition, Care & Clinical Excellence

The Department of Panchakarma at Ashtamgam Ayurveda Chikitsalayam & Vidyapeedham strives to uphold the classical wisdom of Ayurveda through authentic therapies, individualized patient care, systematic clinical practice, safety and monitoring, academic excellence, professional training, research, and continuous clinical learning.

From consultation to treatment planning, procedure scheduling, medical assessment, therapy, monitoring, documentation, rehabilitation, and follow-up, every stage is coordinated to provide a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to Panchakarma care.

Through its clinical services, specialty clinics, undergraduate teaching, professional training programmes such as Karmasidhi, academic initiatives, research activities, and preservation of classical Keraleeya practices, the department continues to contribute to the responsible practice, teaching, and advancement of Panchakarma.

Our Doctors

Dr. Ramya Alakkal

BAMS, MD (Panchakarmam)

Dr. Sreeparvathy R

BAMS, MD (Panchakarmam)

Dr. Nimisha Lathiff

BAMS, MD (Panchakarmam)

Book Video Consultation