Description
Raktamoksha and Herbal Alternatives
by William A. Courson, M.A.
I. Ayurvedic Raktamoksa vs. Bloodletting in the West
Pancakarma as its name indicates is a method of treatment, which includes five (Panch) therapeutic processes (Karma). Although these procedures are functionally joined together under the umbrella term 'pancakarma' different sets of the procedures and varying medications are employed for the procedures depending upon the dosic constitution of the patient and the degree of therapeutic effect thought necessary. The practitioner determines the specific procedures and the specific medicinal substances to be used after examining the patient and making an assessment of his or Prakruti and Vikruti and general state of health and need for detoxification. It is not necessary that the patient should undergo all the five procedures of treatment used in pancakarma, but those which are deemed appropriate and beneficial by the practitioner. Although pancakarma is often thought of as the entire, stand-alone procedure, it really is only one of a group of therapies belonging to a class of detoxification procedures called 'Shodanan' (cleansing).
