Panchakarma

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is a classical Ayurvedic approach traditionally used for cleansing, restoration and rejuvenation. Rather than being a single treatment, it is an individualized program that combines preparation, therapeutic procedures, diet, herbal support, daily routines and a carefully guided restoration period.

Your program is developed according to your constitution (Prakriti), current state (Vikriti), strength, digestion, health history, season and individual needs.

At Ayurvedic Way, Panchakarma is adapted to contemporary practice while remaining rooted in classical Ayurvedic principles. Programs typically take place over three to five weeks, with much of the preparation and recovery completed at home and selected procedures performed at our center in Sammamish.

Your Panchakarma program

1. Preparation — Purvakarma
The preparatory phase is primarily completed at home. Depending on your individual protocol, it may include dietary adjustments, traditional Ayurvedic formulations, internal oleation (Snehapana), using individualized amounts of herbalized ghee or oil, and other practices used to prepare the body for the main procedures.

2. Main procedures
You will come to the center for the procedures selected as part of your individualized protocol. The type, sequence and number of treatment days vary according to your needs and response during the program.

3. Restoration — Paschatkarma
Following the main procedures, diet and activity are gradually adjusted as digestion and strength are restored. You receive individualized guidance for meals, daily routine, gentle movement, and other supportive practices during this important phase.

Panchakarma procedures we offer

Classical Panchakarma includes five principal purification procedures. At Ayurvedic Way, selected procedures may be incorporated according to your constitution, current state, strength, digestion and individualized protocol.

Vasti — Ayurvedic therapeutic enema
Vasti involves the administration of herbal oil or a specially prepared herbal decoction through the rectum. Depending on your protocol, this may include Sneha Vasti (herbalized oil) and Kashaya Vasti (herbal decoction). Each preparation is selected and prepared according to the individual plan.

Virechana — Guided at-home Ayurvedic purgation
Virechana is a classical Ayurvedic procedure in which specific herbal preparations are used to produce a controlled increase in bowel movements. It is preceded by a carefully guided preparation period and is performed only when appropriate for the individual.

Nasya — Herbalized nasal oil administration
Nasya involves the administration of a small amount of herbalized Ayurvedic oil through the nostrils. The oil and dose are selected according to the individual protocol.

Vamana and Raktamokshana are not offered at our center.

Supporting Ayurvedic procedures may include

Abhyanga — warm herbal oil massage
Bashpa Sveda — herbal steam
Shirodhara — a continuous stream of warm oil over the forehead
Pinda Sveda — warm herbal or rice bolus procedure
Kati, Janu & Greeva Vasti — localized warm-oil treatments for the lower back, knees or neck

Your Wellness Investment

Panchakarma is an individualized program, so the total cost varies according to the length of your protocol, the number of in-center days and the procedures included.

Most Panchakarma programs range from $2,000–$4,000.

What is included

Depending on your individualized protocol, your Panchakarma program may include:

Individualized Panchakarma protocol
Detailed guidance for the preparation, main procedures and restoration phases of your program.

Diet & lifestyle guidance
Specific recommendations for meals, daily routine, activity and supportive practices throughout each stage.

Ayurvedic herbal preparations
Traditional Ayurvedic formulations selected according to your individualized protocol

In-center procedures
Typically 3–10 in-center days, depending on the program developed for you.

Panchakarma manual
A detailed written guide outlining your individualized protocol and helping you follow each stage at home.

Follow-up support
A follow-up consultation to review your experience and provide recommendations for the transition back into your regular routine.