Pancharakarma is preceded by poorvakarma or pre-purification. The body is ‘readied’to let go of toxins through swedanam and snehanam. Swedanam means ‘sudation’ or sweating. This procedure liquefies toxins and increases their movement into the gastrointestinal tract. Snehanam, which follows, means oleating the body. It helps toxins to move towards the gastrointestinal tract and makes tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and nourish the nervous system.The doshas are now active. A particular panchakarma is then given according to the individual’s constitution and disorder. Panchkarma is the classic five-point revitalization treatment that is gaining worldwide fame these days. Although Panchakarma is often thought of as the entire procedure, it is, in fact, part of a group of therapies belonging to a class of cleansing procedures called shodhana. The Panchkarma rejuvenation process is intensive and closely follows the early texts of Ayurveda like the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.Pradhana karma - main procedure There are five basic Shodhanas, or cleansing methods including Nasyam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasthy and Rakthamoksham.This is followed by Paschat karma or postpurification measures, which advises a diet and lifestyle that is harmonious with one’s constitution.