Sivananda Panchakarma Detoxification Programme
India

Restore balance, cleanse deeply, and rejuvenate naturally.

The Panchakarma Detoxification Programme at the Sivananda Institute of Health is a doctor-led Ayurvedic treatment designed to restore balance through systematic purification. Rooted in the classical texts of Ayurveda and practised according to Kerala traditions, the programme addresses the accumulation of toxins that disrupt digestion, metabolism, immunity, and mental clarity.

Each treatment plan begins with a detailed consultation to assess constitution, imbalances, and current health conditions. Therapies are then prescribed as a coordinated sequence that prepares the body, eliminates toxins, and supports recovery. This process unfolds gradually, allowing the system to respond safely and effectively.

Treatment takes place in a quiet ashram environment that supports rest, routine, and mindful living. Alongside therapies, patients follow a regulated diet, daily schedule, and lifestyle guidance. This integrated approach allows Panchakarma to work at both a physical and systemic level, supporting long-term wellbeing rather than short-term relief.

Stages of Panchakarma

Panchakarma is carried out in three carefully planned stages.
Each stage prepares the body for the next and plays an essential role in the overall process.

1. Purvakarma – Preparatory Stage

This stage prepares the body to release accumulated toxins safely and effectively.

Abhyanga – Body Oil Massage

Full body Ayurvedic massage using warm herbal oils. Its long strokes breakdown toxin blockages, relax the body, stimulate the organs, and clear the body’s main circulatory channels.

Bashpa Sweda – Herbal Steam Bath

Herbs and leaves are boiled, and the medicated vapour is passed into a closed steam chamber. The process induces sweat, hence removes toxins while balancing energies throughout the body.

Kizhi – Hot Bundles Massage

Herbal powders are poured into cotton bags, immersed in warm herbal oil and gently padded to the whole body. Helps relax body and muscle tensions, induce sweat and detox, and absorb nourishing powder nutrients.

Udwarthanam – Powder Massage

Therapeutic deep tissue massage using herbal powders. It involves upward stroking where the powder is forcibly rubbed on the body to breakdown toxin and fat blocks under the skin while nourishing it with natural detoxifying ingredients.

Snehapanam – Herbal Oil Intake

Oral intake of medicated oil preparations. The oils lubricate internal body channels and tissues, forcing embedded toxins out towards the gastrointestinal tract and cleansing body cells.

Snehapanam – Herbal Oil Intake

Oral intake of medicated herbal decoction preparations. Herbal mix is made depending on body constitution and health requirement. Taken to cleanse body and balance energy.

2. Pradhan Karma – Main Treatment Stage

This stage consists of the five classical Panchakarma therapies. The doctor prescribes the most suitable therapies based on individual constitution and imbalance.

Vamana (Medicated Vomiting)

Intake of herbal preparations to induce emesis vomiting and expel toxins through the upper GIT.
Target: Throat, stomach, lungs.

Nasya (Medicated Nasal Drops)

Medicated nasal oils and powders administered through nostrils liquefy and expel toxins from head region.
Target: Head region, sinuses, brain.

Virechana (Medicated Purgation)

Intake of herbal preparations to induce purgation to expel toxin congestions excess mucus and body heat through anal passage.
Target: Liver, spleen, colon, gallbladder, intestines.

Sneha Basti (Lubricating Oil Enema)

Intake of medicated oil preparations through anal passage to eject toxins clean and lubricate lower GIT region.
Target: Colon, intestines.

Kashaya Basti (Cleansing Enema)

Intake of medicated decoctions through anal passage clean the GIT while rejuvenating body with nutrients.
Target: Colon, intestines.

Benefits of Panchakarma

in just 2 weeks

Clear skin and brighter eyes
Anti-aging, has a profound rejuvenative effect
Improved digestion and metabolism
Better sleep and emotional balance
Increased energy and clarity of mind
Relief from joint pain, inflammation, and fatigue
Strengthened immunity
Feeling light, calm, and reconnected with yourself

Deeper and Longer Benefits

Prevents neuro-degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s
Prevents bone-degenerative disease
Increases memory and concentration
Promotes weight loss, used for treatment of obesity
Regulates menstruation
Reduces insomnia

Dates & Prices

Daily Life in the Ashram

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Swami Sivananda

Join us for our powerful two-week detox and fasting programme. Increase your vitality and zest for life. Fasting improves sleep, digestion, lowers high blood pressure, boosts the immune system, reduces stiffness and joint pain, that’s just for starters!! You will feel lighter in body and mind.  Juices, ayurvedic massage and herbal extracts help the body detoxify. Daily yoga and meditation keep you energised and calm. It is also lots of fun!!

Begin the day in quiet, before the distractions of the world set in. Rising with nature sets a tone of clarity and balance.

A peaceful start to the day. We sit together in silence, chant uplifting mantras, and listen to readings or talks on yogic wisdom.
(Not religious. It’s a universal practice of focus, reflection, and inner connection.)

*time may change according to necessity

(SELFLESS Service)

A second session to refine your practice, go deeper into poses, and learn safe alignment.

INDIAN vegetarian meal

Evening meditation and chanting, followed by a talk, cultural programme, or spiritual film. A calm close to a meaningful day.

The ashram rests early. Silence and rest help integrate the day’s experience and support deep healing.

*time may change according to necessity

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Ayurveda is not a replacement but rather a compliment to typical Western medicine. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to lead a healthier life in more harmony with nature around them. Before undergoing any treatment please consult your regular doctor.

Absolutely not. All Ayurvedic therapies and medicines contain 100% natural ingredients as they have originated thousands of years ago when chemicals were still unknown to man.

The Panchakarma programme cleans your body from all accessible toxins, Ama and foreign substances that accumulated over the years or due to a specific disease. Some toxins are not easily accessible (eg. toxins in the blood or bone marrow) and require further cleansing measures to eradicate from the body.

No. Panchakarma is a completely personalized treatment program where the program duration and all the natural herbs, oils, medicines, and therapies used are customized for each guest based on their wellbeing requirements.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! An average of 3-4 litres warm water per day will help in eliminating toxins from your body

No. Please refrain from any dairy products, including milk.

No, you cannot. Panchakarma therapies increase heat in the body, and during menstruation body heat is already high. This causes negative effects on the body.

No, please take warm showers only as they maintain the body’s warm temperature.

You are served two freshly-prepared Ayurvedic meals a day, one at 10:00am and one at 06:00pm. Some meals are replaced with rice soup on some days depending on your treatment schedule for the day.

Try to limit any snacking in your room or health hut to a minimum. Snacks should be healthy, wholesome, and fresh. Health hut’s panchakarma fruit bowl, ginger honey tea, fresh pomegranate/grape/carrot juice, or dates are some of the better snacks available at the ashram.

Kashaya is a 100% natural herbal drink that helps your body detoxify and better prepare – at the cell level – for cleansing therapies and treatments.

Try to limit any snacking in your room or health hut to a minimum. Snacks should be healthy, wholesome, and fresh. Health hut’s panchakarma fruit bowl, ginger honey tea, fresh pomegranate/grape/carrot juice, or dates are some of the better snacks available at the ashram.

All oil and ghee preparations are made of 100% natural ingredients and herbal mixes. They are taken to oil the body internally in order to facilitate the breakdown and movement of toxic blockages within the body as well as to aggravate doshas in preparation for cleansing therapies

Accommodation

The Ashram offers five simple and functional types of accommodation.

Single Room

Our single rooms are simple, functional and spacious. The AC and non-AC single rooms have an attached bathroom with hot water. All accommodation areas have shelving.

Twinshare Rooms

Our twin-share are simple, functional and spacious. Twin-share rooms have attached bathrooms with hot water. All accommodation areas have shelving and hanging space.

Dormitory

Our dormitory accommodation is separate for men and women and built as double-occupancy cubicles. Shared bathroom facilities are provided with cold water.

Please note:

  • For all accommodation a mosquito net is provided.
  • Couples are not permitted to share twin rooms during the course.