AP Panchakarma & Detoxification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which preparatory procedure involves the application of medicated oil to the entire body before Panchakarma?
- Swedana
- Abhyanga (Correct answer)
- Nasya
- Basti
Correct answer: Abhyanga
Abhyanga (medicated oil massage) is a key Purvakarma (preparatory procedure) that loosens toxins before the main Panchakarma therapies.
Question 2: In Panchakarma, what is the term for the post-treatment regimen that includes diet, rest, and lifestyle guidelines?
- Purvakarma
- Pradhanakarma
- Paschatkarma (Correct answer)
- Samsarjana krama
Correct answer: Paschatkarma
Paschatkarma refers to the post-treatment phase that includes Samsarjana krama (graduated diet) and other rehabilitative measures after the main procedures.
Question 3: Which dosha imbalance is the PRIMARY indication for Virechana (therapeutic purgation)?
- Vata
- Pitta (Correct answer)
- Kapha
- Tridosha equally
Correct answer: Pitta
Virechana is the primary Panchakarma procedure for Pitta dosha disorders, as it eliminates excess Pitta from the small intestine.
Question 4: What is the classical Ayurvedic term for the internal oleation (snehapana) used as preparation for Panchakarma?
- Bahya snehana
- Abhyantara snehana (Correct answer)
- Mridu snehana
- Tikshna snehana
Correct answer: Abhyantara snehana
Abhyantara snehana (internal oleation) involves oral administration of medicated ghee or oil to loosen toxins from deep tissues before elimination therapies.
Question 5: Which of the following is a contraindication for Vamana (therapeutic emesis)?
- Chronic bronchitis
- Skin disorders with Kapha
- Extreme weakness or debility (Correct answer)
- Obesity with Kapha excess
Correct answer: Extreme weakness or debility
Extreme weakness or debility (daurbalya) is a contraindication for Vamana because the procedure requires sufficient strength to withstand the emetic process.
Question 6: During Samsarjana krama (post-Panchakarma graduated diet), what is the FIRST food typically reintroduced after the procedure?
- Khichadi (rice and lentils)
- Peya (thin rice gruel)
- Vilepi (thick porridge)
- Manda (rice water) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Manda (rice water)
Manda (the liquid portion of cooked rice, like rice water) is the lightest and first food introduced in Samsarjana krama to gently reawaken the digestive fire.
Question 7: Shirodhara, the continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead, primarily pacifies which dosha and system?
- Pitta and the cardiovascular system
- Kapha and the lymphatic system
- Vata and the nervous system (Correct answer)
- Tridosha and the endocrine system
Correct answer: Vata and the nervous system
Shirodhara primarily pacifies Vata dosha and calms the nervous system, making it effective for anxiety, insomnia, and neurological conditions.
AP Panchakarma & Detoxification 2
Which preparatory procedure involves the application of medicated oil to the entire body before Panchakarma?