AP Panchakarma & Detoxification 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which herb is most classically used as the emetic agent in Vamana therapy?
- Haritaki
- Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) (Correct answer)
- Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)
- Danti (Baliospermum montanum)
Correct answer: Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum)
Madanaphala (Randia dumetorum) is the classical emetic herb of choice in Vamana therapy, known for its reliable and controlled emetic action.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of Swedana (sudation/heat therapy) in Panchakarma preparation?
- To eliminate Kapha directly from the body
- To dilate channels and liquefy ama for easier removal (Correct answer)
- To increase digestive fire before purgation
- To calm Vata by warming the joints
Correct answer: To dilate channels and liquefy ama for easier removal
Swedana dilates the srotas (channels) and liquefies accumulated ama and dosha, facilitating their movement to the gut for elimination during main Panchakarma procedures.
Question 3: Anuvasana basti (oil enema) is indicated primarily for which condition?
- Severe Pitta disorders with inflammation
- Acute diarrhea and loose stools
- Vata disorders with dryness and degeneration (Correct answer)
- Kapha accumulation in the colon
Correct answer: Vata disorders with dryness and degeneration
Anuvasana basti uses medicated oils to nourish and lubricate the colon, making it ideal for Vata disorders characterized by dryness, constipation, and degenerative conditions.
Question 4: How many classical Panchakarma procedures are described in Charaka Samhita?
- 3
- 4
- 5 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 5
Charaka Samhita describes 5 classical Panchakarma procedures: Vamana, Virechana, Basti (Asthapana and Anuvasana), Nasya, and Raktamokshana.
Question 5: Which type of Nasya is indicated for nourishment and strengthening of the sensory organs?
- Shodhana Nasya
- Shamana Nasya
- Bruhana Nasya (Correct answer)
- Pratimarsha Nasya
Correct answer: Bruhana Nasya
Bruhana Nasya (nourishing nasal administration) uses heavy, unctuous substances like medicated ghee or oils to nourish the head, brain, and sensory organs.
Question 6: In Panchakarma, which procedure is considered 'Ardha chikitsa' (half of all treatments) in classical texts?
- Vamana
- Virechana
- Basti (Correct answer)
- Nasya
Correct answer: Basti
Basti is called 'Ardha chikitsa' because it addresses all three doshas but particularly Vata, which is the root of most diseases; it combines nourishing and cleansing actions.
Question 7: What is 'Koshtha' and why is it relevant to Panchakarma planning?
- A type of herbal decoction used in basti
- The patient's constitution of bowel tendency, determining dose of purgatives (Correct answer)
- The channel system through which doshas travel
- The post-treatment dietary phase
Correct answer: The patient's constitution of bowel tendency, determining dose of purgatives
Koshtha refers to the nature of the alimentary canal and bowel tendency (mridu/soft, madhyama/moderate, krura/hard), which determines the appropriate dose and choice of therapeutic interventions.
AP Panchakarma & Detoxification 3
Which herb is most classically used as the emetic agent in Vamana therapy?