Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'Snehana' in the context of Panchakarma preparation?
- Herbal decoction therapy
- Oleation therapy using oils or ghee (Correct answer)
- Steam therapy
- Fasting protocol
Correct answer: Oleation therapy using oils or ghee
Snehana is oleation therapy — the internal or external application of oils and ghee to lubricate tissues, loosen toxins, and prepare the body for Panchakarma.
Question 2: Which Ayurvedic term refers to the steam therapy used as part of Purvakarma in Panchakarma?
- Abhyanga
- Shirodhara
- Swedana (Correct answer)
- Udwartana
Correct answer: Swedana
Swedana is the sudation or steam therapy used to open channels, dilate vessels, and mobilize toxins loosened by prior oleation (Snehana) therapy.
Question 3: A patient with excess Kapha causing chronic bronchitis and obesity would be the ideal candidate for which Panchakarma treatment?
- Virechana
- Basti
- Vamana (Correct answer)
- Nasya
Correct answer: Vamana
Vamana (therapeutic emesis) is the primary treatment for conditions caused by excess Kapha, including respiratory disorders like bronchitis and obesity.
Question 4: What is the name of the Ayurvedic treatment where a pool of warm medicated oil is held over a specific body part using a dough dam?
- Shirodhara
- Kati Basti (Correct answer)
- Udvartana
- Pinda Sweda
Correct answer: Kati Basti
Kati Basti is a localized treatment where a pool of warm medicated oil is held over the lower back (kati) using a dam made of dough, used for spinal and lumbar conditions.
Question 5: During Panchakarma, what is 'Samsarjana Krama'?
- A type of nasal treatment
- A graduated refeeding diet followed after purification (Correct answer)
- A bloodletting technique
- A massage protocol
Correct answer: A graduated refeeding diet followed after purification
Samsarjana Krama is the graduated dietary protocol followed after Panchakarma purification, starting with light liquids and progressively moving to solid foods to rebuild digestive strength.
Question 6: Which Panchakarma therapy is specifically contraindicated in pregnancy?
- Abhyanga (oil massage)
- Shirodhara
- Vamana (therapeutic emesis) (Correct answer)
- Mild Nasya
Correct answer: Vamana (therapeutic emesis)
Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) is strongly contraindicated during pregnancy as the forceful expulsion could harm the fetus and cause miscarriage.
Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapy 3
What is 'Snehana' in the context of Panchakarma preparation?