Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'Panchakarma' literally mean in Sanskrit?
- Five herbs
- Five therapies (Correct answer)
- Five elements
- Five seasons
Correct answer: Five therapies
Panchakarma literally means 'five actions' or 'five therapies' in Sanskrit — a system of purification and detoxification procedures in Ayurveda.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT one of the five main Panchakarma procedures?
- Vamana
- Virechana
- Nasya
- Abhyanga (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Abhyanga
Abhyanga (oil massage) is a Purvakarma (preparatory therapy) and not one of the five main Panchakarma procedures, which include Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana.
Question 3: Vamana therapy in Panchakarma is primarily indicated for which dosha imbalance?
- Vata
- Pitta
- Kapha (Correct answer)
- All three equally
Correct answer: Kapha
Vamana (therapeutic emesis) is the primary treatment for Kapha-dominant disorders as it eliminates excess Kapha through the upper GI tract.
Question 4: What is the preparatory phase of Panchakarma called, which includes oleation and sudation?
- Paschatkarma
- Purvakarma (Correct answer)
- Pradhanakarma
- Samana
Correct answer: Purvakarma
Purvakarma refers to the preparatory procedures — including Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation) — performed before the main Panchakarma treatments.
Question 5: Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is most effective for eliminating which dosha from the body?
- Vata
- Pitta (Correct answer)
- Kapha
- All doshas equally
Correct answer: Pitta
Virechana is the primary Panchakarma treatment for Pitta disorders, as Pitta accumulates in the small intestine and liver, which are the target organs for purgation.
Question 6: Which Panchakarma procedure involves the administration of medicated substances through the nasal passages?
- Basti
- Vamana
- Nasya (Correct answer)
- Raktamokshana
Correct answer: Nasya
Nasya involves the administration of medicated oils, powders, or herbal preparations through the nasal passages to treat disorders of the head, neck, and sensory organs.
Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapy 1
What does the term 'Panchakarma' literally mean in Sanskrit?