Abstract

PANCHAKARMA THERAPY FOR HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

*Dr. Akriti Rathore

Abstract

Background: Panchakarma is a specialized therapeutic modality of Ayurveda that aims to eliminate accumulated toxins, restore doshic balance, and maintain physiological homeostasis. It has been widely practiced for disease prevention, health promotion, and management of chronic disorders. Objective: To review the role of Panchakarma therapy in health promotion and disease management and summarize available scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic applications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic literature, including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with published articles indexed in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Literature related to Panchakarma, detoxification therapies, preventive healthcare, and chronic disease management was reviewed. Results: The reviewed literature indicates that Panchakarma therapies may contribute to improved metabolic function, enhanced immunity, stress reduction, better quality of life, and symptomatic relief in chronic disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and dermatological conditions. Several studies have reported favorable clinical outcomes; however, methodological limitations remain. Conclusion: Panchakarma represents a holistic therapeutic approach with potential benefits in health promotion and disease management. Further well-designed clinical studies are required to establish standardized protocols and strengthen the evidence base.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Integrative Medicine, Detoxification, Chronic Disease Management.