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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 3 [july-August]
  3. PANCHAKARMA AND HOMEOSTASIS: BALANCING DOSHAS THROUGH DETOXIFICATION
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

PANCHAKARMA AND HOMEOSTASIS: BALANCING DOSHAS THROUGH DETOXIFICATION

Introduction: Panchakarma, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic therapeutics, is designed to restore systemic homeostasis by balancing doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). According to Ayurveda, imbalance of these biological regulators leads to disease through accumulation of metabolic toxins (ama). Panchakarma achieves detoxification and normalization of physiological processes, aligning with modern concepts of homeostasis. Methods: A narrative review was undertaken by consulting classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) and modern literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar. Publications from 2000–2024 were included. Clinical trials, review articles, experimental studies, and conceptual papers on Panchakarma, detoxification, and homeostasis were reviewed. Non-English works and studies unrelated to Panchakarma were excluded. Results: Classical literature outlines Panchakarma as a structured regimen involving preparatory (Purva Karma), principal (Pradhana Karma), and post-therapeutic (Paschat Karma) measures. The five principal therapies (Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana) aim to eliminate aggravated doshas. Modern studies suggest that Panchakarma influences multiple systems: improving metabolic function, regulating gut microbiota, reducing oxidative stress, normalizing neuroendocrine activity, and modulating immune responses. Clinical evidence supports benefits in metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and psychosomatic illnesses, indicating restoration of physiological homeostasis. Discussion: Panchakarma embodies a holistic detoxification approach that resonates with biomedical concepts such as allostasis, detoxification pathways, and psychoneuroimmunology. However, heterogeneity of methods, lack of biomarkers, and insufficient high-quality randomized trials limit its universal acceptance. Conclusion: Panchakarma offers a dual role of balancing doshas and restoring homeostasis through detoxification. Its integration with modern health sciences has potential for addressing chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, provided that standardized protocols and evidence-based validation are developed.

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Detoxification, Dosha, Homeostasis, Panchakarma