PANCHAKARMA AND YOGA: COMPLEMENTARY APPROACHES TO HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Introduction: Panchakarma and Yoga are foundational components of Ayurveda, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Panchakarma involves detoxification and rejuvenation procedures, whereas Yoga encompasses asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Integrating these practices may enhance holistic health outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, supplemented by classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras. Inclusion criteria covered clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and authoritative texts addressing Panchakarma, Yoga, or their combined effects on health. Exclusion criteria comprised non-peer-reviewed publications, case reports with insufficient data, and studies not in English. Results: Evidence suggests that Panchakarma and Yoga independently improve immune function, metabolic health, stress reduction, and psychosomatic balance. Panchakarma procedures, including Virechana and Basti, facilitate detoxification and metabolic regulation, while Yoga interventions enhance musculoskeletal strength, cardiovascular function, and mental resilience. Combined approaches demonstrate synergistic effects, supporting chronic disease management, lifestyle disorder prevention, and overall well-being. Discussion: While traditional literature provides robust theoretical frameworks, modern clinical research is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in protocols, and variable outcome measures. The complementary integration of Panchakarma and Yoga aligns with biopsychosocial health models, emphasizing individualized interventions and holistic care. Future research should focus on standardized protocols, biomarker-based assessments, and randomized controlled trials to establish evidence-based integrative strategies.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Holistic Health, Panchakarma, Preventive Medicine, Yoga