Rohit Roy says he lost six kilos in 14 days with Ayurvedic Panchakarma: ‘I had zero water weight’

Rohit Bose Roy, who discovered Ayurveda in 2021, has been hooked on it ever since. He even travelled to Kerala, and did Panchakarma — a holistic programme aimed at general wellness. Speaking about it on the Unstoppable podcast, he shared that as part of the therapy, “they first cleanse the body so it accepts the medications better. I went there with a lot of digestive problems but came back as a different human being. I was 6 kilos lighter in 14 days. I had zero water weight. I was cleansed. I used to wake up at 6 am without an alarm. All those changes happened after my first visit to the wellness centre.”

He added that Panchkarma, now, is a yearly ritual for him. “Now, I go twice a year depending on my leaves. Sometimes I go for 10 days. I don’t go there to lose weight, but to detox myself. When I come back, my body feels healed and willing to take on more,” Roy added.

To lean more about Panchkarma, we turned to Dr Hansaji Yogendra, director of The Yoga Institute, who said that this therapy is not only beneficial for detoxification but also helps lose weight.

What is Ayurvedic Panchakarma?

Ayurvedic Panchakarma is a detoxification and rejuvenation treatment structured and personalised to each person’s specific needs. “It begins with a thorough consultation by an Ayurvedic expert to assess the person’s constitution (prakriti) and any imbalances (vikriti) in the body. Based on this assessment, a unique Panchakarma treatment is designed. This includes five therapeutic procedures aimed at cleansing the body of toxins and restoring balance to the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The term ‘Panchakarma’ means ‘five actions’ or five treatments,” said Dr Hansaji.

These treatments are:

1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)
Procedure: Induced vomiting to eliminate Kapha toxins from the body, particularly from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.
Benefit: Clears mucus, enhances lung function, and improves metabolism.

2. Virechana (Purgation)
Procedure: Use of purgative substances to cleanse the bowel, removing Pitta toxins accumulated in the liver and gallbladder.
Benefit: Detoxifies the liver, improves digestion, and promotes weight loss.

3. Basti (Enema)
Procedure: Administration of medicated enemas to cleanse and nourish the colon. There are two types: Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) and Niruha Basti (decoction enema).
Benefit: Removes waste, improves absorption, and balances Vata.

4. Nasya (Nasal Administration)
Procedure: Application of medicated oils or powders through the nostrils to clear and cleanse the head and neck region.
Benefit: Clears sinuses, improves mental clarity, and balances hormones.

5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)
Procedure: Controlled removal of a small quantity of blood to eliminate toxins and treat diseases related to blood impurities.
Benefit: Purifies the blood, reduces inflammation, and balances Pitta.

How does Panchakarma help?

*Detoxification: Removes accumulated toxins (Ama) that hinder metabolism and contribute to weight gain.
*Metabolic boost: Enhances digestive fire (Agni), improving metabolism and aiding in better digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
*Balancing doshas: Restores balance to the doshas, particularly Kapha, which is associated with weight gain, water retention, and sluggish metabolism.

Know all about Ayurveda Panchkarma (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Improved digestion and elimination: Enhances the body’s ability to digest food and eliminate waste efficiently, preventing the accumulation of excess fat and toxins.
*Reducing cravings: Regulates appetite and reduces cravings for unhealthy foods through a balanced diet and herbal supplements.

How much weight can one ideally lose with a 14-day program?

The amount of weight one can lose during a 14-day Panchakarma program varies based on your body type, dosha imbalance, metabolism, lifestyle, and other prescribed treatments or diet guidelines.

“On average, one can expect to lose between 3 to 5 kilograms over 14 days, but this may vary from person to person based on their body conditions,” said Dr Hansaji.

Agreeing with Roy, Dr Hansaji reiterated that the primary focus of Panchakarma is on detoxification and general health improvement rather than just weight loss. “The weight loss experienced is often a result of the body’s natural process of eliminating toxins and balancing the doshas,” said Dr Hansaji.

However, if you want to lose weight systematically, Dr Hansaji recommends a holistic approach. Adopting a yogic routine can help you attain your ideal weight comfortably, with a focus on physical exercise, proper food habits, the mind, sleep, and more.

Limitations

While Panchakarma is typically safe and beneficial for many, it is not for everybody, said Dr Hansaji. “Pregnant women, those with specific acute medical conditions, patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and people with severe weakness should avoid Panchakarma,” said Dr Hansaji.

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