Is Panchakarma possible for weak old people

[Guest guest]

Ayurveda Gurus,

 

my father is 63 years old. he has diabetes type 1, Corns in the feet

which prevents him to walk, psoriasis ( he has been using steroid exel

cream for almost 6 -7 years now ).

 

can an old person undergo panchakarma.

will he be able to take any hard massage ?

 

please advise.

 

thanks

Jay

[Guest guest]

> can an old person undergo panchakarma.

> will he be able to take any hard massage ?

 

Hi Jay,

 

Panchakarma is contraindicated in the texts for " old people " , but

" old " hasn't been defined! A practitioner would look at the strength

of the person (bala), the state of their immunity (ojas), the state of

their digestion (agni), and other factors before deciding on a course

of panchakarma.

 

There is no reason why a fairly strong person in his 60s can't have

panchakarma. In the case of your dad, he may benefit from a milder

form of treatment such as a course of enema (basti). This, or mild

purgation (virechana) may help his psoriasis.

 

There is also no reason to suffer hard massage. Abhyanga for

panchakarma should be smooth and flowing rather than hard and deep;

the purpose IS to mobilise toxins (ama), but this should be a

comfortable process which pacifies Vata.

 

It is best that your father have a consultation with a qualified

ayurvedic practitioner to work out the best options.

 

Cheers,

Gerald

Auckland, New Zealand.

[Guest guest]

Dear Jay,

1) Any old person can undergo Panchkarma provided he is examined by a authentic

and experienced Ayurvedic physician and subsequently advised the proper regime

of Panchkarma.

2) Ayurveda describes various patterns of external oil use. Abhyanga is the most

safest and light-handed variety that can be used from new-born to elderly. As

per the information given by you, your father does not

require hard massage at the first instance. You can use Abhyanga very

effectively. Just take care that he does not get skin infection as he is also

suffering from diabetes.

 

Dr.D.B.Muzumdar

M.D.Ayurvedic Medicine (INDIA)

< dahpc >

 

______

my father is 63 years old. he has diabetes type 1, Corns in the feet

which prevents him to walk, psoriasis ( he has been using steroid exel

cream for almost 6 -7 years now ).

 

can an old person undergo panchakarma and any hard massage ?