panchakarma (Pancha Karma therapy, rejuvenation therapy)

Ayurvedic group of five "purificatory steps" or "elimination therapies." Panchakarma comprises: (1) emesis therapy ("therapeutic vomiting"); (2) purgation therapy--evacuation of the bowels with a laxative; (3) errhine therapy (nasal insufflation therapy)--intranasal application of "decongestants" such as medicated oils, powdered herbs, and ghee (fat derived from butter of cow or buffalo origin); (4) oily enema therapy; and (5) decoction (watery) enema therapy. Some Ayurvedists regard the two types of enema therapy as one step and bloodletting therapy (Raktamoksha) as the fifth.