Practical handbook of Panchakarma Procedures is a brief knowledge of various Panchakarma procedures followed in different parts of the country. It also includes some of the common therapeutic procedures popular in Kerala. Panchakarma therapy is an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment. All the learned scholars of Ayurveda since beginning to the present era have highly appreciated the importance and therapeutic efficacy of Panchakarma therapy. The description of Panchakarma is found to be popular in Ayurvedic classics viz Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Ashtanga Samgraha, Sharngadhara and Vanga Sena etc.Classical Panchakarma includes Vamana, Virachana, Anuvasana Basti, Niruha Basti and Nasya, which require more attention and care from the physician. The procedures are also time taking. Due to these facts some of the physicians developed easier techniques with better therapeutic effects. These procedures were popular in India sometime ago but now they are becoming popular all over the world.

This book deals with the commonly practiced, popular Panchakarma procedures minutely in simplified form for the benefit of students and Ayurvedic practitioners. It has been tried to give the material requirements, names and doses of commonly used medicines with administration time, indications and contraindications with necessary photographs. The assessment of minimum required manpower in various procedures has also been done. This book also recommends space and staff requirements for a model Panchakarma unit. Textual references are also given wherever possible.

I appreciate Dr. M.M. Sharma, Dr. B.S. Sharma, Mr. Upendra Singh & Mr. Narender Singh from publication section for their tireless efforts in bringing out this publication.

I hope that this handbook will serve as a ready reckon document for students, practitioners, academicians, research scholars, scientists and certainly help to establish a good Panchakarma center for better health care services.