Five Actions
Panchakarma
"Panchakarma," a sanskrit word meaning "five actions," describes a series of gentle, natural therapies that boost the body's ability to detoxify and rejuvenate. As an essential part of Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic system of medicine, it is used to maintain the body's balance to prevent illness or as the first step in holistic treatment. Panchakarma's incredible purification improves healing throughout the body, mind, and spirit, clearing the way for the body's healing intelligence to flow freely.
Today, an oil massage, steam baths, and a special diet prepare your body for several days of relaxing, healing therapies at a spa-like medical clinic. A precise sequence of soothing treatments is then applied in such a way that brainwaves are stimulated and synchronized, creating deep relaxation and an expanded state of consciousness. At the same time, herbal therapies help flush toxins from the body's systems and tissues while massage soothes the body and balances its energy. Profoundly rejuvenating, Panchakarma can increase energy and mental clarity. It has even been known to slow the aging process and heal diseases previously thought to be incurable according to Western medicine.
Depending on the needs of the particular individual, a series of five basic therapies are used: Vaman purges toxins from the sinuses, lungs, and stomach; Virechan flushes toxins from the small intestine; Vasti removes toxins from the colon; Nasyam is herbal therapy applied through the nose for head and sinus conditions. The fifth therapy can be one of three methods: Rakta Moksham removes the excess toxins in the bloodstream, while Shiro Dhara uses a hot-oil head massage. A second form of Vasti can also be applied. Along with a relief of symptoms and improvements in physical disorders, many people, after experiencing Panchakarma, feel lighter, more energized, and look younger. The body's ability to heal itself is deeply enhanced with the techniques of Panchakarma. By embracing its methods, we eliminate obstacles to complete balance in our bodies and allow the powerful flow of our healing energy to restore our health, our natural glow, and our zest for life.
Festival/Holiday: Festival of Pax (Rome)
Goddess: Pax
Theme: Peace
Symbols: White Items; Corn; Cornucopia; Olive Branch
About Pax: Pax is the Roman goddess of peace; she urges us to keep harmony among one another as a sacred commodity throughout the year. On coins, Pax appears youthful and often bears an olive branch to extend the hand of truce or a cornucopia, indicating that there is an abundance of peace for those that truly seek it.
To Do Today: Remember Pax by wearing or carrying something white today and offering to make amends with someone with whom you've had an argument.
Alternatively, make a funnel from a piece of white paper (like a cornucopia). Leave this somewhere predominant. Each time you have an angry or discordant thought, toss a coin into the funnel. At the end of the day, donate these coins (and a few dollars) to a charity that promotes peace.
Roman custom dictated that the images of all leaders were to be placed at Pax's feet on this day, as if to invoke her amicable energy in their interactions. This isn't a bad idea for modern leaders, either! Take any pictures you have of world leaders (check newspapers and magazines). If you can't find pictures, write their names on white paper instead. Put these in a pile before a white candle. As you light the candle, say, Pax, let peace fill their hearts.
Let all hatred depart.
Peace be between me and thee, and all those I meet.