Experience
Panchakarma in Rishikesh
In short
Panchakarma is the classical multi-day Ayurvedic programme built around five traditional procedures, with a preparation stage before them and a staged return to normal routine afterwards. School Lama offers a one-week residential Panchakarma programme at ₹45,000, including treatment, accommodation and daily meals.
Panchakarma is not a treatment you book for an afternoon. The name means "five actions", and the five procedures it refers to sit inside a longer arc: a preparation stage that softens and mobilises, the procedures themselves, and a carefully staged return to ordinary eating and activity.
That structure is why it is offered residentially. The daily routine, the food and the rest between treatments are not extras around the programme — in classical Ayurveda they are part of it.
Purvakarma — the preparation stage
What comes first. This stage traditionally combines Snehana (oleation, internal and external) with Swedana (sudation or steam), preparing the body over a period of days before any of the main procedures are considered.
The five actions
The five classical procedures that give Panchakarma its name. Which of them are appropriate for an individual is decided by the practitioner following assessment — they are not a fixed menu applied uniformly to everyone.
Paschatkarma — the return
The stage after the main procedures: a graded return to a normal diet and daily routine. Classical texts treat this phase as inseparable from the treatment, and rushing it is considered to undo the work.
The daily routine
A Panchakarma stay is structured. Meals are prepared to suit the programme, rest between treatments is scheduled rather than incidental, and the day follows a consistent shape throughout.
The Panchakarma Living Experience
School Lama’s one-week residential programme, priced at ₹45,000 or ₹6,000 per day. It includes the complete Panchakarma treatment, accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and professional therapeutic care throughout the stay.
What to expect
- Panchakarma is residential — plan for the full week rather than fitting it around other travel.
- You will be assessed before the programme so procedures can be chosen for you individually.
- Diet is part of the programme; meals are prepared to suit it and it is best not to eat outside the plan.
- Days are structured around treatment and rest, with limited scope for demanding sightseeing.
Before you book
- Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic programme offered for wellbeing and restoration. It is not a medical treatment and does not replace care from a qualified healthcare professional.
- Panchakarma procedures should be undertaken with qualified supervision. Disclose all medical conditions, medications and pregnancy before booking, as some procedures may not be appropriate.
- If you are under medical treatment for any condition, speak to your own doctor before booking a Panchakarma programme.
For neutral background on this tradition, see Ministry of Ayush from the Government of India.
Frequently asked questions
What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma is a classical Ayurvedic programme whose name means "five actions", referring to five traditional procedures. It includes a preparation stage of oleation and sudation beforehand, the procedures themselves, and a staged return to normal diet and routine afterwards.
How much does Panchakarma cost at School Lama?
The Panchakarma Living Experience at School Lama costs ₹45,000 for a one-week residential programme, which works out at ₹6,000 per day. The fee includes the complete Panchakarma treatment, accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and professional therapeutic care.
How long does a Panchakarma programme take?
The Panchakarma Living Experience at School Lama runs for one week. Panchakarma is a staged programme with preparation and aftercare phases around the main procedures, which is why it is offered residentially rather than as individual appointments.
What is included in the Panchakarma Living Experience?
The Panchakarma Living Experience includes the complete Panchakarma treatment, comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and professional therapeutic care throughout the one-week stay, for a total of ₹45,000.
Can anyone do Panchakarma?
Not necessarily. Panchakarma procedures should be undertaken with qualified supervision, and some may not be appropriate during pregnancy, with certain medical conditions, or alongside particular medications. Disclose your full health circumstances before booking and consult your own doctor if you are under medical treatment.
What is the difference between the Panchakarma programme and the Panchakarma Course?
The Panchakarma Living Experience is a one-week residential stay where you receive Panchakarma treatment, priced at ₹45,000. The Panchakarma Course is a 30-day training where you study the system as a student, priced at ₹50,000. One is for receiving, the other for learning.