AYURVEDIC PANCHKARMA AND YOGA

It is not easy and frequent to encounter books on Ayurveda, and especially on Panchakarma, written in a simple and straightforward way like this one. The increasingly popularity of Ayurveda and of Panchakarma demands accuracy as well as clarity of information, elements which constitute the essence of Dr. Mukesh D. Jain’s book. Every section of the book is exhaustive and completed by an accurate Reference list of literature consulted by the author, necessary element for an in-depth analysis by the reader. Mechanism of actions, procedures, warnings and clinical indications are fully detailed, and, if possible, correlated by interesting color photos. Noteworthy, the author takes in consideration not only the procedures of classic Panchakarma, but also the ones typically originated in Kerala and named Keraliya Panchakarma, giving in this way a more complete information and guidance. In this respect the book poses itself well above the average, offering an exhaustive description of some of the main treatments used in the Keraliya Panchakarma. Moreover, for each treatment, after a detailed description and clinical indications, the equipments, the materials to be used along with the most common utilized recipes are also fully illustrated. In this section it is of particular interest the description of some taila (medicated oils) of common use. At the end of the volume, an useful list of the most common ayurvedic herbs is given, with sanskrit name, the corresponding botanical latin name and the principal medical uses. At the end of the volume, an useful list of the most common ayurvedic herbs is given, with sanskrit name, the corresponding botanical latin name and the principal medical uses. However, on my opinion, the most important part of this handy although comprehensive book, is the section about “Treatment of Complex Diseases”, in which Dr. Mukesh D. Jain expresses at the best his high competence and experience as top-level clinician. In this section some of the most common but demanding pathological situation are taken in consideration, and for each of them is given, as a template, a complete agenda of Panchakarma treatments, supplements and pharmaceutical preparations, full list of references and even the preferred food, behavior and life style to be advised to the patient. This is an invaluable addition to the book, which derives from the generosity of Dr. Mukesh D. Jain that makes available his 30 years experience to us for the benefit of all our patients.

• Prof. Dr. Antonio Morandi Chairman & Director, AyurvedicPoint President, SSIMA - Italian Scientific Society for Ayurvedic Medicine Co-Head of Scientific Board, IRSA - International Seminar on Research in Ayurveda, Birstein, Germany Chief Editor - International Office, Ancient Science of Life - a multidisciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda