Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way abhyangam massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power. Herbal oils are applied all over the body and massage applying pressure to the muscles, nerves and vital body points. It improves the blood circulation, nerve conduction and strengthens the muscles.
It relieves from body pain, stiff joints, back aches and similar ailments. Ricinus, drum stick, tamarind and calotropis gigantia are among the herbal leaves used for the treatment. The leaves are fried together in neem or caster oil until a brown color is attained. Lemon pieces and coconut scrapes are then added to it. All these are tied in cloth boluses and dipped in medicated oil to massage the body. Herbal leaves and medicated powders together tied in small bundles in muslin cloth are applied all over the body for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is useful in osteo-arthritis, arthritis, spondylosis etc.
In this method of healing, the body is forced to perspire using Njavara and other herbal medicines for 60-90 minutes for 7 to 21 days according to the requirements. A special type of Rice called Njavara is cooked in milk and herbal decoction is packed in small cotton bundles. With this the whole body is massaged. This is a good rejuvenating treatment. This improves the skin texture and the skin will glow after doing this. This improves circulation, relieves muscular stress and aches. This is an effective treatment for all types of rheumatism, pains in the joints, emaciation of limb and muscles
Blood letting by Leech is one of the Panchakarmas of Ayurveda and is performed to eliminate the toxins from the bloodstream. It is a safe, painless and highly effective form of Panchakarma. Raktamokshan entails the refinement of blood, hence is administered to treat disorders pertaining to the skin, such as psoriasis, rash, eczema, acne, leucoderma and chronic itching. Enlarged liver, spleen, filariasis, varicose veins and gout can also be helped by using the blood letting therapy. The therapy develops the immune mechanism in the blood system by stimulating the antitoxic substances in the blood stream.
An extremely soothing and relaxing therapy that acts as a free radical scavenger, toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body. This is a treatment process in which herbal oil, medicated milk, butter milk etc, are poured in a continuous stream all over the body for 30 minutes to one hour. It helps to sooth the frayed nerve ends, promotes circulation, relieves stress & strain, relaxes muscles & induces sleep. The treatment is continued for seven to 21 days
Dhanyamla Dhara is a special type of Dhara treatment in which warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body. Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 1 hour daily for 7 to 14 days. It is a remedy for hemiplegia paralysis rheumatic complaints and vatha predominant diseases etc.
A gentle, synchronized massage is carried out under a constant flow of warm herbal oil. This Ayurveda treatment also involves squeezing a cloth soaked in oil over the body. During this treatment the patient is made to sit on a Ayurveda chair specially made for this purpose and the medicated oils are then applied over the head and body for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. Pizhichil Treatment increases the blood circulation, nourishes muscles, nerves tissues and sexual ability. Pizhichil Ayurveda treatment is also effective for Paraplegia, Hemiplegia and general debility.
This form of treatment is indicated for stress relief, isnomania and certain mental ailments. A paste made of emblica officianalis and other herbs along with butter milk, is made and applied evenly all over the head and covered first with plantain leaf and then with a cloth. A small hole is made in the centre of the covering and medicated oil is kept there. The oil and the paste is removed after 30 minutes and he is given another mild massage on the head.
This is a gentle eye treatment, which is soothing and relaxing and particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from the effects of computers, pollution, or whose eyes feel strained. In our busy modern lives, full of visual stimuli, our eyes are often strained and tired, adversely affecting our vision and brain activity. Netra Tarpana gives nourishment to the eyes and has a relaxing effect on the eyes and surrounding tissues, removing impurities from the eyes. It is used for any kind of eye problems - dryness, irritation, burning, eyestrain. It removes ama and clears the eyes. The eyes are a pitta organ, the secondary seat of pitta, and should never get hot. Netra Tarpana cools not only the eyes but also the brain.
In this treatment, warm medicated oil and fumes are applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes followed by massage around the ears and jaw area. This helps in loosening wax and relieving jaw and neck tension, itching, earaches and headaches. This treatment is very effective for deafness, and humming of the ear etc.
Udvarthanam is an ayurvedic massage using herbal powders. The herbal powders are mixed with oil, milk or medicated juice and rubbed upwards onto the body. It is done for 30-45 minutes per day for a period of fourteen to twenty - eight days. The treatment improves the blood circulation and reduces body weight and skin diseases. It also helps in curing hemiplegia and paralysis.
This is a treatment for certain types of paralysis, headaches, mental disorders etc., in which herbal juices, and medicated oils are administered through the nostrils for a period of seven to 14 days. Nasya not only helps in removing toxins from the head, neck, brain, eyes, ear, nose and throat region, but it also helps in snehan (unction), shaman (pacifying the toxins without removing them), bhringan, tarpan (nourishment) and gives immunity to these parts. The procedure of nasaya helps in the elimination of spasm in the nose. It also dilates the constricted bronchial tubes and bronchioles, thereby helping in the treatment of dyspnoea and asthma.
This is medicated purgation therapy, it is the cleansing of the Pitta and the purification of the blood toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it completely cleanses the gastrointestinal tract. Benefits of Virechana help root out skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, asthma, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. The drugs used for Virechana karma (purgation therapy) vitiate the doshas and bring them into the abdomen. Purgative drugs are dominant in earth and water elements and have downward movement.
This is a treatment process for patients suffering from facial palsy, migraine, dryness of mouth, throat and nostrils, insomnia, spondylitis etc. In this treatment lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head. The oil is retained until the patient develops discharge from the nose and mouth or for a maximum 45 minutes. Oil is then removed from the head by bending the head slightly and making a small opening in the bandage.
Dhanya kizhi is a kind of therapeutic sweating. It is a dry type of fomentation. In this treatment, body is fomented with linen bundles containing drugs like cereals, horse gram, black gram, cotton seed etc, in semi powdered form. This helps to reduce joint pains in patients with Rheumatoid fever. It also helps in weight reduction. It is a 45 to 60 minutes session.
A therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. A thin uninterrupted stream of medicated herbal oils or milk or buttermilk is made to fall on the forehead in a special manner for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 14 days Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière's disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. There are specialized forms of shirodhara called thyladhara, ksheeradhara, thakradhara and jaladhara.
This is a process of cleaning the eyes using running medicated water. It is recommended for relaxing and soothing the eyes and the optical nerves that have been subject to stress and strain. It results in improved vision, strengthening of ocular tissues and enhancing the visual beauty quotient and general appearance. General afflictions that include burning in the eyes, dryness in the eyes, vata diseases in the eyes, conjunctivitis, watering, night blindness, squint, myopia are effectively treated.
A specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside on herbal paste boundary. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this treatment, deeply cleanses and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Recommended in spinal disorders, Relieves pain in sciatica and Inter Vertebral Disc Prolapse (I V D P), Relieves any type of back pain, Stimulates and nourishes nerves relieving pain and numbness. Effective for Lumbar spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Disc prolapse. Ankylosing spondilitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sacroileitis and Lumbosacral strain.
This is an emesis treatment done through oral route to eliminate excess mucus by means of therapeutic vomiting and is recommended for patients suffering from chronic asthma, tonsillitis, anemia, chronic indigestion, sinus problems, cough and cold. Certain chronic diseases like diabetes can be treated by this therapy. People suffering from edema, epilepsy, skin diseases, fever, loss of appetite and lymphatic obstruction can find this therapy beneficial. Nausea and food poisoning are effectively cured by Vamana therapy.
It is a process by which the body is made to perspire by means of pouring warm medicated milk with a special vessel from a certain height in a rhythmic manner and is rubbed into the body in seven different postures for a certain period of 7 to 21 days. This method strengthens the tissues, nourishes the skin and promotes longevity, and also rejuvenates the body.. This is done especially for sleeplessness, anxiety, nervousness and some neurological disorders.
Ksheeradhooma is an Ayurvedic fomentation therapy with medicated milk of cow, generally given to face. It treats vata related disorders. Ksheeradhooma is not applied if kapha is also involved in the specific condition. Good for facial paralysis, certain nervous disorders, difficulty in voice and speech, head aches, etc. It is also given to other parts of the body. The medicated milk is boiled and the steam is passed through a tube to the affected area of the body.
This form of treatment relieves various inflammatory diseases of the body. These include rheumatoid arthritis, abscess, osteoarthritis, edema, back aches, head aches, skin diseases, etc. Lepanam is spreading of thick herbal paste on any afflicted area of the body. The paste is a blend of many potential herbs, spices, juice of leaves and buttermilk. Warm herbal paste is gently applied on the afflicted areas and left to dry on the body for about 45 minutes. This creates a mild heat on the skin and as a result, its medicinal properties perforate faster into the cells and absorb the unwanted components that cause the inflammation and pain.
Pichu is a palliative treatment for ailments of the head and spine. During this treatment, a long, thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is replaced periodically to keep it warm and therapeutic. Pichu, one of the Purvakarma therapies, is considered an effective treatment for diseases of the cranial nerves arising from Vata disorder. This therapy is very effective for degenerative and painful spinal problems. Beneficial for Combating chronic headache, Reduces insomnia, Treats hysteria, Counteracts hallucinations, Alleviating back pain, Treating osteo-arthritis, Relieving Spondylitis and Curing degenerative injuries.
A thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is recycled periodically to make it warm. This therapy is very effective for degenerative and painful problems like Back pain, Osteo-arthritis, Spondylitis, injuries, etc. Medicated oil is applied to the head for 45 minutes in a special manner.
Upanaha is a type of ekanga sweda. The word upanaha means to tie. It can be done with or without heating the medicine. If upanaha is done during day, it is removed at night and if done during night, it is removed in the morning. It is usually done in osteoarthritis,Tennis elbow & vathakantakam, abscess, gout, ganglion, inflammatory conditions, pain and stiffness of joints etc.
A soothing massage of the head, neck & shoulder for 15 minutes using warm herbal oils. Brings sound sleep, profoundly soothing and relaxing, Gives cooling to the eyes , Gives relief in Insomnia, Headache, Pre-mature graying & hair loss, Helps to spread natural oils produced by the scalp thus protecting and conditioning the length of the hair.
Takra dhara is a form of shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment method which involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously for up to an hour a day. The process can last from 7 to 21 days. It is a cure for vata predominant diseases, relieves tension and cures certain types of skin diseases. It is very cooling and very effective in skin diseases, like psoriasis.
A treatment procedure of retaining medicines over the center of the head using a tailor-made cap. It is considered to be a shorter and easier version of Shirolepa and in the ancient days it was a treatment, prescribed for mental illness. Now it has been re-designed as a mode of treatment for the conditions arising out of modern day life style diseases; Lack of memory, lack of willpower, lack of concentration, etc. Special ayurvedic oils are mixed with herbal powders and maintained at the top of the head for about 20 to 45 minutes. Usually before any external treatment Thalam is performed. Beneficial for ENT problems, Insomnia, Migraine, Mental Diorders and to develop a general good feeling.
A Kerala special therapy similar to the katee-vasti, this procedure is done on the backside of the neck. A small reservoir is made around the cervical spine and is filled with medicated oils and held for a stipulated time. This therapy relieves cervical pains by its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. It deeply cleanses and enriches the blood, builds and maintains the strength of muscles and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Greeva-vasti alleviates neck and upper back conditions like cervical spondylosis, stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc.
Rejuvenation Therapy of neck & above by administration of Herbal extract to the eye. Application of Herbal extract with Honey or Rosewater inside the eyes helps to remove foreign bodies, removes itching and burning sensation in the eyes due to exposure to allergens.
Steam chamber is used in this treatment. Oil is gently applied on the body of the patient and is made to sit in the chamber where steam emanates from the boiling herbal decoction. Treatment is continued till the forehead and abdomen sweat very well. The purpose of swedana is to increase body temperature which opens the channel system to dilate resulting in increased circulation. It allows toxins to move out of the body through the skin as the body sweats. It helps in Weight loss, Removal of toxins, Relieves stress, Joint pain relief, Eases sore muscles, Relieves allergies/asthma and Improves circulation/reduces inflammation.
In Ayurveda treatment with heat burns is called as "Agni Karma". It is also called as "Dahan Karma". Various painful conditions like joint pain, head ache, abdominal cramps/discomfort & few convulsive disorders like epilepsy, schizophrenia & psychosomatic disorders can be treated with this intentional heat burn therapy.
When therapeutic oils are pooled into a compartment of flour (black gram powder) constructed around the painful knee joint it is known as janu-vasti. It provides a simple and still very effective relief of knee pain especially that which is caused due to Osteo Arthritis. It relieves pain and stiffness and eases movements at the knee joint. Meanwhile it also strengthens the joint, muscles and soft tissues around, improves circulation and enables you to resume back your work and activities.
It is either given independently or along with kashaya vasti. It has both rejuvenative or nourishing and purification effect on the body. As the quantity is less this is given with syringe. A particular quantity of oil or ghee is administered through anal orifice. Anuvasana makes the naval region unctuous, it facilitates downward movement of vayu, strengthens the body and nourishes body tissues.
This treatment makes the head, respiratory system and sense organs clean and healthy. In this treatment, herbs or herbal powders are burnt in fire and the smoke is inhaled. It is done for a period of one to seven days. Dhoomapanam is an ideal treatment for bronchial asthma, sinusitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The removal of mucous toxins also rejuvenates the person's mental status and provides the patient with ample freshness. The smoke helps to dry the excessive mucous, and also lowers pain-causing inflammations of the sinus cavities and respiratory tract.
Avagaha means immersion. Avagaha Sweda is sweating by immersion and is a part of Purva Karma treatment prior to Panchakarma,. Here, the patient is made to sweat while seated in a large tub. For treating diseases hernia, painful urination, rheumatism and certain other diseases due to deranged vata humor. Warm medicated liquid is filled up to the navel and for cases of severe rheumatism or other disorders of the Vata Dosha, up to the neck. In some cases, a blanket is kept as a hood over the patient and tub to increase sweating.
This is a process by which the body is made to perspire by means of pouring warm decoction from special herbs with a special vessel from a certain height in a rhythmic manner and is rubbed into the body. This method removes 'ama' or toxins from the tissues and promotes metabolism, removes tension from the muscles and also good for pain and stiffness of the joints and muscles etc.
An enema normally administered after a course of sneha vasti. A herbal decoction is mixed with salt, honey, medicated oil and herbal paste is administered. Kashaya vasti nourishes and rebuilds the Dhatus (body tissue), strengthens their function and restores the body's immunity. Whilst being highly nutritive, this enema helps to remove accumulated malas (toxins) from the colon.
Mukhalepam or mukhalepanam is a simple Ayurvedic skin care therapy which includes the application of freshly prepared facial creams and massaging them off after 30-45 minutes. Mukham in Malayalam means face and lepa, lepana or lepanam means application of a paste. The herbal pack contains different herbs made into a paste. It prevents aging of skin, avoids wrinkles and gives a good skin tone.
Mamsa Kizhi is a special treatment in traditional Ayurveda. In this treatment, herbs, herbal powders and flesh of animals are made in to boluses and applied on body along with hot medical oils. It is an ideal treatment for ailments such as arthritis, spondilitis, injuries related to sports and muscular atrophy.
A sweet dish made of Njavara rice in jaggery and ghee increases mother's milk. Application of warm rice paste for one or two times for a week cures burning sensation of foot. For swellings in foot, apply warm Njavara rice paste for one or two days for about 2 hrs. at a time. Regular cleansing of head with washed away water of Njavara rice 1 hour before bath is said to be useful to prevent premature hair fall.
Unique massage, which involves traditional massage techniques pertaining to the ancient martial art of kerala, using ayurvedic herbal oils. There will be a hand massage session for 60 minutes and a foot massage session for 30 minutes in between. This is very effective for relaxation, relieving body pain , stiffness, improve vitality and flexibility.
A reservoir, made of black gram dough, is built up on the heart area. Warm medicated oil or medicated ghee is kept over the chest for 30 minutes to 45 minutes. The oil is recycled periodically to keep it warm. The healing properties of herbal oils are used for this. This treatment enriches the blood and builds and maintains strong muscles and connective tissues at the heart area. It is also a preventive treatment for heart from strokes and other related blocks. This is effective for chronic bronchitis, cough, bronchospasm, costo-chondritis, etc.