Treatments

SPECIAL MASSAGE

Special massage is a procedure of applying medicated oil over the whole body with sole or palm by giving pressure to vital points. After a while the oil is thoroughly washed off using medicated powder. There are five standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. Oil is applied over head, ear lobes, palms and soles.

Benefits

Cures Rheumatic complaints, improves complexion, strengthens the body, cures muscular dystrophy, cures sprain.

PIZHICHIL

Pizhichil literally means pouring of lukewarm oil over the body. It is a unique contribution of Kerala. Warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient's body from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in a vessel containing the oil. Patient is made to sit on Thaila droni and a thalam is kept over the crown. After oil massage, the therapists squeeze the oil from a cloth piece with their right hand and simultaneously massage it with the left hand in downward direction. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. Thereafter, the excess oil is mopped up and the patient is advised to take a hot water bath.

Benefits

Highly effective in Nervous System Disorders (Paralysis, Muscle spasms) and degenerative disorders. Improves blood circulation, improves skin texture and lustre, delays the process of ageing, strengthens muscles and tissues.

CHOORNA KIZHI

Choornakizhi is one among the fomentation therapy. Herbal powders warmed in medicated oil is made into a bundle (kizhi), which is used for fomentation. After oil application, therapists foment the patient with kizhi which have been made warm in medicated oil which is kept at a constant temperature, and massage the patient. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. Thereafter, the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Reduces obesity, cures varicosity and Rheumatoid arthritis.

UDWARTHANAM

Udwarthanam is a treatment procedure in which powdered drugs are rubbed over the body in upward direction. Powdered drugs are taken in pan and heated. This powder is then rubbed over the body in upward direction in seven standard positions. Thereafter, the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Reduces obesity. It opens the channels of circulation, improves complexion, provides stability and lightness of the body

PATRAPOTALA SWEDAM

Patrapotala sweda is one among the fomentation therapy. Finely chopped herbal leaves warmed in medicated oil are put on a piece of linen, and a bundle (kizhi) is made which is used for fomentation. After oil application, therapists foment the patient with kizhi which is made warm in medicated oil and kept in a constant temperature and massage the patient. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. Thereafter the excess oil should be mopped up and the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Cures Sciatica, reduces Osteo arthritis and Polyarthritis. Effective in muscle spasm and frozen shoulder.

NASYAM (Nasal Therapy)

The application of medicated oil or powders through the nostrils is called nasyam. Nasyam is an important treatment procedure for head and neck disorders. Nasyam is carried out in three stages - Preparatory procedure, Main treatment and Post-treatment care. As a preparatory procedure, the face and the neck of the patient is gently massaged with suitable oil and fomentation is done. Thereafter, the patient is made to lie down on his back with his head slightly bent back. Nasal drops is administrated into both nostrils which the patient draws in. After the procedure, soft massage is given on throat, cheeks and forehead. Gargling with luke warm water is advised after the procedure.

Benefits

Cures diseases of head region and throat, Reduces cervical spondylosis, Beneficial in epilesy and facial palsy

DHAANYA KIZHI

Dhaanyakizhi is one among the fomentation therapy. Powdered herbal seeds are put on a piece of linen, and a bundle (kizhi) is made which is used for fomentation. After oil application, the therapists foment the patient with kizhi which have been made warm in decoction which is kept in a constant temperature, and massage the patient. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment, after which, the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Reduces pain and swelling of joints

BASHPA SWEDA

Fomentation therapy is done as a main treatment and also as a preparatory procedure for panchakarma. It dilates the body channels for the removal of toxins which are transported to the bowel; from there they can be effectively eliminated through emesis or purgation. After oil massage, the patient is made to sit or lie on his back in a specially made steam box, with his head outside. Herbal steam is released into the box for a specific time.

Benefits

Bashpasweda is used as a preparatory procedure for panchakarma. It relieves stiffness of the body and reduces Sciatica and low back ache

AVAGAHA SWEDA

Avagaha sweda is indicated in patients who need mild fomentation. After oil massage, the patient is fomented by sitting in a tub filled with medicated decoction.

Benefits

Reduces rheumatic disorders, relieves low back ache, reduces Hernia and Haemorrhoids.

SHIRO DHARA

Shirodhara is a procedure in which oil is poured over the forehead of the patient. After the preparatory application of oil on the head and body, the patient is made to lie on his back on a droni. Warm oil from a dhara vessel hung 6-8 inches above the patient's forehead is poured in a continuous stream through a hole at the bottom of the dhara vessel. A head band is tied around the fore head just above the eye brows to prevent oil from flowing in to the eyes and to direct its flow. In a 7 days procedure, the patient will be subjected to dhara for about 45 minutes on the first day and gradually increasing to one hour by the fourth day, then gradually decreasing to 45 minutes by the 7th day.

Benefits

Induces vasodilatation to promote increased flow of oxygen to the brain, Nourishes the nervous system, Reduces Facial palsy and Hemiparesis

TAKRA DHARA

Takradhara is a procedure of pouring medicated buttermilk over the forehead of the patient. After the preparatory application of oil on the body, the patient is made to lie on his back on a dhroni. Medicated buttermilk from a dhara vessel hung 6-8 inches above the patient's forehead is poured in a continuous stream through a hole at the bottom of dhara vessel. A head band is tied around the forehead just above the eye brows to prevent medicated buttermilk from flowing into the eyes and to direct its flow.

Benefits

Takradhara is an excellent cure for chronic Insomnia. It reduces burning sensation of palms and soles, and helps reduce headache. It reduces Stress and Hypertension, cures premature greying of hair and improves vision

KASHAYA VASTI

Vasti with herbal decoction is called kashaya vasti .This procedure is performed in empty stomach, when previous food is fully digested. Oil application and fomentation is done as a preparatory procedure. After this, luke warm and freshly prepared vasti liquid is administered into the colon via rectum. The fluid should be discharged within 5 to 15 minutes. The discharged fluid will contain toxins along with faecal matter. Patient is advised to take hot water bath, after which, food should be given.

Benefits

Beneficial in all types of vata disorders and abdominal disorders.

VALUKA SWEDA

Valuka sweda is one among the fomentation. Heated sand is put on a piece of linen and a bundle (kizhi) is made which is used for fomentation. The therapists foment the patient with kizhi which is heated in an iron pan. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. Thereafter the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Cures Rheumatoid arthritis (Amavatam)

PRUSHTA VASTI

Prushta vasti is a procedure in which luke warm medicated oil is retained in the low back region. The patient is made to lie in prone position. A dam of black gram dough is made in the low back region and the luke warm medicated oil is retained at constant temperature for a specific time. After the procedure, a light oil massage is given. Then the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Reduces Sciatica and Inter vertebral disc prolapse.

NAVARA KIZHI

Navarakizhi is a fomentation therapy in which a bundle of linen filled with a bolus of navara rice (kizhi) cooked in milk and herbal decoction is used for fomentation. Patient is made to sit over droni and oil application is done. The therapists foment the patient with kizhi that has been dipped in warm medicated milk decoction and massage in downward direction. There are seven standard positions that a patient is made to adopt during treatment. After the fomentation, the paste is removed slowly and the patient is advised to take hot water bath.

Benefits

Cures joint disorders (Osteoarthritis, Poly Arthritis). Navarakizhi is highly effective in muscle wasting disorders and degenerative disorders.

VIRECHANA (PURGATION)

Virechana is done for the elimination of pitta related toxins from the body. The process of cleansing is carried out in the small intestine and other pitta zones. Drugs that stimulate bowel movements are induced for the expulsion of excess pitta and other toxins, via the rectum. As a preparatory procedure, internal and external oleation followed by therapeutic fomentation are essential before purgation. By oleation of 3-7 days the patient's skin becomes shiny and soft and the toxins get liquified in the body channels. Then the patient is subjected to fomentation which mobilizes the liquified toxins to the gastro intestinal tract, from there it is easily expelled out. The dose of the drug is determined according to the patient's constitution. Usually this drug is administered early morning in empty stomach. It is prepared using roots and fruits of herbs which have purgative action. Process of purgation will normally start within 2 hours of intake of the medicine. Drinking hot water also acts as a stimulant. The faecal discharge turns fluid after 7 or 8 bowel movements. After virechana, patient is advised to take hot water bath and light warm food after the complete elimination of faecal matter along with toxins.

Benefits

Beneficial in all types of skin disorders, reduces jaundice and spleen enlargement

VASTI (ENEMA)

The word vasti means bladder. Traditionally, urinary bladder of selected animals were filled with medicated liquids and used for enema. The bladder has now been replaced with modern equipments. However, this therapy in no way corresponds to the modern enema. There are 2 types of vasti - Taila vasti and Kashaya vasti. During treatment, both of them are administered alternatively for specific periods depending on patient's constitution and the severity of the disease. Patient should take left lateral position with left lower extremity straight and right lower extremity flexed on knee and hip joint. During administration of vasti, patient should take deep breath. Patient should remain lying in the same posture for a few minutes after administration of vasti. Vasti with medicated oil is called Taila vasti. In Matra Vasthi very small quantity of medicated oil is used. This therapy can be performed regularly after meals. In matra vasti no harm will occur if the fluid remains inside the colon for long time, as it nourishes and strengthens the colon. The discharged fluid contains toxins along with the faecal matter.

Benefits

This therapy acts as a good vitaliser. Vasti helps in alleviating excess vata, and acts as a preparatory procedure for Kashaya vasti. It also cures constipation and piles and is highly beneficial in retention of flatus and urine.

AKSHI THARPANA

Akshitharpana is a procedure in which luke warm medicated ghee is retained around the eye. The patient is made to lie on supine position. A dam of black gram dough is made around the eye socket and the luke warm medicated ghee is retained, which is maintained at a constant temperature. The patient is asked to blink the eyes slowly. After the procedure the ghee is drained off and the dough is removed.

Benefits

In eye disorders (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa).

PANCHAKARMA THERAPIES

Ayurveda is the rich store house of time tested and effective formulations for the treatment of several obstinate and otherwise incurable diseases. More important than these formulations are the specialized therapies which, not only cure such diseases but also strengthen the immune system in the body and thus help in the prevention of diseases and promotion of positive health. These specialized therapies in Ayurvedic science are called PANCHAKARMA. It is no wonder therefore, that scientists and physicians in India and abroad are showing deep interest in this classical form of Ayurvedic treatment. Panchakarma therapy primarily aims at cleaning the body from its accumulated impurities, and nourishing the tissues. Once this is achieved, it becomes very easy to rejuvenate these tissues and prevent the process of aging. The term panchakarma literally means five specialized therapies. The therapies which are included under this collective term are:

1. Vamana karma : Emetic therapy
2. Virechana karma : Purgation therapy
3. Vasthi : Medicated Enema
4. Raktha Mokshanam : Blood letting therapy
5. Nasya karma : Nasal therapy

Prior to the administration of these therapies, the body of the patient should be suitably prepared and the therapeutic measures used for this purpose are called preparatory therapies. These are:

1. Snehana karma : Oleation therapy (external and internal oleation)
2. 2. Swedana karma : Fomentation therapy

Based on the vitiation of Doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and the physical constitution of the patient, the physician decides the suitable therapies. Three course of panchakarma therapy at a time interval of 6 to 12 months is highly recommended.