Ayurveda e Panchkarma

Ayurveda is the most ancient and traditional system of medicine in India. The Ayurvedic system of medication is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice, handed down through generations. Ayurvedic medicine originated in the early civilizations of India some 3000-5000 years ago making Ayurvedic medicine the oldest surviving healing system in the world. The word Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words: Ayu meaning “life” and Veda meaning “knowledge”. Then, Ayurveda is regarded as “the science of life” and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings. Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is not only limited to physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual, mental and social health. Thus Ayurveda is a qualitative, holistic science of health and longevity, a philosophy and system of healing the whole person.

 

THE THERAPIES AVAILABLE

Abhayangam This is a full body and facial massage with herbal oil. It promotes peripheral blood circulation and is very effective for vigour & vitality, good eyesight, longevity, sound sleep and glowing skin.

Indication: General body, mental tension, tiredness, sleeplessness, premature ageing, muscle stiffness, rheumatism, etc.

 

Siro-Vasti (Sirobasti) A special technique of bathing the head for 45 minutes in medicated oils using a special apparatus.

Indication: anxiety, facial paralysis, insomnia, neurological disorders, psychological disorders, skin disorders such eczema & psoriasis, stress.

 

Vaspa Svedana (Medicated steam bath) The body is placed in a chamber with the head remaining outside. Steam from herbal medicine generates perspiration. It improves the peripheral circulation and eliminates excess water from body.

Indication: arthritis, spondylitis, excess fat, joint disorders, general weakness, heaviness, etc.

 

Vamana (Therapeutic emesis) In this therapy medicated liquid (milk or juice) is given to the person to induce vomiting in a natural way. Here undigested food, phlegm, harmful gastric secretions etc. are expelled by cleaning the chest and abdomen.

Indication: indigestion, toxicity, mental diseases, asthma, dyspepsia, epilepsy, loss of appetite, sinusitis, chronic skin diseases etc.

 

Verecana (Therapeutic purgation) Here medicated oil, powder or ayurvedic tablets are given to the person for purgation. It helps to revitalize the digestion and metabolic process.

Indication: constipation, ano-rectal diseases, bronchial asthma, jaundice, rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, acidity, gastro-intestinal disorders.

 

Basti (Therapeutic eneama) Of all the treatments in Panchkarma, basti is considered the most effective. This is because it reduces conditions that are caused by exacerbated vata dosha. The effect of basti is to ease lower back pain, reduce insomnia, lower stress and nervousness and gently ease conditions of chronic constipation by lubricating the colon. Oil and herbs are warmed and the client is assisted in self-administration of the basti fluids to the rectum. This induces a feeling of restfulness and even sleep. The procedure is gentle and comfortable.

Indication: neurological disorders, constipation, weight loss, sexual disfunction, gynecological disorders, arthritis, lumbago, hemiplegia, etc.

 

Nasya (Therapeutic errhines) Nasya is the most specific therapy for the diseases of head and neck. Here medicated oil or herbal juice is introduced through the nostrils. It then spreads to the head & its constituent parts and removes the dosas (toxic materials) by cleaning the blocked sinuses, breathing airways and mental pathways

Indication: sinusitis, migraine, chronic headache, anxiety, insomnia, mental disorders, premature graying and hair loss etc.

 

Sirodhara Sirodhara is one of the most popular therapies in Ayurveda. Here a continuous stream of medicated oil, milk, buttermilk or herbal water is gently poured onto the forehead using a specially made apparatus. This promotes revitalization of the mind and body which aids in anti-ageing and reduces symptoms of stress.

Indication: anxiety, depression, mental diseases, memory loss, sleeplessness, asthma, hemiplegia, chronic headache, hair graying and hair loss, stress, hypertension etc.

 

Pizhichil (Oil bath) Here warm herbal oil is gently poured onto the body while being massaged. This therapy is luxurious and protects the body from illness and disease, while also strengthening the immune system.

Indication: neurological disorders, arthritis, hypertension, skin wrinkling, premature ageing, weakness, diabetes, etc.

 

Elakizhi (Leaf massage) In this therapy the body is massaged with cloth bags filled with fried medicinal leaves, lemon & coconut pieces etc. These bags are warmed in medicated oil and the whole body is massaged with it. This promotes better circulation, increases perspiration, improves the skin tone & promotes relaxation.

Indication: arthritis, neurological diseases, bone & joint problems, asthma, bodyache, sciatica and back pain etc.

 

Navarakizhi (Rice massage) It is a highly effective rejuvenative therapy in which massage is done with cotton bags full of navara rice (a special kind which is cooked with herbal water and cow’s milk). The bags are dipped in the same mixture and applied all over the body on different positions after a body massage.

Indication: polio-muscular atrophy, emaciation, general weakness, osteo-arthritis.

 

Thalapotichil This is a procedure in which the head is covered by some medicinal paste. The head is then covered with a plantain leaf or a thin cloth aand tied up for a certain period. Then the paste is removed and the head wiped clean.

Indication: hair fall, grayness of hair, dandruff, mental tension, depression, insomnia, etc.

 

Udvartana & Valuka svedana These special techniques are for reducing weight and fat. The body is massaged with herbal powder and then buffered with warm sand bags. After a resting period a warm bath is taken.

Indication: obesity, excess fat, muscular pain, sprain, stiffness, bodyache, etc.

 

Kativasti After a massage a ring is placed over an area while powering inside special herbal oils which are at a particular temperature.

Indication: to reduce pain, stiffness & inflammation.

Other therapies

Netra Tarpana, Siropicu, Nadi Svedana, Taila Droni, Upanaha, Palpuka, Lepana, Karnapurana & Karnadhupana, Katibasti, Greevabasti, Dhanykizhi, Podikizhi, Muttakizhi, Thalam Therapeutic Yoga. board2 640x480