Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on achieving balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. A holistic approach practiced for thousands of years, Ayurveda believes each person has a unique constitution made up of three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which influence our physical and mental characteristics. The goal is to maintain or restore the balance of these doshas. Ayurveda uses methods like herbal remedies, dietary changes, yoga, meditation, and specific treatments such as panchakarma (Vasthi, Vamanam, Virechanam, Nasyam and Rakthamokshanam) to promote well-being. It also stresses preventive care and living in harmony with nature. It's a fascinating system that has stood the test of time.

Abhyanga: Journey to Fitness and Well-being

Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic massage that uses warm oil applied to the entire body from scalp to sole. The massage follows the direction of arterial blood movement and is typically performed in seven positions: sitting, supine, left lateral, prone, right lateral, supine, and sitting. Abhyanga offers numerous benefits, including relief from rheumatism, muscular tension, joint stiffness, fatigue, and insomnia. It also aids in detoxification, reduces signs of aging, and can be beneficial for obesity.

Dhanyamladhara: Harnessing the Herbal Magic

Dhanyamlam is a herbal liquid crafted from cereals rich in nutritious starch, such as njavara rice or millet. During Dhanyamladhara treatment, lukewarm dhanyamlam is gently poured over the body using a kindi nozzle, following a consistent anulomana direction. The temperature of the liquid is carefully maintained throughout the process. Dhanyamlam therapy is particularly effective for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, obesity, and various neuro-muscular and musculoskeletal diseases.

Elakizhi: Embracing the Warmth of Comfort

Two bundles are warmed by immersing them in a vessel containing warm oil. These warm bundles are then gently applied in a synchronized manner by two therapists, each on one side of the body. Meanwhile, the other two bundles are warmed. As the heat from the applied bundles diminishes, they are replaced with the warm ones. This therapy is particularly beneficial for chronic backaches, joint pains, muscle cramps, arthritis, neurological disorders, and spondylosis.

Udwarthanam: Science of Deep Tissue Healing

Udwarthanam is a deep tissue therapeutic procedure where medicated powders or pastes are applied to the body and massaged in the opposite direction of the body hairs with appropriate pressure. This synchronized massage technique is beneficial for conditions such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and more.

Kashaya Vasti: Targeted Panchakarma Therapy

Kashaya Vasti is a specific Panchakarma procedure where a medicated decoction, as prescribed by the physician, is administered anally using a specific method. This therapy is highly effective for managing pain, gastric problems, constipation, lower backache, rheumatism, paralysis, and detoxification. It involves the administration of a medicated decoction through the rectum, commonly known as an enema, to flush out toxins and alleviate various ailments.

Kativasti: Healing Power of Medicated Oil

Kati Vasti, an Ayurvedic therapy, uses warm medicated oil on the lower back for relief from issues like chronic pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and sciatica. The oil nourishes nerves, reducing pain and numbness by penetrating deep into tissues, lubricating joints, and promoting relaxation. It's also effective for muscular spasms and inflammation in the lower back.

Ksheera Dhoomam: Therapy with Milk Vapor

Ksheera Dhoomam is a special Ayurvedic treatment involving warm medicated cow milk vapours, beneficial for facial paralysis, locked jaw, and head and neck disorders due to Vata Dosha imbalance. It uses herbal medicines mixed with heated cow’s milk, applied as steam over the face, neck, chest, and shoulders to induce mild sweating. Effective for conditions like facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, mastoiditis, cervical spondylosis, and frozen shoulder.

Nasyam: Rejuvenating Nasal Therapy

Nasyam is a powerful Ayurvedic therapy where medicated herbal oils are administered through the nostrils. The physician instills the oil in one nostril while keeping the other closed, then repeats the process on the other side. This treatment includes gentle rubbing on specific areas and encourages the patient to clear any phlegm by hawking and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. It's particularly effective for head and neck ailments like sinusitis, rhinitis, migraine, and nasal polyps. Nasyam is a rejuvenating Panchakarma therapy focused on the head region. It removes toxins from various channels, revitalizes the brain and nervous system, improves memory power, strengthens sensory organs, relieves headaches and stress, and prevents skin diseases.

Pizhichil: The Invigorating Massage

Pizhichil, meaning ‘squeezing’, is a unique Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala. This Sneha Swedana Kriya begins with a continuous stream of warm, medicated oil poured over the body. Then, pieces of clean cloth dipped in oil are squeezed over the body to allow the oil to flow through the thumb. Every 3-4 minutes, the therapist gently massages the body with the left hand, covering seven positions. This therapy is particularly effective for arthritis, paralysis, nervous weakness, stress, and anxiety. Warm medicated oil is applied over the entire body, followed by a gentle, nourishing, and rejuvenating massage.

Podi Kizhi: A Healing Bundle for Health

Podi Kizhi, a specialized Ayurvedic therapy, involves the use of medicated herbal powders formed into bundles. Two therapists simultaneously apply warm bundles to opposite sides of the body, while the remaining bundles are kept warm. This treatment, performed in various positions as directed by the doctor, effectively addresses conditions like sciatica, arthritis, spondylosis, and muscular spasm. Also known as ChoornaPindaSweda, Podikizhi utilizes heated herbal poultices in cotton bags to enhance circulation, joint mobility, and flexibility. This therapy strengthens the nervous system and muscles, promotes relaxation, detoxification, and rejuvenates the skin.

Takradhara: Calming Buttermilk Cascade

Takradhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment where lukewarm medicated buttermilk is continuously poured onto the forehead from a height of 8-9cms. This gentle stream, guided by a therapist in a rhythmic pendular movement, effectively addresses conditions like insomnia, chronic headaches such as migraine, ear-nose diseases, neuropathy, and spondylitis. It is commonly practiced for either the head or the full body, depending on the individual's health condition. Takradhara is particularly beneficial for psychosomatic illnesses, hypertension, diabetes, autism, ADHD, insomnia, and the regulation of emotional and behavioral tendencies.

Navara Saksheeram Kizhi: Nourishing Rice Bundle Therapy

Navara Saksheeram Kizhi, also known as Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, is a type of Ayurvedic swedanam where cooked navara rice is dipped in boiling Balamoola ksheera kwatha and applied to the body. Two therapists massage the patient with the rice boluses, ensuring uniform pressure to release the rice onto the body. This therapy effectively treats conditions like osteoarthritis, muscular pain, joint stiffness, and rheumatoid arthritis. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda translates to "60-day rice poultice sweat therapy" and involves using Shashtika Shali rice processed in herbal decoctions and milk. The poultice is applied to the body or afflicted area to provide heat to painful joints and muscles, nourishing tissues undergoing depletion and degeneration. This treatment provides strength to the muscles, rejuvenates the body, and induces sweat, promoting overall well-being.

Shirodhara: Serene Oil Therapy for Mind and Body

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy where medicated oil is gently poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead while the therapist moves the vessel rhythmically. It helps with various conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and migraines. Often combined with body, scalp, or head massages, Shirodhara induces a relaxed state, promoting mental clarity and well-being similar to meditation. It's known to alleviate anxiety, hypertension, and stress-related ailments through its calming effects.

Shiro Vasti: Nourishing Head Therapy

Shiro Vasti is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy where medicated oil is applied to the head and left for 45 minutes to an hour. Warm oil is maintained by adding more throughout the session. This therapy is primarily for conditions like facial palsy, headaches, cervical spondylosis, and eye diseases. It's beneficial for various head-related ailments, including migraines, insomnia, and stress-related disorders. Shiro Vasti helps pacify Vata dosha, reducing pain, improving circulation, enhancing cognitive functions, and promoting better sleep. Beyond immediate relief, it provides long-term benefits by rejuvenating the head and promoting overall well-being.

Snehavasthi: The Healing Enema

Snehavasthi is an Ayurvedic procedure where medicated oil or ghee is administered through the anus in a specific method by inserting the enema syringe parallel to the spine. Care is taken to avoid air entering the anus as the therapist slowly administers the oil or ghee. This therapy helps with constipation, neurological ailments, flatulence, lower backache, and dryness. Sneha Vasti is an integral part of Ayurvedic detoxification therapy, known as “Panchkarma”, offering several benefits such as balancing vata dosha, flushing toxins from the lower body, and treating gastric problems effectively. It also reduces lower backache, gout, and rheumatism pain, and is beneficial for neurological ailments like paralysis.

Snehapanam: Medicinal Ingestion Therapy

Snehapanam is an Ayurvedic therapy involving the oral intake of medicated ghee or oil in increasing doses. The patient drinks the ghee or oil at a stretch and then rests, occasionally sipping lukewarm jeera water to quench thirst. This therapy is mainly indicated for skin diseases, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal issues. It is a pre-Panchakarma purification process where patients with conditions like gastroenterological illness, arthritis, chronic constipation, and psoriasis are recommended to take medicated ghee made from cow’s milk. By neutralizing gastric juices, Snehapanam aids digestion and promotes overall wellness.

Jalaukavacharana (Leech Therapy): Natures Blood Purification

Jalaukavacharana, commonly known as leech therapy, or Hirudo therapy, is a form of rakthamokshana where leeches are utilized for bloodletting. This method is considered ideal for safely, quickly, and effectively expelling vitiated blood from the body. The targeted area is prepared by making it dry and applying a wet cloth over the leech to encourage bloodsucking. The area of the body where rakthamokshana have to be done is made rooksha by rubbing with choorna or washing with triphala kwatha. It is better to cover the eyes of the patient with cotton and bandage cloth. Leech therapy is mainly indicated for various conditions such as skin diseases, varicose ulcer, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and infected wounds.