Classical Therapies
Ayu meaning ‘life’ and Veda meaning ‘knowledge’. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life. The classical Ayurvedic texts discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology, philosophy and theology. Ayurveda encompasses both preventive and curative health care. This science seeks to detoxify the body and to build up its immune system. Ayurvedas principles and philosophy describes a human as a universe within himself, made up of the cosmic forces. Like the entire universe, the human body is also made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
According to Ayurveda, human body consists of three main life forces, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are also known as the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health and any imbalance among these tridoshas cause a state of unhealthiness or disease. An imbalance is the effect of the constant reaction of the internal environment of body to the external environment. We are only required to bring about a balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of healthiness. Other essential concepts of Ayurveda are the Saptha Dhathus (the bodily tissues), Srotas (Channals), Ama (toxins) and the trinity of life – body, mind and spiritual awareness.
Treatment under Ayurveda first seeks to determine the constitution of the persons body; the emphasis is on the patient rather than the disease. It is believed that the same disease might appear in different forms in two people because their body constitution is different. This difference in constitution makes a difference in the treatment for both the people though the disease might be the same. This difference in treatment methods according to the constitution is essential for bringing back the natural balance of the doshas. Thus, understanding of ones constitution helps one to have a life style that is ideal for his constitution, and consequently optimise his health.
Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups – tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies decrease the excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body. Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done using with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing imbalances, this methodology guides the toxins to their sites for elimination. It comprises five parts – the pancha karmas – cleaning enemas, Unctuous enema,nasal medication, Purgation, Emesis. Kerala has gained global fame with their specialized Ayurvedic treatments. Methodologies like Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc. which are highly effective in a number of diseases including motor neuron diseases, arthritis, skin diseases, heart diseases, ulcers, asthama, peripheral vascular diseases and gynecological disorders.
Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Complete Detoxification and Cleansing Panchakarma is Ayurveda’s primary purification and detoxification treatment. Panchakarma means the “five therapies”. These 5 therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body are Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamoskshana. This series of five therapies help remove deep rooted stress and illness causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas (energies that govern all biological functions)
Benefits: Suggested for chronic diseases, rheumatic disorders, circulaory system, relaxation of the nervous system, chronic headaches, phobias, insomnia, depression, stress, chronic lung infection, paranasal sinus, increased blood lipids.
Abhyanga is an integral part of the daily routine recommended by Ayurvedic doctors in order to promote overall health and well-being. The prefix “Abhi” means “into or towards” and “ang” has a root meaning of “movement’. So “Abhyanga” means to move energy into the body whilst moving toxins towards the body’s eliminatory systems.
Abhyanga has been mentioned in Ayurvedic classics in dinacharya(daily routine). Abhyanga means the application of lubricant mainly medicated oil suitable to one’s constitution, age, season, particular disease and atmosphere.
Benefits
Increased mental relaxation, accelerated elimination of toxins.
According to ayurvedic classics, abhyanga is
Jarahar (anti aging) – If done daily to the spine, feet and head with sesame oil, mustard oil or almond oil massage increases virility, vitality and semen. The body is made up of seven tissue ingredients that are called as Dhatu. Because massage is one practice which provides energy, vitality, and nourishment to all seven Dhatus and old age approaches late, one remains young and energetic for longer duration. In this way, massage is anti aging.
Shram Har (fatigue reliever) – Fatigue is actually caused by physical and mental strain. It affects the muscles and causes tensions. Rubbing, patting and squeezing muscles gently removes fatigue.
Vata Har (pacifies the Vata) – Constant strain on the nervous system from Vata producing foods and anxieties disturb the Vata and one starts having pain in the muscle and joints. Regular massage with Mahanarayana oil or oils prepared by burning garlic in heated oil, or adding fenugreek seeds to boiling oil, mint oil and wintergreen oil all help the troubles created by Vata.
Drishti Prasad Kar (Improve sight) – Daily practice of massage improve sight and keeps blindness of the eyes away. Those who have weak sight or who suffers from diseases of the eyes should massage the feet, especially under the big toe. They should also massage the spine, neck and head regularly. This will remove eye troubles and improve vision.
Pushti Kar (make one strong) – By increasing the circulation of vital life fluids, and because of rubbing, pressing and kneading massage makes the body strong, increases stamina, vitality and virility.
Ayu Kar (provides longevity) – By creating an electrochemical balance, massage helps in achieving longevity.
Swapna Kar (induces sleep) – Massage relaxes the body and removes tensions. Those suffering from sleeplessness, insomnia or those who are unable to enjoy sound sleep should massage the body (especially the head and feet) before sleeping. The use of oil in this case, especially oil from pumpkin seeds, massaged on the head is very helpful. Brahmi oil is also advised.
Twak Dridh Kar (strengthens the skin) – Dryness of the skin is caused due to dry climate, excess mental work, anxieties and constant worrying. People who live in cold climates get dry skin by constantly facing the chilled air, which creates dryness. Vata, by nature, is cold and dry and its cold property is more active when there is a cold wave or cold wind. The skin directly comes into contact with the external atmosphere, and the skin also reflects like a mirror to the inner state of the physical body. There are so many other factors that make skin unhealthy like cosmetics of chemical origin, pollution etc. Massage with oil remove dryness, which is first sign of disturbed Vata in the body. Massage also makes the skin smooth and makes it shine. Regular rubbing makes it strong.
Klesh Sahatwa (provides resistance against disease and disharmony) – Massage strengthens the seven ingredients of which the body is made up. These antibodies provide more resistance to disease, and the strength, which comes from the seven Dhatus, gives tolerance, forbearance, and patience. This saves one from sorrows, agonies and anxieties.
Abhighat Sahatwa (resistance to injuries & power to recover quickly) – Those who massage the body regularly recover from physical injury more quickly than other person who do not massage. Those who massage regularly experience the healing process from within immediately and they experience comparatively less pain and fewer problems.
Kapha Vata Nirodhak – Subsides ailments caused by Vata and Kapha.
Mrija Varna Bala Prad – It maintains body strength, skin health and also improves the color and texture of the skin.
Thus in Ayurveda massage is highly praised and much emphasis is placed on the use of oils in massage. However, you must note the above are only guidelines for abhyangam and you should consult with a qualified Ayurvedic Physician.
Benefits
-Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and promote relaxation and well-being.
-Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. The massage is deeply relaxing and harmonises, detoxifies, strengthens and revitalises the entire body. The massage also improves lymph flow and stimulates the immune system. Furthermore, whilst providing a tired person with new energy, it simultaneously calms and strengthens the nervous system.
A treatment for cleaning the toxins through the colon In Ayurveda Chikitsa, the role of panchakarma and especially Vasti is having a very important place in the treatment of many disorders. Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum. This is a treatment in which prescribed medicated oils, decoctions, herbal preparations, extracts are applied through the rectum. The process resembles the enema, but the purpose is different.
An infusion prepared from some cereals (Dhanya) and vinegar (Amla) obtained from citrus fruits is called Dhanyamla. Navara rice, horse gram, millet, sliced citrus fruits and dried ginger are bundled separately in pieces of linen and then immersed in a large pot of water. The water is then boiled for a specific period during which the extracts from the bundles leach into the pot to make a vinegar. Dhara therapy with this liquid is called Dhanyamladhara. As in any other Dhara, this liquid too is poured in a continual stream over the patients body. Dhanyamladhara is very effective for diseases or health problems caused by Vata Dosha.
For a seven-day course of treatment each days requirement of vinegar is taken out and the pot refilled with the same quantity of water. Boiling continues round the clock for all seven days.
The unique swedana procedure carried out by applying heat with packs containing fried pieces of lemon and coconut scraping is known by the name narangakizhi. This is a procedure of proven efficacy in diseases characterized by pain and swelling in the joints like apabahuka. About the procedure of Narangakizhi oil is anointed to the body part to be treated, and then heat is applied by momentary as well as pressure touch of the warm packs and is continued for about 30 to 45 minutes.
In this treatment we use instead of oil, milk and the appropriate herbs, are used To do this, cow’s milk is preferred, but buffalo’s milk is also used at times. Decoctions of various herbs are added to the milk. If Ksheeradhara is done for the head alone, it is called Shirodhara and if it is for the whole body except the head, it is known as Sarvangadhara.
- Massage therapy and bodywork increases blood circulation thus enabling the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- A therapist can render massage that stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
- Helps in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
- Is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Contributes to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.
- Can relax tense and tightened muscles. Massage therapist often render massage to treat low-back pain and neck pain.
- Reduces overall stress. It helps the body’s stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
- Massage therapy could also treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis
- Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
- Reduces blood pressure
- Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
- Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
- Improves postureStrengthens the immune system
- Treats musculoskeletal problems
- Rehabilitation post operative
- Rehabilitation after injury
SIRAS TARPANAM (OR) MOORDHA THAILAM
It is a special therapy in which the medicated oils are kept on or poured on the head for a specific time. It is beneficial in diseases of head and eyes
Four types of the therapy includes,
i ) siro abhyangam
ii ).siro dhara
iii ) siro pichu
iv ) siro vasti
Navarakkizhi, Kerala’s unique contribution to Ayurveda, involves fomentation of the body with a bolus of cooked rice. Shastika or particular kind of rice known for its nutritional value, is cooked in milk and a herbal decoction made of kurumthotti (Sida rhombifolia) . Four boluses are made of this cooked rice and tied up in linen bags.
The fomentation begins with the patients sitting upright on the droni with legs outstretched . The masseurs on either side perform the fomentation process in an identical manner. The movement of the hands during both fomentation and massage should always be downwards.
The fomentation continues with the patient on his/her back on the droni.
There is also another attendant who supplies new kizhis, which are kept ready in a decotion of warm milk. It is very important to keep the kizhis at a constant temperature. The treatment is over once fomentation has been carried out in all the seven standard positions.
In some cases, one of the three supine position may be avoided and the patient is made to lie face down. After the specified duration of treatment, the paste is wiped off with palm leaf scrapers, a suitable type of oil is applied all over the body before the bath.
Action
Medicated special rice which is very useful to remove body pains, improve digestion, cures sclerosis.
The oil massage is often followed by a herbal steam bath with specially selected medicinal herbs. This widen the vessels and thereby assists the detoxification of the body system. After a gentle massage on the body,specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and kept inside an herbal paste boundary for 50 minutes. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this massage deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free.
Benefits
The main indication are all types of diseases of nervous system, chronic rheumatic diseases, pain to the joints, emaciation of limbs and diseases borne of vitiated blood. It also makes the body strong and sturdy with well developed musculature.
• Paralysis (pakshaghat)
• Poliomyelitis (bala pakshaghat)
• Pain (shul)
• Osteo arthritis (sandhi vata)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (amavata)
• Lean and thin persons(karshya)
• Arthritis with swelling
• Sports injury
• Spondilosis
• Facial palsy
• Muscular atrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
Like Ela kizhi, but in this treatment we use powdered herbs. We apply them throughout the whole body using warm reticules
.: Induction of perspiration by applying heat using heated packs of herbal powder is refereed as podikizhi. Kolakulathaadi Choornam, Satahwaadi Choornam, Kottamchukkadi Choornam are commonly used in this treatment. Podikizhi is effective in diseases due to the morbidity of kapha and vata dosa, pain and swelling in the joints as well as pakshaghata. Depending upon the requirement whole body below the neck or a part of the body may be treated by this procedure. Abhyangam followed by application of the heat with the warm packs of herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes is the method of Podikizhi
Action
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Benefits
Insomnia problems, stimulates the nervous system. Helpful for myosceletic problems, arthritis, backaches, joint aches, shoulder aches. It revives the cells of the skin and offers glow and vitality. It gives euphoria to the soul and the body.
Human breastmilk added with little camphor is used for the dhara
Indications
Cold conditions
Hyperpyrexia
Enteric fever
Pure sesamum oil added with cow’s milk and decoction of drugs are used for dhara
Indications
Sinusitis
Chronic headaches
1) Before pilichal
2) in between pilichal and pittanubandha roga
3) After sirobhyangam.
4) Can be done before all types of swedanam
When there is congestion in the lungs causing repeated attacks of bronchitis, cold, cough. Vamanam is administrated to eliminate the Kapha causing the excess mucus.All Kapha related diseases are cured by this therapy .In chronic skin diseases like Psoriasis also vamanam is administered.
Is done with medicated boiled rice. First the rice is cooked along with its husks. Then some milk is boiled along with the herbal formula Dashamula and small ,balls of cooked rice are put into it. These are then taken out. and put in a cloth bag, with about two hands full of rice in each bag. First oil massage is done and then massage is done with rice in a downward direction, starting below the head. Massage is done on the chest, back, hands, and legs. Then the rice paste is removed and hot oil is applied again. After removing the excess oil, a hot water bath is taken.
Indications
Rheumatoid arthritis
Stiffness of joints
Hemiplegia
Skin diseases due to deficiency of vitamin B
Benefit of Massage Therapy (System wise)
Benefits to the Nervous System
The nervous system is profoundly influenced by the application of massage. The effects of massage may be soothing and sedative, providing relief from nervous irritability. Disorders such as insomnia, tension, headaches and other stress-related conditions respond to the healing power of touch as peace and harmony returns to the troubled mind. Alternatively, the effects of massage on the nerves may be stimulating, promoting an increase in the activity of the muscles, vessels and glands governed by them. It is invaluable in cases of lethargy and fatigue.
Benefits to the Muscular System
The muscular system derives enormous benefits. Muscles maintain a balance in relaxing and contracting. Some massage movements relax and stretch the muscles and soft tissues of the body, reducing muscular tension and cramp. Fibrous tissues, adhesions and old scar tissue can be broken down and cleansed of waste deposits. As muscles contract, toxic products are eliminated. Other movements produce the contraction of muscles promoting good muscle tone. Muscle fatigue and stiffness caused by over activity, and the resulting build-up of toxic substances in the muscles, is reduced by muscular contraction and relaxation.
Benefits to the Skeletal System
The skeletal system is strengthened by using massage. Bone is indirectly affected by massage. Improvements to the circulation of blood and lymph in the muscles lead to better circulation in the underlying bones, benefiting their nutrition and growth. Stiffness of the joints, and pains resulting from conditions such as arthritis, are reduced providing comfort and ease of movement.
Benefits to the Circulatory System
The circulatory system also benefits from the action of massage. It takes the pressure off the arteries and veins, accelerating the flow of blood through the system providing relief for poor circulation and cardiac problems. The heartbeat strengthens the rate of the heartbeat decreases and high blood pressure is reduced.
Benefits to the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is stimulated and the flow of lymph is accelerated throughout the system. As the massage strokes are performed, the waste and poisonous substances which have accumulated in our overstressed bodies are rapidly eliminated.
Benefits to the Respiratory System
The respiratory system responds an increased activity in the lungs is stimulated by massage. As the treatment proceeds, the breath slows and deepens. If necessary, mucous and bronchial secretions can be encouraged to leave the lungs by percussive movements on the back and over the lungs.
Benefits to the Digestive System
The digestive system benefits when massage promotes the peristaltic activity (wave like motion) in the colon enhancing the elimination of faecal matter and combating constipation. It strengthens the muscular walls of the intestines and abdomen, and stimulates the secretion of digestive juices from the liver, pancreas, stomach and intestines.
Benefits to the Skin
The skin, both the activity and the nutrition of the benefit from massage. The sweat and sebaceous glands are stimulated, improving their function and ensuring the elimination of waste products. Skin condition, texture and tone are greatly improved – the skin is healthy and glowing following a treatment.
Benefits to the Genito-urinary System
The genito-urinary system, the use of abdominal and back massage promotes the activity of kidneys, which enhances the elimination of waste products and reduces fluid retention.
Benefits to the Reproductive System
The reproductive system can also be improved. Abdominal and back massage can help to alleviate menstrual problems such as period pains, irregular menstruation, PMS and the symptoms of menopause.
- Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
- Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
- Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
- Fosters a feeling of well-being
- Reduces levels of anxiety
- Creates body awareness
- Increases awareness of mind-body connection
Pizhichil is squeezing warm medicated oil all over the body with the help of cloth pieces ,which are periodically dipped into vessels containing oil.
This treatment is done by pouring lukewarm herbal oil over the body from a particular height with a regular speed of flow simultaneously giving a gentle massage. The treatment spans for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. The duration of this rejuvenation therapy varies depending on the condition of the patient. Pizhichil is an effective remedy for optimum relaxation. The continuous flow of warm oil over the body influences the health of the srotas—( the channels )of prana, digestion and elimination, and the functioning of the mind.. Pizhichil Treatment increases the blood circulation, nourishes muscles.
Action
Takes away the vitiated doshas in the form of sweat . The flow of warm oil gently washes away tension accumulated over years of stress. Habitual patterns of holding vital energy deep inside feel opened and soothed. As the treatment progress for a series of days the effects are felt in increasingly deeper areas so that the body and mind are enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and nurturing.
Benefits
Tones and rejuvenates the skin, promotes relaxation, inner balance,This is a highly rejuvenating treatment that enhances muscular tone and retunes the entire nervous system.
This traditional treatment is for the face and the head.It is a relief for the respiratory system. This treatment belongs also to the Pancha karma.
Action
The nose is the doorway to the brain, mind and consciousness. Prana, or life-force energy, enters our bodies through the breath so it is vital that the nostrils are free from blockages, well lubricated and in a healthy condition. The Nasya treatment aids the lubrication and cleansing of the nostrils and stimulates other benefits throughout the whole of the neck and head
Benefits
improved clarity and perception, enhanced cerebral circulation, better sleeping patterns, improved sense of well-being and calmness of mind.Cures Coarctation of the paranasal sinus, migraine, neurological disorders,
This treatment eliminates the toxins from the head and neck region and is useful in curing headaches, migraine, sinusitis, chronic cold , chest congestion, cervical spondylosis and Facial Palsy.It assures lightness of the body and head ensures better sleep.
Application of oil to feet is called as Padhabhyanga.
EFFECTS
Regular application keeps the feet smooth and removes cracks,dryness,fatigue.
Person who resorts to this regularly never suffers from sciatica and sprain in foot muscles
Special reference has been in ayurveda that
“There are two siras (blood vessels) Situated in the centre of both the feet,which are greatly connected to eyes.These transmit the medicines applied over feet to the eyes”Hence Padabhyanga Improves vision
Garshan
The Garshan massage is ideally suited to Kapha dosha types.
This massage is done while the skin is still dry
During this stimulating massage raw silk gloves are worn by the two practitioners in order to create friction on the surface of the skin.
Garshan is followed by oil massage
. Garshan is typically followed by Swedana (steambox treatment) to further stimulate detoxification of the cells and pores through sweating.
Recommended for: Kapha dosha types, people carrying excess weight, people suffering from cellulite, people who experience excess inactivity
Benefits
The friction increases blood circulation, helps to oxygenate the cells and stimulates the removal of accumulated toxins.
improves condition and tone of skin,, awakens untapped energy reserves
alleviates depression, inactivity and sluggishnessIt promotes weight loss and clears away clogging impurities that might cause problems such as cellulitis
The use of the silk gloves helps removing the dead cells.It contributes to the enhancement of the circulatory and the lymphatic system.It gives a smooth and soft skin.
Duration: 45 minutes
Patra pinda sweda(Ela Kizhi)
Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated powders. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and used to massage the entire body, neck, shoulders, hand and back, shifting the person from side to side
ELAKIZHI is an innovative classical massage with medicated leaves and is used to tackle joint pain, muscle cramps, stress and arthritis.
All the above-mentioned treatments can be done in a perfectly healthy person as well so as to enhance his/her immunity, vitality and longevity of life. The above treatments can be offered in different combinations according to the physician’s direction. Each of these combinations give a curative and rejuvenative effect after being undergone for definite periods and repeating at definite intervals.
Action
The massage can promote better circulation within the affected area thereby promoting increased perspiration, which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. It also helps to tone the skin and can be superbly relaxing
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Benefits
This treatment is proved to be effective in relieving pain and aches of muscles and joints.
Balance of VATA, joint aches, coxalgia. Exanthema, dryness of the skin. Moisturizing for the skin.
Kizhi treatment is a therapy wherein heated herbs and medicinal oils are tied in cloth bags; and placed on the area to be treated. This is followed by specific massages, done using the fingers, heel of the hand or palm. The pressure application varies according to the nature of ailment and the spot
Types of pinda Swedana
Patra pinda sweda(Elakizhi)
Choorna pinda sweda(Podi kizhi)
Shastika pinda sweda(Navarakizhi)
Jambeera pinda sweda(Narangkizhi)
Mamsa pinda sweda(mamsakizhi)
Valuka pinda sweda(Manal kizhi)
Recommended for: muscular aches and pains, osteo arthritis, insomnia, depression, sinus related ailments, stroke victims
Action
This carefully planned health Program is directed towards improving vigor and vitality. It also goes a long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion i.e. it is a return to the bliss of eternal youth.
During Pinda Sveda Ayurveda treatment small linen bags filled with a specially prepared mixture are applied locally to relieve the muscles.. The effect of the herbal extracts is to relieve the pain if there is any and to relax and build up the body tissues of the application area.The entire body is covered and the healing properties of the herbs are easily absorbed and utilized through the skin.
Benefits
Tones and rejuvenates the skin, promotes relaxation, inner balance
The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.
If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acidtryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.
Shiro means “the head” and dhara means, “that what flows”.Free translated “that what flows in the head”.. We put in a copper bowl, called kindi, lukewarm therapeutic oil enriched with the appropriate herbs. A ban, called varti, is dampened through the kindi. The oil absorbed from varti flows across the forehead of the treated person. In Shiro Dhara, a calm-inducing, stream of warm herbal oil is rhythmically poured over the forehead, that streams also through the scalp and hair; thereafter, the head and shoulders would be gently massaged in a pacifying manner The liquids used in shirodhara can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water,decoctions,human breast milk or even plain water according to the various treatments for different benefits.
Sirolepana includes thalam and thala pothichil.
Takra means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring.
Takra means butter milk, from my earlier post you have an idea of shirodhara, what they do here is boil milk and medicines and add little curd keep it over night, it is then churned and shirodhara is done with that buttermilk
It is a process by which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc are allowed to flow on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for 7 to 21 days.
Action
This therapy calms the individual down by using medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the forehead to relieve insomnia, depression and other stress related problems. This prevents graying of the hair, reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the affected area to have a curative effect
Benefits
This treatment is for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin diseases.. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff, Psoriasis, hypertention, Diabetes, hair loss and other skin complaints. This gives head very cooling action and generates sleep.
PROCEDURE:
i) Patient should sit on chair, well relaxed after having performed certain sacred rites as other treatments.
ii) Mild massage is given on head with suitable medicated oil.
iii) Selected medicinal herbs (based on disease) are grinded thoroughly and made into a fine paste and applied thickly on scalp
Care should be taken that no lepanam falls on forehead.
iv) Lepanam should not be like that, it is very light so that it falls down nor that it is very heavy.
v) Lepanam should be applied in the following order starting from:
a) Centre of the head (Ucchi)
b) Front of the head
c) Right side of the head
d) Left side of the head and finally
e) on the back portion of the head involving the hairy portion also.
vi) Head is covered with leaves usually banana or lotus to form a perfect mask.
vii) A small hole is made on the centre of the covering and medicated oil kept there. This allows the medicines to stay on and function well.
viii) Procedure should be continued for 40 minutes to 96 minutes.
ix) Within that time after application of lepa on head, mild massaging should be done for the whole body.
x) After 72 minutes, 12 square centimeter paste is removed from the centre of the head (ucchi) and new paste is applied.
ix) While removing the paste after 96 minutes, first paste from surroundings is removed and then paste from centre taken.
COURSE DURATION FOR THALA POTHICHIL :
Procedure can be done
i) Either once
ii) On alternate days
iii) Daily for duration of one week.
iv) Daily for duration of fifteen days based on the disease.
Action
SPECIAL PRECAUTION:
Eyes and ears can be protected by cloth wrapped with masha floor.
Benefits
TIME OF APPLICATION:
i) This procedure can be done in morning or in evening.
ii) When done along with pilichil, it should be done in the morning.
The whole body is gently massaged with medicated powders prepared with various herbs.
Benefits
According to ayurvedic classics, It reduces Kapha and liquefies the excess adipose tissue
Provides firmness to the body
This helps to reduce fat patches from the body known as cellulites
Tones of the muscles,
Improves blood circulation and eases joint pains.
Regular Udvartanam is good for not only cellulites but it helps to lose weight by increasing the basal metabolic rate.
- break up fatty deposits and energize blood circulation.
- A delightful body treatment to remove excess heat from your body, enhancing circulation and drawing fresh energy to the surface of the skin.
- works great as an antiseptic
Indications
Obesity
Oily skin
Lack of complexion
Blemishes
Virechanam is the method of cleaning and evacuation of the bowels through the use of purgative medicines.
