Know Ayurveda

The whole body is therapeutically massaged with medicated herbal oils, so as to prevent ageing and degeneration. The person undergoing Abhayangam reclines in seven positions on a wooden bed called ‘Dhoni’ and usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes with special care for foot massage. This treatment is found highly effective in reducing mental tension and in increasing the strength and functional efficiency of the body muscles.

It means to raise or elevate. Fine medicated powder is applied over the whole body with upward strokes of massage, quite opposite of the usual Ayurvedic massages. The treatment is similar to Abhayangam and usually lasts for 45 minutes. Udhhvarthanam is well known for its capability to induce perspiration, reduce obesity, diminish body odor, and improve skin complexion and also to provide better mobility to the body joints.

It involves the fomentation of the body by applying linen bags filled with ‘Njavara’ rice cooked in milk and medicated decoction made primarily from ‘Kurumthotti’. It is very important to maintain a constant temperature while applying the kizhi and the paste of medicine is removed after specific period of application with palm leaf scrappers. This is effective in treating the degenerative changes and enhances strength, vitality and complexion.

In this treatment warm medicated oil is squeezed over the whole body of the patient using a piece of cloth that is dipped in medicated lukewarm oil from the height of 3 to 4 fingers. A rhythmic pattern is followed while applying the oil, which is followed by gentle massage. This therapy is effective in treating all types of nervous degenerative diseases including all types of paralysis.

It is another form of sudation therapy where herbal steam is applied evenly on the entire body to produce perspiration. The head region is excluded from the treatment by admitting the patient into a specially made steam chamber for 15 to 20 minutes. Swedanam can be effectively utilized in treating muscular stiffness and numbness and is found to enhance the body’s blood circulation.

It is a form of Dhara where medicated buttermilk is poured over the forehead and scalp continuously in an oscillating pattern for a period of 45 to 60 minutes. It is found effective in rejuvenating the brain cells thereby improving memory. It is frequently used to cure sleeplessness, mental tension, all types of headaches, premature graying, hair falling and even psoriasis.

This is a very popular form where a vessel with a hole in the bottom is used to pour oil on the scalp and forehead continuously for 45 to 60 minutes. This will be repeated for 7 to 14 days. This therapy is very effective in maintaining the equilibrium of body and mind. It is also found to increase the memory, clear voice tone and to provide relief from all types of stress and strain.

One more form of dhara therapy where medicated lukewarm milk (Cow usually or Buffalo) is poured over the body to induce perspiration. The pouring of milk is done by using a special pitcher with nozzle and is continued for 45 to 60 minutes and is repeated for 7 to 14 days as per the patient’s requirements. This treatment is found to be very effective in treating paralysis and body weakness.

It is one of the most important treatments of Ayurveda where vitiated doshas and toxins are eliminated through anus by applying medicated enema. Vasti is done either using processed oil or by a mixture of medicated oil, decoction of herbs, honey and medicinal pastes. This treatment is effective against hemiplegia and other paralytic conditions.

A form of treatment where herbal oils, decoctions and powders are applied through nasal openings as Ayurveda considers nostrils as the pathway to the brain. The process is usually carried out after applying oil and steam on the face of the patient. It's effective in purifying and rejuvenating the brain cells, and hence cures some of the serious ailments like loss of consciousness, stupor, insomnia, hysteria, hemiplegia, and facial paralysis.