TREATMENTS

Snehana (Oil Therapy)

‘Sneha’ means oil. ‘Snehana’ is the term used for oleation or the application of oil. Oil may be administered either internally or externally.Snehapana is a prerequisite in panchakarma. Ghee infused with herbs is orally administered to the patient for a specific period. The health, age, Dosha condition and digestive capacity of the patient need to be taken into consideration when determining the dosage

Abhyanga

 ‘Abhyanga’ means ‘oil massage’. In abhyanga, medicated oil is massaged all over the body which is part of daily regime also.The patient reclines in seven standard positions.  This begins with the person seated in an upright position, supine or flat on the back, turning to the right side, supine again, turning to the left side, supine once again and finally sitting as in the beginning.

Elakkizhi (Patra swedam)

‘Patram’ or Ela’ means leaf.  ‘Kizhi’ means ‘bundle’.  ‘Elakkizhi’ or patra sweda is a kind of sudation therapy by herbal leaves and other drugs tied up in the cloth and applied to the body with a constant temperature. Pathra pinda sweda is beneficial for spondylitis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, myalgia, neuralgia etc

Podikkizhi (Choornaswedam)

Podikkizhi is a method of therapeutic sweating with kizhi containing drugs in powdered form. As moderate heat is required to sweat the body, the kizhi have to be warmed up by heating them in a pan smeared with castor or neem oil to prevent the kizhi from charring.

Njavarakkizhi

Njavarakkizhi, Kerala’s unique contribution to Ayurveda involves fomentation for the body with a bolus of cooked rice. Shastika or njavara is a particular kind of rice. Shashtika or navara, a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional value, is cooked in milk and an herbal decoration made of kurumthotty (Sida rhombifolia). Njavarakkizhi is used mainly to provide strength and rejuvenate the tissues and also to provide relief from the pain and stiffness associated with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal pain.

Pizhichil

‘Pizhichil’ and ‘Sarvangadhara’ are technically the same. Pizhichil literally means squeezing.  Here, 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. In Sarvangadhara Oil is poured over the patient’s body from pitchers.Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the Vata humour – Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spasms – and other degenerative diseases that affect the muscles.

Dhara

Dhara is the pouring of warm medicated oil or an herbal decoction over the body.  While in Shirodhara, oil is poured only on the forehead,In sarvangadhara, it is poured all over except on the head.

Dhanyamladhara

An infusion prepared from some cereals (Dhanyam) and vinegar Amlam) obtained from citrus fruits is called dhanyamlam.  Dhara treatment with this liquid is called dhanyamladhara.  Dhanyamladhara is very effective for diseases caused by the derangement of Vata. 

Shirodhara (Moordhanya dhara)

For carrying out Shirodhara – dhara on the forehead. Sirodhara can be used to treat a variety of conditions including migraine, stress issues, eye disease, psoriasis, insomnia, memory loss etc.

Ksheeradhara

Dhara with medicated milk is called Ksheeradhara.  Decoctions of various herbs are added to the milk.  Ksheeradhara may be either for the head alone – Shirodhara or for the whole body except the head – Sarvangadhara.A sarvanga ksheeradhara is usually prescribed for diseases caused by disorders of the Pitta.

Udwarthana

Udwartana is a therapeutic deep tissue massage which is performed with rubbing oil and herbal powder applied in upward strokes. Highly effective in reducing excess fat from the body. 

Nasya

The nostrils are the entrance to the head and the effect of the drugs administered through the nostrils spreads and alleviates the illness thereby protecting the upper as well as the lower regions of the human body. The administrational of herbal oils, decoctions and powders through the nostrils is called Nasya.

Vamana

Vamana is a process of drug-induced vomiting to expel mainly the vitiated Kapha dosha from the body.  Vamana is an effective treatment for chronic colds, bronchial asthma, arthritis and certain skin diseases.  However the therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly and the weak and those suffering from certain diseases of the heart and liver. 

Virechana

Virechana or purgation therapy facilitates the elimination of vitiated pitta from the body. Medicated oils or powders are used for purgation depending on diagnosis and the patient’s tolerance. 

Vasti

Sneha vasthi is a procedure in which medicated oil is administered through the rectum.Kashaya Vasthi is a specific therapeutic procedure in which a colloidal mixture of medicines, honey oils and herbs are administered into the body through lower pathways through the rectum. It cleanses accumulated toxins from all over the body. Vasthi is very effective in treating many orthopaedic and neurological disorders.