Ayurvedic
Therapies....... Use this guide to better understand the
different kinds of ayurvedic therapies/massages.
Panchakarma.....This
five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the imbalance of the
body's Doshas or bio energies (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in order to maintain
their inherent equilibrium and Ama, which forms as a result. Panchakarma
therapy has three main stages : Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma and Paschatkarma.
Poorvakarma,
the first stage, comprises essential preliminary procedures for preparing
the body to unload stored toxins. The treatments help to loosen Ama (toxins)
and move it out to the deep structures into the gastro-intestinal tract,
where Panchakarma's cleaning therapies can then eliminate it.
Pradhanakarma
is the second stage and includes the main cleansing therapies.
Paschatkarma
is the final stage and describes the measures employed after the main
treatment, such as diet, medicines and daily routine.
Abhyanga.....
A synchronized full body massage performed by two
therapists using specific herbal oils prescribed according to the body type.
Improves eyesight, promotes sleep and gives a glow to the skin.
Udwarthana.....
A deep, dry massage using herbal powders to stimulate hair
follicles and tissue in order to break down the subcutaneous, stored fat.
Slimming of the body is the significant effect.
Choornaswedan.....
A vigorous massage, with a cloth bundle containing herbal
powders. Induces profuse perspiration leading to relief of neurological
disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and sports injuries.
Njavarakizhi.....
Massage with small linen bags filled with cooked Njavara
rice. This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the
body for the stress and strain of a busy lifestyle.
Pizhichil.....
A combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments:
Snehana (oliation) and Swedana (sudation). Pizhichil is considered to be the
most natural way to purify different body systems, to protect from illnesses
and build up immunity for a healthy life.
Sirodhara.....
Lukewarm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream on the
forehead, while a gentle massage is simultaneously given, also on the
forehead, for rejuvenating and revitalizing the body and mind. It relieves
stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves
memory, and is known to have a curative effect on paralysis and other
neurological malfunctions.
Takradhara..... Medicated
buttermilk (takra) is poured in a stream (dhara) on the forehead to calm and
give relief from conditions like insomnia, depression and other stress
related problems.
Tarpana..... Medicated
ghee made with black gram powder, is smeared on the eyes. This has a cooling
effect on irritated and stressed eyes.
Gandusa.....
Retention of medicated oil / decoration in the mouth for
several minutes. Lends a radiance to the face, improves lines and wrinkles,
tones the skin and assists with any kind of mouth, voice or teeth disorders
while cleansing the ear, nose and throat pathways.
Kaval.....
Holding in the mouth and gargling with medicated
oil/decoction. Is highly beneficial for ear, nose, throat disorders;
improves the voice and brings a glow to the face
Vamana.....
Administering herbal decoction to induce therapeutic
vomiting. Very beneficial for Kapha imbalances such as asthma, cough,
psoriasis and other skin disorders.
Virechana.....Administration
of Virechak Aushdhi, a purgative, in milk or warm water. Alleviates excess
Pitta in the body and helps treat dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn and
jaundice.
Sneha Vasti..... An oil
enema. The main seat of the Vata Doshi is Pakwashaya (large intestine),
therefore Vasti is the main therapy for all Vata disorders such as
constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache,
gout and rheumatism.
Kashaya Vasti..... This
therapy is usually taken after a course of Sneha Vasti. A cleansing enema of
honey, oil and herbs leads to nourishment and rebuilding of the Dhatus (body
tissues), strengthens their respective functioning, restores and fortifies
the body's immune system.
Nasya..... The
face, shoulders and chest are massaged with specific herbal oils, inducing
perspiration. The medicine is measured out in the exact doze and poured into
the nostrils while inhaling. A highly effective treatment for headaches,
sinusitis and migraine.
