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
Yoga
Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the classical language of India. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time. Research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases.
Uzichil
It is a complete system, which rejuvenates the nervous and muscular systems of the body and stimulates the blood circulation. Uzhichil is the systematic application of pressure on the muscles according to their structure, at the same time stimulating the nervous stem and the circulatory system. This is done by oiling and massaging the various parts of the body. The practice helps in preparing a healthy body for Kalarippayattu training. It can also enhance the general fitness of a common man.
The oil used for Uzhichil depends upon the Prakrutham or physical nature of the person. In general cases, a specially prepared Mukkoott oil is used.
Uzhichil is of two types-one with the hands ie. Kaiuzhichil for children, old and people of light build and the other with the feet ie -: Chavuttiuzhichil for young and healthy persons. Uzhichil is always done so as to minimize the pressure on the heart and on the nerves to the heart ie -: massaging from the waist downwards and upwards to the upper part of the body. The pressure and the force of massage is increased day by day till the 4th and then reduced so as to reach the minimum again on the 7th day. The massage is also done for the face and the head.
Pizichil
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.
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.
Swedhanam
Swedhanam comprises of preparing the body for subsequent treatments. This is done by administration of medicated Ghee, Oil etc. as per condition.Swedhanam is meant for clearing (Directing in the right tract) the vitiated 'doshas'.
Dhara
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.
Thalam
In Thalam, a herbal powder mixed with special medicated oil is applied on the top portion of the head. Found to be very effective for ENT disorders.Before any external treatment thalam has to be performed. In this treatment, a special mixture of herbal powder and medicated oil is applied on the upper portion of the head and allowed to remain for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment helps in conditions associated with ENT, insomnia and migraine.
Vamanam
Administering herbal decoction to induce therapeutic vomiting. Very beneficial for Kapha imbalances such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and other skin disorders.
Virechanam
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.
Vasthi
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.
Nasyam
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.
Dhoomapanam
Herbs or herbal powders are burnt in fire and the smoke is inhaled through the nostrils. This treatment is used for Bronchial asthma, sinusitis , upper and lower respiratory tract infections etc.
Gandusha
Retention of medical oil / decoration in the mouth for several minutes. Lends the face, improves lines and wrinkles, tones the skin and assists with any kind or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose and throat pathways.
Kambalam
Gargling with oils, decoctions, honey, milk, water etc. This treatment is used for healthy mouth, teeth, tongue, gums and lips.
Snehapanam
Snehapanam is a special treatment in which medicated herbal oils or ghee preparations are given orally. This is used in cases of osteo- arthritis, psoriasis and chronic constipation.
Snehapanam is done as a therapeutic procedure and also as a preparatory process during the body purification therapy. Medicated herbal oils or ghee preparations are given to the patient orally for internal consumption in proportionally increasing quantities for a period of 8 to 12 days. This is very effective against osteo-arthritis, skin diseases and chronic constipation.
Abhyangam
Abhyangam is a special type of massage using medicated herbal oils to counter loss of skin luster, sleeplessness and fatigue. It also increases blood circulation in the body.
In this treatment massages are applied according to the circulatory channels, using medicated herbal oil. It is effective for loss of skin luster, sleeplessness, Vatha predominant diseases and fatigue.
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