Ayurvedic Therapies

Ayurvedic therapy or treatment is administered as a combination of herbal concoctions and lifestyle changes that help balance the three principal energies of the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

These principle energies or doshas are present in every individual with varying strength and magnitude.

The one dosha that is predominant among the rest determines the overall constitution of the individual, also known as Prakriti.

According to Ayurveda, diseases arise when these doshas become vitiated because of an external or internal stimulus linked to eating habits and the amount of physical exercise you get in a day.

Ayurvedic treatments ensure all three doshas are at their optimum levels.

The duration and method of the treatment may vary depending on the Prakriti or inherent constitution of the individual.

Contrary to the modern medicine system, Ayurvedic treatments harness the power of nature and the body’s inherent qualities to heal itself. The treatments are performed in a certified Ayurveda center under the supervision of experienced practitioners and nurses. As far as oral medications go, it is recommended to seek the advice of your Ayurveda practitioner to avoid major side effects and disappointment because of poor results.

Ayurvedic Therapies Offered

Abhyangam

A classical herbal oil massage, using vigorous downward strokes to apply pressure to muscles, nerves and vital points on the body

•  Sharira abhyangam– A classical herbal oil massage for the entire body.
•  Shiro Abhyangam– Herbal oil massage on the head and neck done in rhythmic movements.  
•  Mukha Abhyangam– A traditional invigorating facial massage involving the application of snehadravyas (oil, ghee, etc.) using circular strokes.
•  Pada Abhyangam– A stimulating foot massage involving the application of oil with specific pressure and in specific directions.

Upanaham

Takes care of deep-seated pain

 First, oil is applied, and then herbal paste is applied in the affected area and covered. This area is steamed

Utsadanam

Fine herbal paste is massaged all over the body. Helpful for sensitive and dry skin  

Udwarthanam

Body massages using medicated dried herbal powders or paste, which are applied to the body using upward strokes

Dhara

Body is first massaged and then made to perspire by pouring a constant stream  of extracts depending on body conditions from a special vessel placed at a certain height.

•  Kashayadhara – Herbal water extracts are used.
•  Dhanyamladhara – Dhanyamla (lukewarm fermented herbal liquids)  
•  Shirodhara/ Takradara– Milk or buttermilk is gently poured on the forehead
• Pizhchil / Thailadhara – Continuous streams of warm medicated herbal oils are soothingly poured over the body by two Ayurvedic therapists as they gently massage the body in perfect unison.

Sveda (steam)

•  Bashpa sveda– Medicated steam bath using herbal decoctions in a unique bashpa sveda yantra, or steam bath chamber, which induces profuse sweating
•  Nadi sveda– Local application of hot steam using an instrument called nadisveda yantra, which induces profuse sweating

Pindasvedam

Nourishing deep massage treatment in which heated bolus bags are applied either locally or to the entire body. Depending on the nature of the medical condition, the bolus bags may contain choorna (herbal powders), patra (assorted fried herbal leaves), jambeera (lemon) or shashtika (njavara rice, a type of Indian herbal rice). For some conditions, a medicated oil massage may be done prior to the application of bolus bags.

External Vasthi

Localized application and retention of warm medicated liquids within a sealed-wall frame on the affected area  

•  Greeva Vasthi– Localized external vasthi for neck region
•  Janu Vasthi– Localized external vasthi for knees
•  Kati Vasthi– Localized external vasthi for lower back
• Uro Vasthi – Localized external vasthi for heart region
•  Shiro Vasthi– Localized external vasthi for the head 

Avagaham

Sweating is triggered by seating the patient in a large tub filled with warm medicated liquid, maintained at a constant temperature.

Lepam

Gentle application of warm, thick herbal paste (blend of many potent herbs, spices, juices of leaves) on any afflicted area

Pichu

Long, thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is replaced periodically to keep it warm and therapeutic. It can be applied on different parts of the body, such as the head, neck, limbs, etc.

Thalapodichil

Herbal paste is applied evenly all over the head and covered first with plantain leaf and then with a cloth. A small hole is made in the center of the covering and medicated oil is kept there. Oil and paste are removed after a specific period and a mild head massage is administered.

Bandhanam

Ancient bandaging technique using healing herbal pastes or oils

Vasthi

Medicated herbal or oil-based enemas specially prepared and administered.

Nasyam

Nasal orifices are believed to be the gateway to the head. In this treatment, herbal powders, juices and medicated oils are administered through the nostrils.

Eye Care

•  Netra Lepam– Paste made of different cooling herbs is applied to the eyes after washing with herbal decoction. Not only treats eye conditions, but also cools the eyes.
•  Akshitharpanam – Localized application and retention of medicated ghee or oil within a sealed-wall frame on the eyes
•  Bidalakam – Application of herbal paste over eyelids
•  Akshidhara-Eyes are cleansed by pouring a liquid herbal preparation in a continuous stream over the eyes

Ear Care

•  Karnapoornam – Warm medicated oil and fumes are applied to the ears, followed by massage around the ears and jaw area
• Karna Dhoobanam – Smoke from medicated herbs is directed into the ears which alleviates loss of hearing, infections of the ear and painful conditions of the ear

Agni karma or dahan karma

Intensive treatment in which a unique instrument called shalaka yantra is heated and applied to the affected area