Ayurveda Treatments

Treatment Details

• Abhyanga: Abhyanga is one of the most popular and ancient Ayurveda treatment procedure. It involves full body warm oil massage. The type of oil used depends on the season and is also specific to the individual depending on their body constitution. A daily practice of Abhyanga restores the balance of the Dosha’s and enhances well-being and longevity. It is a relaxing and comforting procedure which gears up your body and mind.Abhyanga is a full body massage done using medicated herbal oils by two therapists in a synchronized manner. The number of strokes and pressure vary with the physical condition of the individual. Following the oil massage the individual is made to sit inside a wooden steam chamber that lets out herbal steam from medicinal herbs, making the individual perspire profusely; this promotes cohesion between cells. The steam helps open up the very small pores of the skin thereby removing all the toxins from the body and pacifying the three Dosha’s – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to classical texts, Abhyanga is advised daily to prevent ageing and degeneration process. Benefits – Abhyanga has a positive impact on the whole body physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the individual Dosha’s. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from pain and stiffness. Abhyanga in a synchronized form increases blood circulation, which in turn, increases general sense of well-being and life span. Duration – 60 minutes.
• Shirodhara: Shirodhara is a mind relaxing procedure in which a stream of medicated warm oil/herbal decoctions/medicated milk/buttermilk is poured on to the forehead with uniform to and fro motion. The group of nerve endings on the forehead or the Ajna Chakra is responsible for our emotional status. This steady rhythmic pouring of oil allows the body to enter into a state of deep relaxation. Abhyanga followed by a Shirodhara makes the best mind-body relaxation package. Benefits – Reduces stress, brings about youthful appearance by detoxifying the hair follicles preventing pre-mature graying and balding, improves learning ability and concentration, reduces burning feet syndrome, poly neuropathy, reduces the excitation of the nervous system, increases the serotonin level and endorphins to uplift the emotions and relax. Duration – 45 minutes
• Udvarthana: Udvarthana is typically a deep tissue dry massage using herbal powders. This massage stimulates hair follicles and subcutaneous fat tissue to break down subcutaneous fat storage. The treatment involves upward stroking, where the powder is rubbed with gentle force on the body. Benefits – The most promising effect of Udvarthana is the slimming of the body. This treatment softens and exfoliates the skin, improves muscle tone, and is a favoured treatment for those with sensitive skin. In addition, it improves blood circulation and gives a refreshed feeling. Duration – 60 minutes
• Shastika Shali Pinda Sveda /Navarakizhi: Navarakizhi treatment starts with the soothing Ayurveda Abhyanga followed by the massage with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Navara rice. The boluses are dipped in this regenerating mixture of cow’s milk and a brewed herbal decoction, and then applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat). Navara means the rice that grows in 60 days; Kizhi stands for bolus (Potli). Benefits – Navarakizhi treatment is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin. This is a strengthening treatment employed in neurological disorders. Duration – 90 minutes
• Patra Pinda Sveda /Elakizhi: Patrapinda Sveda is a sudation therapy which is highly rejuvenating similar to Navarakizhi, Here instead of Navara rice we use fresh leaves for the treatment. The treatment begins with the Ayurveda Abhyanga followed by the massage with the small cotton cloth boluses filled with fresh leaves boiled in herbal decoction. Benefits – This treatment promotes better circulation within the affected area, induces perspiration which helps the skin to eliminate toxins. It also helps to tone the skin and can be very relaxing. Duration – 90 minutes
• Choorna Pinda Sweda / Podikizhi: Podikizhi is a treatment in which the whole body is fomented and made to sweat. The procedure starts with an Abhyanga followed by special powder steam. Selected specific herbs are powdered and tied in muslin pouches, heated and then gently applied on the body in a synchronized, rhythmic motion. Benefits – This therapy strengthens muscles and joints. It also nourishes the nerves, improves tissue strength and blood circulation. Duration – 90 minutes
• Sarvangadhara / Pizhichil: The word Pizhichil means ‘to squeeze’. Cloth dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed on the whole body and hence the name. Pizhichil, also known as Kayaseka or Sarvangadhara. It is an Ayurveda whole body therapy using lukewarm medicated oil and accompanied with coordinated massage therapy. It rejuvenates the nervous and muscular system of the body and stimulates blood circulation. In ancient times it was only prescribed to royal families and hence referred to as the treatments for kings. Benefits – Pizhichil therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthier life. It is highly recommended for complete relaxation and indicated especially for all types of body pains. From a beautification perspective, it is excellent for keeping skin young and also prevents aging. Duration: 90 minutes
• Kashaya Seka: This is a deep balancing therapy which starts with an Abhyanga. After Abhyanga, gentle continuous stream of hot herbal decoction is poured on the body. Benefits – Balances the Dosha’s and brings it to equilibrium. Helps in relieving all types of body ache. Duration: 90 minutes
• Netra Tarpana: Netra tarpana aims at providing optimum rejuvenation to the eyes by strengthening and purifying it. In this procedure, medicated ghee is retained in a reservoir made around the eyes with black gram paste. Benefits – Netra tarpana has a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. It is useful in dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, improves eyesight, helps in preventing early formation of cataract, and other eye related problems. Duration – 30 minutes
• Greeva Basti: GreevaVasti is a treatment procedure in which warm medicated oil is retained inside the black gram paste boundary over the neck region. Later the oil and the dough both are removed and the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. Benefits – Greeva Basti alleviates neck and upper back conditions like cervical spondylitis, stiff neck etc. It is very useful in maintaining normal structure and working of neck region. Duration – 30 minutes
• Kati Basti: Kati Basti involves specially prepared warm herbal oil being poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. Later the oil and the dough both are removed and the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. Benefits – Kativasti is a highly effective treatment for back pain and spinal disorders. This treatment helps to increase the blood circulation, strengthens muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. It also strengthens the back muscles which maintain normal curvature of the spine. Duration – 30 minutes
• Shiro Basti: In a Shiro Basti treatment, a bandage is tied and a cylindrical cap is secured around the head. The medicated oil, warmed to body temperature, is poured into the cap and allowed to soak into the scalp. Benefits – Shiro Basti is a great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia, and depression. It is also useful in headaches, eye diseases and hair fall. It is also helpful to improve memory and vision. Duration – 30 minutes
• Uro Basti: Uro Basti is a treatment where a specially prepared mixture of warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside the black gram paste boundary. Benefits – The healing properties of herbal oils used for Uro Basti, enrich the blood and build and maintain strong muscles and connective tissues. It is a stimulating and therapeutic treatment for muscular chest pain and asthma. Duration – 30 minutes
• Hrid Basti: Hrid Basti is a specialized Ayurveda treatment for various cardiac ailments in which warm medicated oil is retained inside the black gram paste boundary over the heart. Benefits – It strengthens the heart and is beneficial in various cardiac and also is beneficial in asthma. Duration: 30 minutes
• Chakra Basti: Chakra Basti is a treatment in which warm medicated oil is retained inside the black gram paste boundary over the navel region. Benefits – This treatment supports the navel which is a major marma point connecting thousands of vibrational channels of the body which carry prana or life energy. It is also the seat of the 3rd chakra that influences will power and individual ego. This treatment also helps to reduce digestive and elimination problems. Duration: 30 minutes
• Janu Basti: Janu Basti is a treatment for the knee joints where medicated oil is poured inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. Later the oil and the dough both are removed and the affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. Benefits – An effective treatment for those suffering from knee discomfort and pain, osteo arthritis etc. Duration: 30 minutes
• Panchakarma: It is a Sanskrit word consisting of “Pancha” means five and “Karma” means remedial measures or treatment. So, Panchakarma literally means five remedial measures used in Ayurveda therapy.In our body, due to faulty diet habits and lifestyle, Dosha (vitiated biological humours) and Mala (toxic excretable metabolites) get accumulated and block the srotas i.e.physiological channels. This condition threatens to cause disease. Hence the different Srotas must be clear so as to produce and carry the biological entities. Panchakarma therapy eliminates these vitiated Dosha and Mala from the Srotas and helps to restore the normal functon of the body or many times cures the disease. There is hardly any chance of recurrence of the disease treated by Panchakarma therapy as the therapy strikes at the root cause and eliminates it. This is an important advantage of Panchakarma therapy.Panchakarma therapy is not only used to treat diseases but also plays an important role in rejuvenating the body and mind. It improves metabolism and hence strengthens both body and mind. Hence healthy individuals do need Panchakarma therapy at regular intervals in order to eliminate harmful toxins from their body.All of us have experienced the immediate comfort and relaxation after a gentle oil massage. If only a small preparatory part of the Panchakarma therapy can provide such wonderful result, then the beneficial effects of the total therapy is simply unquestionable.
  Panchakarma’s are as follows:
  • Vamana
  • Virechana
  • Nasya
  • Basti
  • Rakta Mokshana
• Vamana: Vamana is medical emesis and is a preventive measure for diseases of Kapha origin.This process induces therapeutic vomiting or medical emesis. Prior to carrying out the Vamana procedure, the individual’s body is prepared by Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). Benefits -Vamana is a very beneficial therapy for Kapha predominating disorders such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and skin disorders. A healthy person should undergo Vamana once in a year as it cleanses the stomach, promotes health, improves immunity and has anti-aging effects on the body.
• Virechana: Virechana is a medicated purgation therapy which is meant for expelling out vitiated Dosha and Mala through the anal passage. This Panchakarma therapy is indicated for Pitta related disorders.Virechana is a part of the Panchakarma treatment and helps eleminate excess Pitta from the body. The treatment is performed by administering Virechak Aushdhi (purgative medicine) after proper preparation of the individual through Poorvakarmas like oleation and sudation. The gastro-intestinal tract is cleansed by Virachana therapy The treatment also concentrates on the toxins that are accumulated in the liver and gall bladder.. When the laxatives are consumed by the patient, he/she is recommended to follow a restricted diet. Benefits – Virechana therapy is extremely beneficial in Pitta disorders such as dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn, jaundice. For many of the digestive ailments, Virechana is advised. It purifies the blood, improves skin complexion, rejuvenates all the tissues and organs, promotes longevity and improves immunity.
• Basti: Basti is a Panchakarma procedure to cure Vata related disorders. It is used to promote elimination of the vitiated Vata Dosha out through the rectum. In this Panchakarma procedure medicated oil or decoction is administered through the anus to pacify the aggravated Vata Dosha. Usually Basti is of two types – Nirooha Basti in which herbal decoction is used and Anuvasana Basti in which herbal oil is used in form of Enema. Benefits – Basti is regarded as half of the whole treatment and sometimes the complete treatment due to its wide range of effects on the body. It prevents the ageing process, promotes happiness, longevity and strength. It enhances the power of digestion and metabolism. Perfect treatment for all Vata related disorders.
• Nasya: Nasya is a process by which oil is administered through the nostrils. It is a part of Panchakarma as it helps in detoxifying the head. The toxins accumulated in the sinus, throat, nose or head are eliminated through this treatment. It keeps the eyes, nose and ear healthy if done on a regular basis. Benefits – Nasya can prove to be an effective remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migraine, rhinitis and other nasal infections. This therapy will cleanse, purify and strengthen the nasal passages allowing you to breathe fully and easily again. It is highly effective for headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis.
• Rakta Mokshana: Rakta Mokshana is one of the Panchakarma procedures carried out to purify and cleanse of deep seated blood toxins. It is a procedure where vitiated blood is eliminated from the body either by phlebotomy (withdrawing vitiated blood by small incisions on the blood vessels) or by application of leach. Benefits – To cure skin diseases like chronic eczema, gout, enlargement of spleen and liver, jaundice, several Pitta related diseases etc. It purifies the blood, promotes health and improves immunity.