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Ayurveda Therapies
Ayurveda Therapies
» Panchakarma
- (The full program takes minimum 14 days) Pancha means five, Karma means
therapy. This five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the imbalance
of the body's bio energies (the Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in order to maintain
their inherent equilibrium. Like the earth these bio-energies also have their
own seasons. When one of the doshas accumulates, the body becomes imbalanced and
prone to illness.
Ayurveda recommends a thorough internal cleansing therapy
to clear and balance the bio-energies. The clusters of five cleansing procedures
or shodhanakarmas, comprise of emesis (therapeutic vomiting), laxatives, enemas,
nasal cleansing and blood purification.
This therapy also combats neurological
ailments like paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism, dermatological problems and mental
disorders.
» Abhyanga (45 minutes) A synchronized whole
body massage performed by two therapists using a specific herbal oil selected
according to the body type. The massage is followed by a steam bath and a hot
shower. The treatment brings about improved physical consistency, induces deep
relaxation and is very beneficial for vigor and vitality. In Ayurvedic classical
texts, massage is mentioned as a preparatory measure, which stimulates various
body systems, thus increasing the efficacy of any other treatment undertaken as
part of an overall program. It has been known to greatly assist in improving the
symptoms of rheumatism, improving eyesight, promoting sleep and creating a glowing
appearance to the skin. Abhyanga has a rejuvenating effect on the whole body.
» Udwarthana (30 minutes) This is a typical deep and dry
massage using herbal powders. This massage is done in a proper manner so as to
stimulate hair follicles and subcutaneous fat tissue to break down subcutaneous
fat storage. The dry powder massage reduces blood cholesterol, obesity, skin problems,
imparts mobility to the joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body. The
most promising effect is the slimming of the body.
» Choornaswedan
(30 minutes) This therapy begins with the application of a Dosha specific
massage oil to the entire body. The entire body is then subjected to exude profusely
after a thorough massage of herbal powders made into a bundle. This relieves neurological
disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and sports injuries.
» Njavarakizhi
(45 minutes) A massage to the body with small linen bags filled with
cooked Njavara rice after a liberal application of medicated oil over the whole
body. The rice is cooked in cow's milk mixed with a herbal decoction. The bags
are dipped in the same mixture and applied all over the body to induce sudation
(sweat). This procedure 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 fomentation employed in neurological disorders, rheumatism,
arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.
» Pizhichil (60 minutes)
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments,
Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). In this highly sought after rejuvenation
treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two Ayurvedic
therapists in a special rhythmic movement. The massage is very slow and light
without exerting much pressure. Pizhichil is considered as the most natural way
to purify different body systems. This massage protects the body from illnesses
and builds up immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases,
sexual weakness, blood pressure, nervous weakness and helps to arrest the aging
process.
» Sirodhara (45 minutes) Luke warm herbal
oil is poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead, while receiving a gentle
massage on the forehead. Sirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind.
This therapy relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process,
improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for paralysis and other
neurological malfunctions. Sirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical constitution
of the individual.
» Takradahara (45minutes) Takra
means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring. This therapy calms the individual down
by using medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the forehead to relieve insomnia,
depression and other stress related problems. It prevents greying of the hair,
reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases
of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the affected area to have a curative effect.
» Tarpana (30 minutes) Medicated ghee is retained in a
reservoir made over the eyes with black gram powder. This therapy will have a
cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. This relieves eyestrain, improves
eyesight and other eye related problems.
» Gandusa (20 minutes)
This therapy involves the retention of medicated oil or decoction in
the mouth for several minutes. The benefits of this therapy will bring a glow
to the face, improve lines and wrinkles, tone the skin and assist with any kind
of mouth, voice or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose and throat pathways.
» Kaval (20 minutes) This therapy requires the retention,
movement and gargling of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth. This process
is highly beneficial for ear, nose, throat disorders and improving the voice while
bringing a glow to the face.
» Vamana (30 minutes)
Ananda's gentle version of Vamana, is performed by administering herbal decoction.
This process will induce therapeutic vomiting. This is a very beneficial therapy
for Kapha predominating disorders such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and skin disorders.
» Virechana (30 minutes) This therapy alleviates excess
Pitta from the body. Ananda's version of Virechana is performed by administering
Virechak Aushdhi (purgative medicine) in milk or warm water preparation. This
therapy alleviates excess Pitta in the body and is extremely beneficial in Pitta
disorders such as dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn and jaundice.
» Sneha Vasti (30 minutes) The main seat of the Vata Dosha is
Pakwashaya (large intestine); therefore Vasti, an oil enema, is the main therapy
for all Vata disorders such as constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis,
flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism.
» Kashaya
Vasti (30 minutes) This therapy is normally done after a course of Sneha
Vasti. This is a cleansing enema where honey, oil and an herbal decoction are
administered. The results nourish and rebuild the Dhatus (body tissues), strengthen
their activities, restore and strengthen the body's immunity. This is very nutritive
while removing accumulated Malas (toxins) from the colon.
»
Nasya (30 minutes) The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with a
specific herbal oil and made to perspire. The medicine in exact doze is measured
and poured into the nostrils, while inhaling. After this process, the area around
the nose, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously. This treatment is highly
effective for headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis.