Ayurveda, the oldest of holistic healing treatments in the world believes that a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit can lead to good health free from diseases. Any factor upsetting the balance is responsible for various diseases. The treatments involve natural processes and ingredients to restore the harmonious existence of body and soul.
Sarvanga Kashaya Dhara:
This is a sedation therapy using herbal decoction. The body is forced to perspire with the warm decoction flowing from a specially designed vessel fixed at a certain height in a specific rhythm which is rubbed all over the body. The treatment facilitates removal of toxins and helps in the metabolism of fat. It eases muscle tension and alleviates joint pain and muscle stiffness.
Sirovasthi:
Siro means head. The treatment is effective in treating facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat and intense headaches. Lukewarm herbal oils are poured in a cup which is placed over the head for 15-60 minutes every day. The treatment generally continues for 7 days.
Kativasti:
Kati means lower waist and vasti means containment. The treatment is applied to persons suffering from lower back pain and lumbar problems. Warm medicated oil is placed on the lower back bounded by a wall of herbal paste. The treatment lasts for 45 min to 1 hour.
Nasyam:
The treatment involves application of herbal juices and oils through the nasal passage and runs for 7-14 days. Those suffering from headaches, mental disorders, paralysis and certain skin diseases highly benefit from this treatment
Dhara:
This is one of the ancient Ayurvedic treatments and is highly popular. Ayurvedic medicine applies Dhara treatment in a number of ways which are capable of treating varied ailments like chronic headache, insomnia, tension, hysteria, hallucination etc. Specially medicated oil comprising of herbal oils, coconut water, ghee, milk, dhanyamlam is poured in a pot having a hole at the bottom. The thin stream of the liquid mixture from the hole of the pot fixed at a certain height flows over a specific region of the patient’s forehead. A complete Dhara treatment course lasts for 14 days.
Njavarakizhi:
In this treatment, a specific part of the body or the whole body is made to perspire by the application of medicated herbal packs. Two or more masseurs are engaged in this application. The pack in the form of boluses tied in muslin cloth is gently applied over the uncovered body for nearly 60-90 minutes per day and continues for 14 days. The treatment is effective in treating different kinds of body pain, joint pains, high blood pressure, certain skin diseases and even blood cholesterol.
Pizhichil:
Lukewarm herbal oils are well prepared and applied all over the body by 2-4 trained therapists. The application is done in a special rhythmic way for nearly 60-90 minutes every day. The procedure is repeated for 7-21 days depending upon the patient. Those suffering from rheumatisms, paralysis, arthritis, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and disorder greatly benefit from this.
