Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda is not man made but is believed to be divine gift. It is for us to study, seek, search and take the benefits from the treasure of knowledge. Ayurvedic treatment does not mean suppressing the main symptoms and creating some new ones as side effects of the main treatment. It is to remove the root cause and give permanent relief. There are four main classifications of management of disease in Ayurveda: shodan or cleansing; shaman or palliation; rasayana or rejuvenation; and satvajaya or mental hygiene.
The treatment mainly comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Because the medicines are from natural sources and not synthetic, they are accepted and assimilated in the body without creating any side effects and on the other hand, there may be some side benefits. According to Ayurvedic medicine, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha.
These three doshas are called the tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease. It is only required that we bring back normalcy to the balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of healthiness.
Ayurved emphasizes on preventing and curative medicines.
So there are two aspects of Ayurvedic Treatment-
1.Curing of diseases.
2.Prevention of diseases.
Shamana Chikithsa
Manages the symptoms of the disease and treats the cause of the disease with the help of various Ayurveda medicine and therapies, particularly when the disease is at an early stage.
Shodana Chikithsa
It is an internal purification process. Purification can be used to cure diseases and at the same time to promote the healthy state of the body. Shodana chikitsa removes the Ama and Mala (toxins) from the body and restores the balance of the Doshas. Shodana Chikitsa consists of a three-stage purification process as follows:
Purva Karma
Preparatory purification prior to the main purification.
Pradhana Karma
The main five purification methods (known as Panchakarma treatment)
Paschath Karma
Post rejuvenation therapy.
The Important procedures in ayurveda are Shamana therapy, Pathya Vyavastha, Nidan Parivarjan, Satvavajaya, Rasayana therapy.
Abhyanga / Snehan (Ayurvedic massage)
This is a whole body massage with specific herbal oils to nourish and revitalize the body tissues (Dhatus) and to allow the toxins and waste to be removed from the body’s cells. Abhyanga has much deeper and far-reaching effects than an ordinary massage. Abhyanga achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing Body-Mind & Spirit. This massage is performed symmetrically by qualified therapist for about an hour and is usually followed by a medicated steam bath (Swedan). It is one of the most rejuvenating treatments of Ayurveda.
Kashaya Seka
Kashaya Seka is an ayurvedic revitalizing treatment given immediately after Abhyanga. In this treatment, warm herbal decoction is poured all over the body and simultaneously massaged by qualified therapist for 45 minutes. During this treatment,Sirodhara is also given. Kashaya Seka removes Kapha and Vata toxins from the body and is an ideal treatment for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis and varicose veins. The treatment also improves blood circulation, skin complexion and relieves body pain.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara (also spelled Sirodhara in the South Indian transliteration) is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that can feel so good, its sometimes called “bliss therapy!” Shirodhara is a shamana treatment, often prescribed during the rasayanarejuvenation period after pancha karma (the traditional Ayurvedic five actions of detoxification), or any time calming and re-integrating the nervous system is a top priority.
Padaghata
Padaghata is a very special treatment in Ayurveda and Padaghata is a form of external snehana treatment. Application of the oil all over the body followed by a special massage, in which the therapist uses his feet to apply firm pressure on the client’s body , is the unique feature of padaghata. The word pada means feet, and hence massaging with feet is known as padaghata.
Netra Tarpana
This treatment aims to provide optimum rejuvenation to eyes. Paste of Masha (black gram) is put around the eye ball in such a way that there should be retention of oil. Then herbal healing ghee (clarified butter oil) is put in this groove to lubricate eye and surrounding areas which will be kept warm for 20 – 25 minutes. This provides improved vision with beautiful eyes and strengthening of eye tissues. It also helps in under eye circles if done regularly for few days. that of the Kadee vasti.
Shiroabhyanga
Shiroabhyanga is a beautiful combination of the Shirodhara and Abhyanga treatments in one. Firstly, the deeply relaxing Shirodhara treatment is given; warmed medicated oils are gentle drizzled onto the forehead over 45 minutes. This delightful sensation melts away all chatter and mental activity leaving the mind calmed, cooled and refreshed.
Netra Dhara
Netra dhara is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes, and usually is a 30 minutes procedure. This process includes washing of the eyes with a medicated mixture of oils. It eliminates fatigue and pain from the eyes, relieves their muscular tension, helps improve the eye sight, helps in healing, reduces wrinkles, and simultaneously brings luster to the eyes.
Padaabhyanga
The feet are the seat of the meridians, marma points and many nerve endings so are they key to healing the entire body. This deeply relaxing treatment uses warm organic healing oil to massage the feet and the lower limbs to restore energy within the body and holistically rebalances the body mind and spirit.
Shiro Basti
This is a procedure in which a belt is fastened around the head covering the portion of the forehead so a well like formation takes place over the head. This well is then filled with oil and kept for some time. This is also beneficial in diseases of the head especially in difficulties arising due to injuries to the head.
Navarakizhi
Also called Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, is a specific sudation therapy, in which a special type of rice previously cooked with herbs as well as milk is tied into boluses. The same are dipped into an herbal decoction and warm milk, to be skillfully rubbed all over the body after the Abhyanga massage. This treatment, by increasing muscle bulk and improving stability and coordination, is excellent for conditions involving neuro-muscular degeneration.
