 |
AYURVEDA, the traditional Indian holistic health management system, offers a range of traditional therapies and herbal medicines to balance the bodily principles and to integrate body, mind and spirit. These therapies can be used for both to cure various ailments as well as to improve general health (Rejuvenation). The effect of therapies differs with the oil and other ingredients used. There are two inputs in a massage.
Primarily the type of medication used: whether oil, powder, paste etc and The Pattern and pressure of the strokes. For e.g. in a rejuvenating massage, the oils selected shall be with properties of tissue nourishing, toning up the muscles, stimulating the nerve endings and the pattern of strokes will be in the direction of hair follicles and from the origin of muscles to the insertion. Where as in a therapeutic powder massage, the purpose is to cleanse and burn out the excess adipose fat and hence the storks will be in the opposite direction of hair follicles. Having identified the body constitution (Prakruti) and type of ailment (Vikruti), a suitable type of massage can be carried out from the following. |
 |
Synchronised Massage (Abhyanga)
|
Full body massage done with medicated herbal oils by two therapists in a synchronized manner. The number of strokes and pressure vary with the condition of the individual.
"Rejuvenates the whole body, prevents wrinkles and scales, Removes the Cellulite, cures Spondylosis, Sleep disorders, Paralysis, improves physical consistency, induces sound sleep, increases general sense of well being and life span, improves the complexion and texture of the skin."
According to classical texts, this massage is indicated daily to prevent ageing and degeneration process.
Abhyanga treats the whole body physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free.
This stimulating treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes, while providing relief to diseases such as anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders, rheumatic and arthritic problems, backaches and injuries.
|
|
Shirodhara
|
A continuous stream of medicated warm oil/herbal decoctions/medicated milk/buttermilk is poured onto the forehead for 20 to 40 minutes, while receiving a gentle massage on the head. . This procedure often induces a mental state similar to a trance, which creates profound relaxation of the mind and body.
"Relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hypertension and other neurological malfunctions like Diabetic Neuropathy, Hemiplegia Paraplegia, Strengthens the sensory organs, Insomnia, Pre-mature graying of the hair & hair loss. It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and calms the body and mind."
It is deeply relaxing and revitalizes the central nervous system. Shirodhara gives the best results when taken after an Abhyanga.
|
|
Netra Tarpana
|
A special treatment in which the eyes are bathed in pure medicated cow's ghee.
"Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the Computer & TV screen, Refractive errors of the eyes, Chronic Conjunctivitis Corneal Ulcer, Dry Eye Syndrome, Eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxins, Glaucoma, Helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, Improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls, Pain and burning sensation in the eyes."
It has cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes. This relieves eyestrain, improves eyesight and other eye related problems.
|
|
Njavarakizhi
|
A massage to the body with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara rice after a liberal application of medicated oil over the whole body. The rice is cooked in cow's milk and herbal decoction. The boluses are dipped in the same mixture of cow's milk and herbal decoction and applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat).
"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, malnutrition of limbs, Paralytic strokesetc. Anti-aging & rejuvenating, Strengthens tissues, Body ache, Emaciation, Debility Monoplegia, Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis."
This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle.
|
|
Pizhichil (Thailadhara)
|
A King among the traditional therapies and a specialty of Kerala! This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is subjected to streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. Enormous amount of medicated oil to the volume of more than three liters is used in this. This therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthy life.
"It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, neurological disorders, blood pressure, nervous weakness and helps to arrest the aging process" |
|
Elakizhi (Pathrapotala Sweda)
|
This therapy begins with the application of suitable medicated oil to the entire body. The body is then subjected to exude profusely through a massage with boluses of chopped and fried leaves of some specific medicinal herbs after dipping in particular medicated oils.
"Effective for various kinds of arthritis, Spondylosis, back pain, sports injuries and for all other soft tissue inflammations especially joint pains, Eliminates toxins, Promotes lightness, Reduces stiffness, Beautifies the skin, Removes the Cellulite." |
|
Udwarthanam
|
This is a typical deep and dry massage using herbal powders.
"Stimulates 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." |
|
Kaadi Dhara
|
This therapy begins with the application of suitable medicated oil to the entire body. A special self fermented warm medicinal preparation made out of various kinds of grains, lemon, horse gram, etc. is poured continuously on to the whole body.
"Very effective 'Kapha Vata' predominant conditions of arthritis, paralysis, obesity, muscular pains and widely used in inflammatory disorders." |
|
Kadeevasthy / Kati Basti
|
Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free.
"Kativasthi alleviates lower back conditions like Lumber Spondylosis, Inter vertebral disc prolepses, Lumbago (low back ache), and Sciatica." |
|
Urovasthy/ Hrid Basti
|
A mixture specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside an herbal paste boundary for 30 to 45 minutes. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this massage enriches the blood and builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues.
"A stimulating and therapeutic treatment for muscular chest pain, strengthening of the heart, relieves deep seated anger and sadness, Cardio Myopathy." |
|
Greevavasthy/ Greeva Basti
|
Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free.
"Greevavasthi alleviates neck and upper back conditions like Cervical Spondylosis, stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc." |
|
Janu Basti
|
In this treatment the knee is bathed in warm medicated oils or herbal decoctions.
"Helpful in the Pain of knee joint, Osteo Arthritis of the knee joint."
It promotes the strength of the knee joint by improving the circulation.
|
|
Herbal Steam Bath
|
A gentle application of warm herbal oil is first done over the body. Next the individual is made to sit, keeping the head out, inside a steam chamber that lets out herbal steam from medicinal herbs makes the individual perspire profusely that promote cohesion between cells. The steam will open up the very small pores of the skin thereby removing all wastes and pacifying the three doshas.
"A great therapy for toning the skin and giving it a special glow." |
|
Sirovasthy/ Shiro Basti
|
Luke warm medicinal herbal oil is poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day.
"Great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia, depression, etc." |
|
Thakradhara
|
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.
"Relieves 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.
|
|
Talapodichi
|
An herbal paste is applied to the entire head for 45 minutes.
"Headache, Depression, Hyper active conditions, Burning sensation in the eyes, Insomnia, Skin disorders." |
|
Gandusha
|
This therapy involves the retention of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth for several minutes.
"Brings 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." |
|
Kabalam
|
This therapy requires the retention, movement and gargling of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth.
"Highly beneficial for ear, nose, throat disorders and improving the voice while bringing a glow to the face." |
|
Nasya
|
A therapeutic treatment for the nose, throat, sinuses and head. The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with specific herbal oil and made to perspire. The Herbal extracts/herbal oil in exact doze is measured and instilled into the nostrils, while inhaling. After this process, the area around the nose, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously.
"Provides a miraculous remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migraine, rhinitis and other nasal infections. Cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages allowing you to breathe fully and easily again. Highly effective for headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis."
|
|
Head & Face Massage
|
A soothing massage of the head, neck & shoulder using Ayurvedic techniques and special medicated oil,
"This concentrated massage on head and face relieves stress and strain related problems, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and improve the texture and complexion of face." |
|
Padaghata
|
This is a very unique whole body massage using feet instead of hands.
"Removes deep seated pain in the joints and bones, Deeply relaxing, Helps in removing toxins from deeper tissues, Removes excess of fat." |
|
Upanaham
|
This therapy is well-known for its property to relieve pain, swelling and to nourish the tissues. It is done by application of herbal paste over the affected area, covering the applied paste with medicinal herbal leaves and bandaging over that with cotton cloth. This application will be removed after few hours as per the requirement.
"Very effective in Osteo-arthritis, joint injuries and localized pain and swelling." |
|
Pichu
|
A thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is recycled periodically to make it warm.
"Very effective for degenerative and painful problems like Back pain, Osteo-arthritis, Spondylitis, injuries, etc." |
|
Udvartana
|
This is a specialized herbal treatment for weight reduction. An herbal paste or powder is applied all over the body and deeply massaged with specific movements.
"Toning the skin & muscle after child birth or weight loss, Removes Cellulite, Obesity, Weight reduction, Imparts good complexion to the skin Revitalizes the sense of touch, Removes Kapha toxins from the body." |
|
Lepam
|
This is the application of herbal paste externally over the affected area. The herbal powder and the medium to make the paste are selected as per the condition. This therapy is having a wide range of usage from cosmetic purpose to severe skin conditions.
"Very effective in Psoriasis, Pimples, Marks on skin, pigmentation, Arthritis with swelling & pain, injuries and skin infections." |
|
Ksheeradhoomam
|
This therapy begins with the application of suitable medicated oil on the face, neck and chest. The face and neck are then subjected to exude profusely through steam generated from a combination of cow's milk and herbal decoctions.
"This therapy is effective for facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, pimples and other skin problems." |
|
|
