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
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