Panchakarma

According to Ayurveda, the presence of disease in our system indicates an imbalance in our ‘doshas’. Bringing our system back into balance is the key to the cure. Ayurveda has an effective tool for the diagnosis of disease called ‘nadi pareekshan’ or pulse diagnosis. This is done by an Ayurvedic doctor who checks the individual’s pulse on his/her wrist and he/she can easily detect the imbalances in the body and prescribe an effective treatment.

Treatments usually come in one of two forms:

Herbal medicines to balance the body.
Panchakarma, a 5-staged body purification programme, consisting of herbal remedies, light diet and excercise specific massages and cleansing treatments.

Ayurveda supports health without disturbing the natural intelligence of the body; Ayurvedic treatments have no negative side effects. Because of this, people around the world are now turning to the ancient science of Ayurveda to help them regain and maintain optimal health. Ayurveda can be used on its own or as a complement to allopathic treatment.

Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiro (head) and dhara (flow).

According to traditional texts (Astanga Hrdaya: Sutra 2:7-8), this Shirodhara technique, if done correctly and accordingly, is known to accomplish miraculous healing. Some are listed here:

• Mesmerizing and tantalizing effects
• Treatment of several diseases connected with the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, throat
• Helpful against insomnia
• For nervous disorders and dispositions
• Helps relieve tension headaches
• Reduces shoulder and neck pains
• Prevention of premature graying of hair
• Increases luster and form of hair and more

Well trained Panchkarma assistant apply medicated oils all over the body in a specific manner. Swedan (Fomentation) usually follows all types of massages. This abhayangam is indicated in various diseases of the muscles and the nerves and as a process of making the body physically strong and healthy.

Benefits: Counterbalances the body and the spirit by offering mental balance. It gives an unprecedented rejuvenation.

Swedan:

In this process a steam chamber is used, in which the patient either sit or lie down on his back and every part of the body is exposed to the steam except head, to avoid dehydration, the patient is given a glass of water before administering swedan. The duration of treatment is five to fifteen minutes or until sweat begins to bead on the face and forehead.

The sign of effective and complete swedan is sweating, a reddish color to the skin and warmth in the body, with no chill and stiffness. Patient feels light because of liquefying “Ama” (toxin). Without swedan toxins would not be ready for complete disposal. Once the Dhatus give up their accumulated toxins and wastes and the Doshas successfully transported them back to the gastrointestinal tract, the body must eliminate these wastes through the closest orifice.

This therapy is useful to liquefy the toxins in the body, and generalized disease like Arthritis and generalized weakness, Fatigue, Muscular problems; and in Myopathies swedan can be use as treatment.

The procedure of applying heat to the sacral or lumber region, Knee, back of the neck by retaining warm medicated oil with in a specially formed frame on this area is popularly know by the Kati basti, Janu basti and Greeva basti respectively.

Benefits of Kati basti, Janu basti and Greeva basti:

Lumbar spondylosis.
Spondylolisthesis.
Disc prolapse.
Ankylosing spondilitis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Sacroileitis.
Lumbosacral strain
Cervical spodylosis.
Stiffness of neck.
Osteoporosis.
Osteoarthritis

Udvartana is an invigorating procedure done with cleansing grains or constitution specific herbs, used to scrub and exfoliate the skin. This herbal massage will stimulate the skin, leaving you with radiant, toned skin and cleansed skin.

Udvartanas have traditionally been used to treat the following ailments:

Clogged pores or acne on the posterior surface of the body (backside)
Sluggish lymphatic systems
For the removal of toxins
Used to slough dead and dying skin for a more even skin tone
Weight gain and obesity
Cellulite

In this process the whole body (or any specific part) is made to perspire. This is done by external application of medicinal boluses, which are tied in a cloth bag (pottali/ pinda). Its helps to cure Paralysis, Poliomyelitis, Pain, Osteo arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Benefits:

Improves blood supply by cleansing the channels of circulation
Removes metabolic waste
Promotes digestion
Restores vigor
Gives softness to the body by improving the health of the skin
Endows sound sleep
Makes the body strong and sturdy with well developed musculatures
Nourishes the body and increases immunity
Promotes sharpness of vision and functions of other sense organs
Effective in curing diseases of the nervous system and others such as chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, emaciation of muscles, numbness and diseases caused by vitiation of blood.
Slows down aging, premature graying of hair, baldness, appearance of wrinkles over the body and other ailments caused by aging.