The science of Ayurveda can prove to be beneficial throughout the year, yet, the best time to opt for an Ayurvedic treatment is definitely the monsoons. The ancient Indian texts have stressed on the benefits of monsoon on Ayurveda for rejuvenation programmes. This is because the atmosphere at that time remains comparatively dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum and thereby making the body the perfect medium for the process of absorption of the herbal oils and getting the best out of the therapy.
Here we present to you, the 10 most popular treatments in Ayurveda you can go for:
Abhyangam is recommended as the first step to any treatment, for its properties to revamp the energy cycles. It's similar to the massage given to babies to strengthen their bones and joints, regulate blood flow, and forge the body's immunity to fight against seasonal changes. The oleation serves as an absolute preventive measure against many ailments related to the Vata dosha.
To supervise the treatment, you are first seated on the Droni (a wooden bed made especially for this therapy). Here two masseurs work in conjunction, applying medicated herbal oil, starting from the head and to the rest of the body. Massaging it gently onto the skin, it is a relaxing experience.
The benefits of Abhyangam are: reduces hair-loss and dandruff, reduces stress, improves blood circulation, longevity, better sleep and eyesight, and vitality. Also, those who take the treatment on a daily basis get a glowing skin.
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Sirodhara is an ancient therapy. It uses medicated herbal oils and the study of the body's neuro-functioning. Known to promote rejuvenation and revitalization of the mind and body, while reversing the effects of ageing. Sirodhara is one of the most popular Ayurvedic therapies in India.
The therapy begins with you lying down, face-up, on a wooden bed, with hands-on both the side. A specially-designed apparatus filled with the medicated oil is placed on top of the head. It is used to pour oil in slow oscillation movement, while the masseur gently massages the different pressure points in the body to destress. In the ayurvedic therapy of Sirodhara, a liquid containing ingredients like herbal oils, medicated milk, and medicated buttermilk is applied on the forehead of the individual in a manner, making him/her lie down in a reclining position. The ingredients are allowed to settle for about 40 minutes and the process is repeated for a period of 7 to 21 days depending from person to person.
The treatment of Sirodhara has proved to be successful, mostly for the ailments like insomnia, the lapse of memory, headaches, mental tension, mental depression, skin diseases of a certain kind. Moreover, Sirodhara also enhances the mental ability of the individual.
Kadikizhi uses steamed herbal Kizhi in place of herbs mixed in oil. It starts with a light massage accompanied with medicated oils then follows the steamed Khizi massage. It is a highly effective therapy during which the body is massaged with plump, linen bundles. These bundles are stuffed with powdered pulses and seeds, fomented with herbal starch steam.
The therapy is advisable for those dealing with weight issues, arthritis, obesity-related issues. Kadikizhi improves joint mobility, alleviates aches and pains, is very effective in relieving several aches and pains and is also beneficial for combating diabetes.
Kadivasthi is a major Ayurvedic therapy that treats back pain and spinal disorders. Kativasti begins with encircling the region to be treated using a herbal dough, in which warm medicated oil to be poured and allowed to stand for a time span as determined by the doctor depending on the nature of the disease/condition. Kativasti is effective in treating chronic issues like spondylitis, disc prolapse, sciatica, and muscular spasms. Kativasti therapy entails retention of specially prepared warm medicated oil over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. The warm oil rests in a pool over your back and is kept in that manner for a minimum of 45 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour. It is an Ayurvedic therapy is supposed to be good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders. Lumbar spondylolysis, intervertebral disc prolapse, lumbago (low backache), etc. receive considerable relief by Kativasti.
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'Pizhi' means 'squeezing' and 'chil' means 'vigorous movement.' Pizhichil or Sarvangadhara, as it is also known, is a process that's traditionally used to anoint your entire body. It is the most popular treatment among Kerala Panchkarma therapies.
In Pizhichil, warm, medicated oil is poured over the body using a fine piece of linen to treat diseases. This oil is simultaneously massaged onto the body using slow, circular motion applied with light pressure. You are made to sit and lie down in a series of six different positions, which have a medicinal effect on the entirety of the process.
Pizhichil is the perfect remedy for rheumatism, joint and body pains, as well as poor circulation, fatigue, and anxiety. It is one of the best-known methods for removing stress from our system, nourishing and strengthening the entire nervous system and increasing the flexibility of joints thus strengthening the musculoskeletal system. It also builds up immunity and arrests the ageing process.
Used over the past 5,000 years in Ayurveda therapies, Kizhi (pronounced Khiri) is the name for little bundles of medicated herbs, oils, and powders. Depending upon the type of material used, Kizhi is classified as PodiKizhi that uses dry powdered herbs, ElaKizhithat uses raw herbs mainly leaves and roots, NavaraKizhi that uses special Navara rice and ManalKizhi that uses sand particles.
Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to your whole body (or specific parts of the body as needed in boluses), with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days.
Kizhi Ayurveda massage provides dry heat for aggravated Vata and Vata Kapha conditions. The heat generated in Kizhi helps to pacify the aggravated Vata thus relieving the associated pain immediately. Moreover, the enhanced blood supply due to hot fermentation helps to recover from muscular pain. The poultices are used with various pressures to treat various conditions/diseases. This treatment is for osteoarthritis with swelling spondylitis, muscular cramps, obesity, diabetes, sports injuries, low back pain, etc. Kizhi Massage is indicated in health conditions like pain management and stress reduction. Not recommended (contraindicated) in case of Pitta imbalances, strong Pitta Prakriti, Psoriasis or other skin diseases.
It is one of the most important processes of Keraliya Pancha Karma therapy. In place of the regular herbal mixes, this therapy uses a special preparation made of Navara or Shastika rice that's cooked in cow’s milk and then ground with the herbal mixture, is made into a fist-sized bundle called a Kizhi. These Kizhis are then dipped in the same herbal mixture and rubbed all over your body. Eventually, your body is cleansed and medicated oil is applied in circular motion.
Navarakizhi lends a certain glow to the skin, nourishes the muscles, improves blood circulations, improves metabolism rejuvenates the body, making it feel lighter and relaxed, relieving tiredness, depression, drowsiness, and insomnia. The strengthening formulation helps combat neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, and malnutrition of the limbs. Helps reduce stiffness in the joints, can restore flexibility, increase bone density and reduces pain in osteoporosis.
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Netradhara is a therapy made to cleanse eyes and is usually the first level of therapy advised in Ayurveda (for any type of eye condition). It is the way towards keeping unctuous substances like homegrown oil or cured ghee in the eyes for a settled timeframe.
In this procedure, the eyes are washed with a sedated blend of oils. This unique purging system, fluid natural planning is poured in a nonstop stream over the eyes for around 30 minutes resting the head in an agreeable position. Including the washing of the eyes with the Triphala water which purges the eyes and furthermore evacuates different eye-related issues.
Netradhara is a treatment for Vaataadi doshas. It is advisable for people suffering from eye fatigue, muscular tension, diminished discharge of lachrymal liquid, blurred vision and myopia and hypermetropia, night blindness. It helps in the diminishment of wrinkles, defers the development of waterfall, treatment of Glaucoma, cures Corneal Ulcers treating Corneal Abrasion, cures Pterigium (growth of beefy tissue on the white of the eye that in the end stretches out finished the cornea) and uvitis (irritation of the center layer of the eye or uvea, which lies between the retina and the sclera or white of the eye), etc.
Nasyam is one of the five Panchakarma therapies, a very special treatment designed for head-related illnesses. Ayurveda offers a lot of Nasyams: Virechana Nasyam, Dhamana Nasyam, Brumhana Nasyam, and Shamana Nasyam. Nasyam is a toxin removing process that gives immune power to the head.
Medicated oils, powders, etc. are instilled through the nasal route. The upper portion of the body from the neck upwards is massaged. The area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms, and feet is rubbed to enable the easy assimilation of the medicine.
The procedure of Nasyam can be classified under three headings:
1. Poorvakarma or pre-purificatory measures: includes facial oil massage or application of steam to face, forehead, head, ears, and neck. This helps to loosen the adhesive Doshas.
2. Pradhanakarma or main procedure of Nasyam: this is the main step of Nasyam and includes Instillation of lukewarm medication in both the nostrils, alternately, with the help of proper instrument like a dropper. The sole, shoulder, neck, ear and palm are gently massaged after the administration of the drug
3. Paschatkarma or post-therapeutic measures: in this procedure patients mouth is cleaned by giving lukewarm water to gargle and then medicated smoke is given for inhalation.
Nasyam is beneficial for those suffering from sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold, facial palsy, cervical spondylosis, etc. However, it is recommended to not undergo Nasya After heavy meals or Shirodhara. Nasyam Ayurvedic treatment cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe fully and easily again. Due to its many benefits, Nasyam is a recommended remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migraine, cervical spondylosis, hair fall, premature greying of hair, rhinitis and other nasal infections. Helps you get rid of ENT problems.
The simplest of therapies in Ayurveda. Lepam or packs is a specially-created concoction to address a specific series of physical, mental and psychological problems.
Lepam involves 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 individual’s condition. It involves applying the herbal paste on the affected area and wrapping the region with a muslin cloth. The paste is left to dry before being washed clean. The duration is 30 minutes.
Lepam helps relieve pain (warm/hot pack) and restore the glow (cold pack) too. It has a wide range of usage from cosmetic purpose to severe skin conditions. It proves very effective in psoriasis, pimples, marks on skin, pigmentation, arthritis with swelling and pain, injuries and skin infections.