Jeevana Kerala Ayurvedic Centre

The word Abhyangam in itself means ‘to massage’. In Ayurveda, it is the name for a treatment that harmonizes the body with the soul. Procedure: This treatment includes body massage with herbal oils of different types in accordance with the ailment and the need of the client, designed around each patient, to suit his/her condition or disease. Two therapists synchronize their strokes and simultaneously massage in circular motion on Marma points for sixty minutes in tandem. Benefits: The Abhyangam massage rejuvenates the body and the mind, providing many emotional and physical advantages. It helps to detoxify the deep seated toxins through natural bodily process such as sweating and urination. The Abhyangam massage is infact beneficial for everyone as it deals with bringing about rejuvenation and thus general good health. However, it is especially useful for persons with problems such as those of obesity, diabetes, skin diseases etc. and is ideal for post delivery/natal care of mothers. Other benefits include: Pain relief, stress relief, better sleep, improve blood circulation, beautification of skin, delayed aging, muscle relaxation, reducing swelling of arthritic joints, helps increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which provide resistance and immunity against viruses and diseases.

The term Shirodhara comes from ‘Shiro’ which means head, and ‘Dhara’ which means flow. Together these two words form the concept that aims to bring profound emotional relaxation. It is a treatment that calms and harmonizes the nervous system. Procedure: A flow of medicated oil or buttermilk is poured continuously on the forehead for 45 to 90 minutes, inducing a mental state similar to trance. Benefits: Shirodhara helps in the relief of mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, headache, excessive thinking etc, which are all common problems in today’s hectic lives. It is also highly beneficial for general relaxation, in which case, non medicated oils are used to help revitalize the nervous system and give mental peace. Shirodhara is also very useful in ailments such as nervous disorders, insomnia, blood pressure, general weakness, urinary diseases, vertigo, sinusitis, eye & skin diseases, greying hair, memory loss, insomnia, tinnitus, epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, paralysis etc. Other benefits include: Strengthens the central nervous system (CNS), strengthens the sensory organs, reduces stress and anxiety, decreases hypertension, sound sleep, improves concentration, intelligence, confidence and self-esteem.

Shirovasti is an important treatment which uses oil therapy for head ailments. Procedure: The therapist fits a cap on the patient’s shaven head and then pours medicated lukewarm herbal oil into the cap for 15 to 60 minutes over 5 to 7 days, depending upon the disease. The cap helps to keep the oil around the head and also maintains its temperature. Benefits: Shirovasti is a proven remedy for disease like neck diseases, dryness of nostrils and mouth. This treatment also works great for disease such as neuralgia, hemicranias, optic atrophy, deafness, and all diseases affecting the cranial nerves. Other benefits: Reduces anxiety and stress, revitalizes the organs, improves and maintains a clear voice and firm jaws, strengthens the head, helps to cure headaches, earaches, humming sound in the ear (tinnitus). It is also effective in healing of wounds, infections etc.

Pizhichil is a special form of treatment in kerala ayurveda which is famously known as a treatment for aristocrats.This is because this treatment was a tradition in royal families, and only kings of those days could enjoy its benefits. This massage is performed under the supervision of an ayurvedic physician. Procedure: During this massage, a cloth dipped in medicated herbal oil is squeezed over the patient’s body and he/she is given a massage for 60 to 90 minutes. This treatment is generally carried out for 7 to 21 days, depending upon the ailment and physician’s advice for the same. Benefits: Pizhichil actually helps in initiating diaphoresis (heavy sweating) and hence is highly effective in rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitans (parkinson’s disease), sexual weakness, nervous weakness, nervous disorders etc. Other benefits: Relieves body pain and muscle spasms, helps in the healing of fractured bones, increases immunity and prolongs lifespan, promotes development of muscles, improves skin complexion, has anti aging properties, improves blood circulation, helps in diabetes, hypertension, effective in asthma and even in tuberculosis in early stages, soothing and relaxing, helps preserve and promote optimum health, is very rejuvenating, and alleviates burning sensation in the body.

Navarakizhi refers to the fomentation of the body and has a unique and great contribution in ayurvedic treatments. Procedure: In this process, the rice variety “Navra” which has great nutritional value, is cooked with milk and a herbal decoction made of a herb called ‘Kurunthotti’. The mixture so produced is put in puffy muslin bags which are then used to pound the body of the patient by two trained therapists. The treatment goes on for up to 60 to 90 minutes and is repeated over a period of 7 to 21 days. Benefits: This treatment is very useful in rheumatism, joint and muscle pains, back pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and sexual problems, menstrual problems, infertility, nervous weaknesses, skin problems, arthritis, congenital deformity of the limbs, dislocation of bones and joints etc. Other benefits: Strengthens the body, rejuvenates the tissues, Improves muscle tone, Improves blood supply by opening up the channels of circulation, 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, Makes the body strong and sturdy, Nourishes the body and increases immunity, Promotes sharpness of vision and functions of other sense organs, Slows down aging, premature graying of hair, baldness, appearance of wrinkles over the body and other ailments caused by aging, and gives softness to the body by improving the health of the skin.

Podikizhi Elakizhi is a massage therapy, which is highly effective in treatments of ailments affecting the bones and joints. Procedure: Under this treatment, a powder of herbs, contained in a bolus is applied with lukewarm medicated oil, either on whole of the body or over the pain affected areas only. This process continues for 45 minutes everyday over 7 to 14 days. Benefits: Highly advisable in bone and joint conditions such as arthritis, spinal problems, spondylitis, sports injuries etc. Other benefits: Relieves pain, numbness and edema, controls vitiated Vata, improves peripheral blood supply, known to help cure diseases like paralysis and convulsions, and stimulates the nerve endings.

Udwarthnam is a therapeutic massage. Procedure: A massage is given with medicated oils and herbs, along with a special herbal powder. Benefits: Reduces cellulite, energizes the blood circulation and breaks the fatty deposits in the body, leading to weight loss and a glowing skin. Other benefits: Tones the skin and muscles after child birth, helps in weight reduction, imparts good complexion to the skin, revitalizes the sense of touch, removes Kapha toxins from the body.

The term “Panchakarma” is a union of two words, “Panch” which means five, and “Karma” which means action. Thus panchakarma is the name given to a set of five actions. It is a process of cleansing and rejuvenation of the mind and the body. It is a profound ayurvedic treatment, a blessing for a healthy life, and has the capability to cure diseases that have no allopathic cure. A person is called healthy when he/she has a toxin free body, fully functional organs, wastes efficiently eliminated, a calm and a happy mind, and a sense of well-being. However, in today’s busy world it is very difficult to have all of them together at the same time. Panchakarma helps by reversing these negative effects of daily living To restore the natural health and the beauty of the human body and mind, Panchakarma treatment employs the coordinated use of five different detoxification processes. These five actions are : 1. Vamana (Medicated emesis) 2. Virechan (Medicated purgation) 3. Basthi (Medicated enema) 4. Nasyam (Medication through the route of nose) 5. Raktha Moksha (Blood letting) Vamana This is the process used to cure Kapha doshas. It purifies the chest and the stomach by inducing medical emesis. Waste products and toxins (vitiated dosha) are thus eliminated through the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is highly effective in ailments such as anemia, chronic indigestion, sinus problems, cough and cold, asthma, nausea and food poisoning, psoriasis and skin disorders. Virechana This is the process used to eliminate excess Pitta from the body. It purifies blood, by clearing the toxins from the body, along with the lower alimentary canal, by induced controlled purgation with the help of medicines. It is used to treat jaundice, chronic helminthic infestations, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal problems and constipation etc. Basthi This is the process used to cure the Vata disorders. In this procedure, a medicated oil enema is applied through the rectum. This is because vata is predominantly located in the colon. It is helpful in cases such as constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism. It is also a good remedy for arthritis and paralysis. Nasyam During this treatment, medicated oil, ghee or herbal extracts is instilled in the nostrils and the therapist then massages the area around the nose, chest, palms and feet. It is an effective treatment for the nose, throat, sinus and head disorders. The treatment cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages, so the patient can breathe fully and easily again. This is highly effective in headache, migraine, cervical spondylosis and facial palsy. Raktha Moksha Raktha Moksha or blood letting, is the last and the most complex procedure of body purification treatment under the Panchakarma. It removes the toxins from body through letting out the toxic blood with the help of venesection. It is highly effective in diseases like urticaria, rash, eczema, acne, scabies, leucoderma, chronic itching and hives, enlarged liver, spleen, hemochromatosis, gout, elephantiasis, alopecia, skin and blood disorders, pigmentation etc. It is further of two types: a) Shastra Prayoga b) Anushastra Prayoga

It is a treatment in complete alignment with the Ayurvedic philosophy of “Prevention is better than cure”. With ageing, the body tissues undergo many changes. Rasayana Chikitsa aims at improving the health and the longevity of people by enhancing their metabolism, repairing the wear and tear of the body due to aging or diseases, removing waste products and toxins, improving the immunity and increasing tissue turnover. It boosts the ‘Ojas’ (vital force of life) and improves the ‘Sattva’ (mental clarity).

Procedure: 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. Benefits: 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.

Procedure: Tharpanam is basically a cleaning process for the eyes. During the treatment, hollow wells made up of black gram paste are gently sculpted around the eyes and then medicated ghee is poured in the eyes for a time duration prescribed by the specialist according to the eye ailment. Benefits: Tharpanam cleanses, gives a cooling effect to the eyes, prevents eye diseases, improves eye sight and strengthens the optic nerve.

Procedure: Spine and neck care program lasts for 10 days, and comprises of various gentle Ayurvedic massages such as Kativasthi, Snehavasthi, Kashayavasthi, Pizhichil, and Njavarakizhi, over the muscles and joints of the neck and shoulder, along with special exercises and yoga. Benefits: This program helps to cure the problems associated with the lumbar and cervical regions of the vertebral column, such as spondylitis, slip disc, sciatica, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scoliosis.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that leads to skin redness and irritation. Procedure: This treatment includes special Lapanam, Abhyangam, Snehapanam, Pizhichil, medicated steam bath, Thakra dhara (continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead for an hour everyday over 7 to 21 days), Sirovasthi, and internal consumption of exclusively prepared herbal medicines, along with practise of yoga and meditation. This treatment is given for 21 to 28 days. Benefits: Sidhma chikitsa is a promising ayurveda treatment for all forms of Psoriasis.

The term Shodhana means “to go away.” Our food habits, hectic routines and unhealthy habits cause the accumulation of toxins in the body that can lead to an imbalance of the tridoshas. Shodhan Chikitsa, also known as the waste elimination therapy, is done when the body accumulates excessive toxins and is unable to excrete these toxic substances naturally. Then, with the help of Panchakarma, Snehakarma and Swedanakarma methods of treatment, these toxins are driven out from the body. Procedure: Shodhan chikitsa helps to purify and detoxify the whole body with the help of massages with medicated oils and herbs, along with a comprehensive diet program. This treatment is given for 15 days, and includes, apart from body massage, Snehapanam (medicated ghee, eaten on an empty stomach), Nasyam (medicated oil administered through the nose), Virechanam (medicated purgation), Snehavasthi (herbal oil enema), Dhara (continuous stream of mildly warm oil applied to the body parts), Pizhichil (combination of heat treatment and herbal oil massage), Njavarakizhi (massage with a concoction of rice, milk and herbs, wound up in a warm bolus bag), Karnapooranam (application of medicated fumes to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes), Tharpanam (eye cleaning process), Sirovasthi (keeping lukewarm oil on the head), steam bath, herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines. Benefits: It is essentially a body purification therapy which eradicates toxins and re-furbishes the Tridhoshas, namely, Vatha, Pitha and Kapha, to a balanced condition.

Procedure: Selected precious herbal leaves are boiled and its steam is passed onto the patient’s whole body for 10 to 20 minutes. Benefits: Medicated steam baths help to remove accumulated toxins from the body through sweat. As compared to a general steam bath, medicated steam baths are much more effective for different types of skin problems and for toning the body. They also help to reduce fat and eliminate body impurities.

Weight loss treatment in ayurveda does not mean starving yourself, but balancing your fat and metabolism. Procedure: It includes two types of massages: 1) Massage with medicated herbal powders 2) Massage with medicated oils Along with the massage, this treatment includes intake of a special Ayurvedic diet, herbal juices and herbal tea. Medicated steam baths and yoga also form an important part of the treatment. Benefits: This slimming treatment lasts for 28 days, and can help one to lose up to 30 Kgs of weight without starving himself/herself. These massages help to eliminate fats from the body and thus keep it healthy.