Sree Chithra Ayur Home Ayurveda Center

Vasthi or medicated enema is significant among the panchakarma treatments for ‘Vata’ and vata dominant diseases. This treatment is to mitigate the toxic substances (doshas) accumulated from the body. Vasthi By admin On December 1, 2011 In Ayurveda Treatments With No Comment Vasthi or medicated enema is significant among the panchakarma treatments for ‘Vata’ and vata dominant diseases. This treatment is to mitigate the toxic substances (doshas) accumulated from the body. In this therapy, medicated oil or herbal decoction are pushed through the anus by a special device called Vasthi Yanthram. Ideally the oil should be kept in for several hours, preferably over night. Vasthi that is being done with Herbal oil is called Anuvasana Vasthi and that with herbal extract is Nirooha Vasthi. Nirooha stimulates the eliminatory process where as Anuvasana nourishes and strengthens the colon. In both cases the discharged fluid will contain eliminated toxins. This procedure can be applied for a number of days based on the medical condition of a person and as prescribed by the Ayurveda Physician. Recommended for: All Vata dosha types, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints, backache, neck pain, hyper acidity, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, sexual disorders, constant constipation and kidney stones

Nasyam is also a powerful rejuvenative therapy, in which drops of medicated oil in exact dose instilled in each nostril of the patient. It removes mucous clogs, cleans and clears the head channels, cures headaches, migraine and stimulates the brain cells

Dhara is an Ayurvedic treatment method, in which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel over the head region. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff and Psoriasis, hypertension, hair loss, insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, other skin complaints and generates good sleep.

Tharpanam is the treatment for eyes by keeping the medicated oil/ghee for 35-45 minutes and you will start to feel the cooling effect. It enhances eye sight, strengthens the optic nerve, increases blood circulation to the eyes and prevents different eye diseases. Tharpanam is the highly powerful treatment for eyes by keeping the medicated oil/ghee for 35-45 minutes bordered with herbal gram paste and you will start to feel the cooling effect. It enhances eye sight, strengthens the optic nerve, increases blood circulation to the eyes and prevents different eye diseases

Thalam is an ideal treatment for ENT problems, Insomnia, semi-paralysis of the face, migraine, reduces blood pressure and combats modern life style diseases like lack of concentration, lack of sleep etc. Special Ayurveda oil mixed with herbal powder retained on top of the head for certain duration to give you a soothing effect.

Lepanam and Upanaham are proven external application methods for pain associated with inflammatory conditions. In Lepanam treatment, medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected portion of the body, this is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, Eczema, Psoriasis etc. Upanaham, is prescribed for various types of inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, etc. In this case a herbal paste is applied on the area to be treated and then covers it with some herbal leaves or cloth for a specific time

Pizhichil Treatment in Ayurveda, is a combination of oil massage and heat treatment. This therapy was mostly used by Maharajas in the olden days, and popularly known as treatment for aristocrats. A gentle, synchronized massage of up and down is carried out on all parts of the body other than the head are subjected to this treatment. The patient should lay on the treatment table and two to four trained therapists perform the massage under the supervision of a physician. It is administered in seven standard positions, so that no area of the body is left uncovered. Here, cloth dipped in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body uniformly and then the oil rubbed smoothly over the body of the patient by masseurs on either side. The session may take 1 hour including continuous oil pouring over the body, then rubbing and stimulating the skin using hands and special cotton cloths. Special caution has to be taken for the patient’s head should not get sweat during the treatment. A cloth is tied over the forehead of the therapy taker to prevent oil from getting into the eyes. Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the duration of Pizhichil is decided by the Ayurveda expert after the body constitution of the individual has been determined. Normally the treatment may last fourteen to twenty-eight days. This is a highly rejuvenating treatment that enhances muscular tone and retunes the entire nervous system. It comes as a package in itself – a course of 10 days is necessary to gain its maximum healing potential. Recommended for: extremely high Vata dosha types, muscular aches and pains, rheumatic problems, osteo arthritis, insomnia, depression, sexual problems. Benefits: tones and rejuvenates the skin, promotes relaxation, blood circulation, nourishes muscles, nerves tissues, inner balance.

Sirovasthi is an effective treatment in Ayurvedafor nervous system disorders. In this therapy, warm medicated oil is retained over the head for a certain amount of time. This oil is a mixture of gingely oil, castor oil, ghee, common milk, and various herb extracts. Herbs and oil are boiled in a special way in order to extract their full medicinal properties. The first step of Sirovasthi starts with the application of warm herbal oil all over the body. This nourishes the nerve endings and prepares the body for the main treatment. Then a cylindrical shaped leather cap of about ten inches height and both ends open is fitted around the patients head. Certain mixture of the lukewarm herbal oil which is prescribed by the Ayurveda Physician according to the individual body type are poured into it. Normally the oil is retained on the head for about 30 to 45 minutes. The timing and duration of the treatment varies according to the condition of the patient and type of disease. Usually, the doctor prescribes a 7 or 14 day treatment course. As a part of the whole treatment, the doctor will also give directions about the person’s diet patterns and his oral medicines Sirovasthi treatment is mainly useful in facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head, eye diseases, diseases of cranial nerves and hair fall. It is also helpful to improve memory and vision.

Abhyanga is a warm oil massage administered as part of preparatory measure of Panchakarma treatment in Ayurveda. “Abhyanga” means to move energy into the body to pull out toxins from the body. It is also one of the seasonal preventive care treatments.

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment which involves slowly pouring herbal liquids over a client’s forehead, exactly to the middle spot of the forehead. Shirodhara is composed of two words, which have their base in the Sanskrit language. The word Shiro means head and the word dhara means flow. It is one of the great purification and rejuvenating therapy also. In this procedure, Herbal liquids poured on the forehead with the help of the metallic or mud pot from a specific height hung above the person who is lying down. It is poured for a specific period continuously and rythmatically allowing the oil to run through the scalp and into the hair. The liquids that are used in Shirodhara can include herbal oils; milk that is medicated, buttermilk, and coconut water. There are specialized forms of shirodhara called tailadhara, ksheeradhara, takradhara and jaladhara. It is good for all ailments particularly for diseases of organs above the neck. Towards the end of the Shirodhara session, moist towels are used to wrap the person’s body. This is done to keep the warmth within the body. It is administered for about 35 to 60 minutes in a day, for a period of 7 to 14 days. Regular Shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves memory, Sharpens the sense organs, Prevents hair lose, premature graying and cracking of hair, gives strength to the neck and head, assists in providing sound sleep and calms the body and mind. It is one of the most effective treatments for reducing stress and nervous tension. Indications:

Njavarakizhi, a deeply invigorating massage, involves fomentation of the body with a bolus of cooked rice. Njavara is a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional and therapeutic value. It is cooked with milk and a herbal decoction made of kurumthotti. Four boluses are made of this cooked rice and tied up in linen bags. It is a procedure by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the Njavarakizhi application. Treatment (massage) is started by application of oil to the body and a piece of cloth is tied around the head. The two attenders on each side of the patient massage by the prepared boluses and the process will be continued in seven standard postures such as sitting, lying (supine or prone position) etc. The movement of the hands during both fomentation and massage should always be downwards. After the massage, all the linen bags are opened out and remaining pudding is taken and applied to the body of the patient and rubbed by the hands. After 5 minutes, the paste is wiped off with palm leaf scrapers. Patient is given bath after some time. The course of treatment is for about 60 to 75 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. Njavarakizhi Treatment Effects :- Enhances body nourishment Removes joint stiffness due to vata Prevents premature ageing Blood born diseases Rejuvenates skin Cleanses the Srotas (channels) Improves digestion Removes sluggishness and excessive sleep Removes nervous disorders Chronic rheumatism Limb emaciation