Nasya
Nasya therapy is a process wherein the drug (herbalized oils and liquid medicines) is administered through the nostrils. Since nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head, if it is performed systematically. The therapy cleans and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation (prana), which has a direct influence on the functioning of brain. The therapy is beneficial if done on a regular basis, because it keeps the eyes, nose and ear healthy. It also prevents the premature graying of hair.
Benefits of Nasya Karma
• Nasya karma ensures the proper and healthy growth of hair.
• The therapy enhances the activity of sense organs and protects the person from diseases pertaining to head (urdhwaanga)
• Early aging process is effectively prevented by the regular administration of Nasya karma
Vamana
It is expulsion of aggravated doshas from the mouth region or the oral canal is called Vamana karma. It should not be compared with vomiting. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of content of stomach. Where as Vamana karma is performed after sequence of procedures under the supervision of Panchakarma expert and is done according to the patients requirements from treating him from the disease.
Vamana or administration of emetics is one of the series of Panchakarma procedures. This is a Shodhana karma (cleansing procedure) or purifying operation with regards to kapha dosha. The aim and administration of Vamana karma are different from and more comprehensive than those of administration of emetics in modern sciences
Health Problems Treated By Vamana Therapy
Vamana Therapy is suitable for treating a number of diseases including anemia, chronic indigestion, sinus problems, cough and cold. Certain chronic diseases like diabetes can be treated by this therapy. People suffering from edema, epilepsy, skin diseases, fever, loss of appetite and lymphatic obstruction can find this therapy beneficial. Nausea and food poisoning are effectively cured by Vamana therapy. In case of repeated attacks of tonsillitis, most of the Ayurvedic practitioners suggest to opt for Vamana therapy.
Virechana
Virechana therapy is defined as the medicated purgation therapy, which cleanses the Pitta and purifies blood, by clearing the toxins from the body. Virechana or administration of purgatives is one of the series of Panchakarma procedures. This is a Shodhana karma (cleansing procedure) or purifying operation with regards to pitta dosha. The treatment concentrates on the toxins that are accumulated in the liver and gall bladder. The gastro-intestinal tract is also cleansed by Virechana therapy. This treatment is usually administered for three days after Vamana treatment, but its duration may vary from case to case. In fact, Virechana can be administered directly after purvakarma, without undergoing the Vamana therapy that precedes Virechana.
Health Problems Treated By Virechana Therapy
Virechana can treat a number of health problems and uproot them, so that they do not occur again. Skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal problems and constipation can be effectively cured by Virechana therapy. In addition to these, the therapy is administered to treat diabetes, asthma, goiter, leprosy, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. Virechana karma aims to eliminate doshas from kidneys, lungs and sweat glands, which is otherwise not possible by Vamana karma.
Basti Karma
Basti karma concentrates on the elimination of the loosened vata dosha out through the rectum. The treatment involves the introduction of medicinal substances, such as, herbal oils and decoctions in a liquid medium, into the rectum of the person. This is because vata is predominantly located in the colon and bones. Vata disorders can be effectively cured by Basti karma. Common cold, sexual disorders, constipation, distention, kidney, backache, pain in the neck region, vomiting and hyperacidity can also be cured by Basti karma.
If administered properly, Basti karma is an effective treatment that has very few or no side effects on the body. The medication techniques used for the treatment are known as enemas. According to Ayurveda, the enemas are not suitable for people suffering from shortness of breath, chronic abdominal pain, bleeding from rectum, cough, diarrhea and severe anemia. Therefore, barring the exceptions, Basti karma can be adopted to people in order to rejuvenate the body, provide strength and longevity.
Types of Basti
• Anuvaasana Basti
Anuvaasana Basti is also known as Snehan Basti. It consists of oil ghee or vasa (animal fats) and medications. Anuvaasana Basti is to be given after proper purva karma i.e. Snehan and swedan. Anuvaasana Basti can be administered even as a purva roopa but it is generally given after as the sequence is maintained. After Virechana karma is performed generally a gap of seven days is maintained so as to reignite the jatharagni or the digestive fire Anuvaasana basti is administered.
Anuvaasana Basti is indicated in people who have voracious appetite (ati Agni), in persons afflicted by pure vata i.e. unmixed with pitta or kapha.
• Nirooha Basti
Nirooha Basti is also known as Asthapan basti. As the Anuvaasana basti imparts snigdh basti, nirooh imparts Shodhana basti i.e. it performs the function of clearance and purification. Hence it should always be kept in mind that before the administration of Anuvaasana basti one should never ever administer Nirooha basti. It is given along with the Anuvaasana basti to counter the vata disorder. It has to be kept in mind the Nirooha basti should never to be given after meals; it should only be administered before meals.
It is used in nervous diseases, gastro-intestinal vata conditions, gout, certain fever conditions, unconsciousness, certain urinary conditions, appetite, pain, hyperacidity and heart diseases.
• Uttara Basti
It is administered through the urethra with men or vagina with women is used for selected semen and ovulation disorders and for some problems involving painful urination or bladder infections. This is not to be used for someone with diabetes.
• Matra Basti
It is to be used for someone emaciated by overwork or too much exercise, too much heavy lifting, walking too long of a distance, too much sexual activity or someone with chronic vata disorders. It need not be accompanied by any strict dietary restriction or daily routine and can be administered, in the appropriate cases, in all seasons. It gives strength, promotes weight and helps elimination of waste products.
• Karma Basti (schedule of 30 bastis),
• Kala Basti (schedule of 15 bastis; 10 oil + 5 decoction)
• Yoga Basti (schedule of 8 bastis; 5 oil + 3 decoction).
In Karma, Kala and Yoga bastis, it is better to give both types of basti in combination and not the oil and decoction separately.
Raktamokshana
Raktamokshana is the procedure in which impure blood is let out or purged from the body through artificially created opening or by using different instruments.
Types of Raktamokshan
Raktamokshana procedure is carried out in 5 different methods.
• Jalaukacharana:- It is the method of blood letting by using leeches. This is a simple procedure.
• Prachanna:- Incising the diseased part with a sterile scalp is called prachanna.
• Shringa:- Impure blood is drawn with the help of deer’s horn by applying it over the incised area is called shringa.
• Siravyadha:- Siravyadha is excising a particular blood vessel.
• Alabu:-In this procedure dried bottle is used. First incision is made on the skin, then alabu is placed tightly. Before placing the alabu, a small cotton swab is ignited inside it. Due to negative pressure, the blood will flow to the surface. After the removal of 30-60ml blood, alabu is pulled out and wound is covered with drugs to heal.
