Traditionl Treatment
• Abhyangam
 Abhyanga Snana is part of the purvakarma or preparatory measure of Panchakarma treatment in Ayurveda. It is an ancient oleation therapy, traditionally given by two therapists, who work in tandem, synchronizing their strokes and massage according to the circulatory and marma points for sixty minutes. Oils are sterilized before use and are chosen according to the clients’ prakruti (psychosomatic constitution or dosha).
Usually this is done in seven standard positions. It is one of the most rejuvenating treatments of Ayurveda, especially in the Kerala tradition.
This is a form of treatment for various age related and other common disorders. Some of the advantages are pain relief, improved circulation, stress relief, better sleep, flexibility, athletic performance and emotional benefits. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. With Ayurvedic massage, deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are loosened and released into the system for elimination through natural toxin-release processes.
 Benefits:
• Improves blood circulation
• Rejuvenates whole body
• Beautifies skin
• Delays aging
• Induces sound sleep, promotes vitality and reduces stress
• Removes toxins
• Swedana
 A gentle application of warm herbal oil is first done over the body. Next the individual is made to sit, keeping the head out, inside a steam chamber that lets out herbal steam from medicinal herbs makes the individual perspire profusely that promote cohesion between cells. The steam will open up the very small pores of the skin thereby removing all wastes and pacifying the three doshas.
The immediate benefit of swedana is better skin, as the heat and steam helps keep the skin clear and healthy. It can also relieve muscle aches and pains, and for people who follow ayurvedic principles, it can relieve an imbalance of doshas which may be causing health problems. Many people also believe that sweating helps the body detoxify.
Swedana is not for everyone. People who are pregnant should avoid it, as should people with blood disorders, heart conditions, and bouts of dizziness or vertigo. Whether you undertake swedana for health, beauty, or both, it is a good idea to consult a doctor first to make sure that it is not contraindicated for you.
Types of Swedana
 • Avagaha Sweda
In this procedure, the person is made to sit in a bathtub filled with a medicated decoction for about 20 minutes. The level of the decoction in the tub can be up to navel region or the neck, depending upon the condition of the patient. This therapy is useful in treating many vata disorders, body aches and pains, stiffness in the joints etc. and is also very relaxing and invigorating.
• Bashpa Sweda
In this therapy, the entire body is given a medicated steam bath by making the patient sit inside a steam chamber until there is sweating. This procedure is useful in detoxifying the body and reducing weight reduction. It also loosens the joints and induces feelings of  lightness and invigoration.
• Dhanya Kizhi
Dhanya Kizhi is a form of treatment in which powdered cereals and pulses are bundled into a bolus,
warmed and applied all over the body to reduce weight, and relieve joint pains in patients with rheumatic fever.
• Ela Kizhi or Patra Pinda Swedam
 Ela Kizhi is a highly rejuvenating treatment in which fresh plants are fried with several other herbal ingredients and tied into boluses, dipped into warm medicated oil and simultaneously massaged by
therapists all over the body for one hour, it is applied after Abhyanga.
Benefits:
• Improves the strength of the muscles
• Improves peripheral blood supply
• Stimulates the nerve endings
• Good results in sports injuries
• Improves skin complexion
• Relieves pain in diseases like Slip Disc (IVDP), Sciatica. Etc
• Chronic back pain
• Loss of function of a part or whole limb
• Joint stiffness and swellings
• Muscular pain
• Anti-aging & rejuvenating
• Spondylosis, Sprains and cramps.
 • Jambeera Pinda Swedam
• In this type of swedam the material used to make the bolus is Jambeera or Naranga (lemon).
• This treatment is generally good for those persons suffering from amavata and persons who suffer from vata diseases.
• The patient should follow the instructions of the physician regarding the diet and the permitted activities.
• The treatment is generally avoided in those persons who suffer from Asthi kshayam (bone loss).
• Kukkutaanda Pinda Swedam or Motta Kizhi
Here, the additional ingredient that goes into the Pinda is egg-yolk.
The treatment is very effective in relieving the pain and especially good for persons having vata diseases.
• Mamsa Pinda Swedam
• Here as the name indicates, one of the ingredients used to make the bolus is mamsa, animal meat.
• The goat meat is added to the rice to be cooked and this is then made into a bolus and then made to apply on the body.
• Njavara Kizhi or Shasti Kashali Pinda Swedam
Njavarakizhi is a whole body massage using medicated milk-porridge (medicinal rice called njavara) made into a bundle (kizhi). The kizhi is dipped in a mixture of milk and medicinal decoction and is applied all over the body.This treatment involves application of special Njavara rice paste. Njavarakizhi is an immuno-enhancing rejuvenation therapy and is made use in convalescence period of injury and trauma, muscular  wasting, arthritis, general weakness, paralysis, pains related to the joints and sore muscles etc. This is a nourishing and restorative treatment that will reduce emaciation of the muscles and will build a better immune system. It is also very effective to improve the lustre and texture of the skin.
Benefits:
• Strengthens the body
• Rejuvenates the tissues
• Improves muscle tone.
• 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
• 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.
• Podikizhi
Podikizhi is a very relaxing massage performed with herbal powder made from a potent mixture of 12 rejuvenating herbs. Here different herbs are powdered and kept in a cloth (kizhi). It is made warm in a pan with the help of medicated oils. A general massage is done to the patient lying in a thoni (specially designed table to do panchakarma procedures), and the bolus is gently massaged on different parts of the body for around 45 minutes.
Podikizhi is an exhilarating massage treatment to relieve osteoarthritis, muscle spasms etc.
Benefits:
• Relieves pain, numbness and oedema
• Improves the strength of the muscles
• Improves peripheral blood supply
• Stimulates the nerve endings
• Improves blood supply by cleansing the channels of circulation
• Endows sound sleep
• Improves skin complexion Rejuvenates the body
• Makes the body strong and sturdy
• Nourishes the body and increases immunity
• Greeva Basti
Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free.
Benefits:
• Loosens stiff joints
• Helps to cure cervical spondylitis, neck pain, paralysis and numbness of hands
• Stimulates and nourishes nerves relieving pain and numbness
• Hrid Basti or Uro Basti
A mixture specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for 30 to 45 minutes. The effected area may be gently massaged with the same treatment oil. This treatment is recommended for asthma, respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular pains. The healing properties of herbal oils used for this massage enriches the blood and builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues.
Benefits:
• Strengthening of the heart
• Relieves deep seated anger and sadness
• Cardio Myopathy.
• Janu Basti
 This is a special treatment in which warm medicated oil is retained over the knee joint inside the black gram paste boundary. This treatment is very effective in treating different conditions of the knee joints like arthritis, degenerative conditions etc.
Kati Basti
Indicated for lower back ache, degenerative or spondylitic changes, and disc compression. After a gentle oleating massage on the body, specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary. The herbal oils deeply purify and enrich the blood, build and maintains strong muscles and connective tissues and lubricates the  sacral area alleviating pain and restoring flexibility.
Benefits:
This treatment gives relief from
• Chronic and acute back aches
• Prolapsed disc
• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Osteoporosis
• Sciatica.
Merudanda Basti
A mixture specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the whole vertebral column and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for 30 to 45 minutes. The effected area may be gently massaged with the same treatment oil. This treatment is recommended for back pain & disorders of the spine, e.g. slipped disc and vertebral column degeneration.
 Nabhi Basti or Chakra Basti
This therapy helps to balance the nabhi marma, which is the vital center where all 72,000 nadis (subtle energy pathways) converge. It strengthens the power of digestion and absorption, and facilitates the release of deeply seated emotions.
It relieves digestive symptoms such as irritable bowel, flatulence, poor appetite, constipation and abdominal discomfort. It is performed by filling a boundary made out of dough and placed over the navel area with lukewarm medicated oil.
 Shiro Basti
A leather cap is fitted around the patient’s head tightly with all gaps closed. Then, the cap is
filled with the prescribed medicated oil up to a level of one finger above the crown of the head. The oil is left to remain in that position for one hour to ninety minutes.
Shirovasti is very effective in trigeminal neuralgia, hemicrania, optic atrophy, deafness, facial paralysis and in all diseases affecting cranial nerves.
Shiro Picchu
A thick layer of cotton soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is recycled periodically to make it warm.
This therapy is very effective for degenerative and painful problems like Back pain, Osteo-arthritis, Spondylitis, injuries, etc. Medicated oil is applied to the head for 45 minutes in a special manner.
Benefits:
• Facial palsy
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Improves Memory
• Dermatitis of the scalp
• Dandruff
• Other neurological disorders
• Paralysis
• Skin disorders like Eczema.
 Shiro Lepam or Talapodichil
A herbal paste is applied to the entire head and and the head is covered with a plantain leaf and the paste is retained for 45 minutes.
Benefits:
• Headache
• Depression
• Hyper active conditions
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Insomnia
• Skin disorders
 • Shiro Dhara
Shirodhara treatment is done in absolute silence. It takes you to deep relaxation and in to balanced state of rest in mind and body.Shirodhara is a great rejuvenating therapy that gives a healthy face and body glow. In Ayurveda, rejuvenating therapy is the golden path to attain longevity as it is aimed at the preservation of health.
Shirodhara helps to heal the body at the root level of disease, by calming imbalances in our mind and disturbances in our emotions it leaves you feeling in a heavenly state for the rest of your day.
Types of Shiro Dhara
• Taila Dhara
 A relaxing therapy where warm medicated oils are poured from a special vessel onto the center of the forehead, inducing a mental state of deep relaxation. It calms the nervous system and helps to melt away the chattering of the mind.
• Takra Dhara
Takra means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring. This therapy calms the individual down by using medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the forehead to relieve insomnia, depression and other stress related problems. This prevents graying of the hair, reduces headaches, increases digestive power and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on the  affected area to have a curative effect.
Excessively high Pitta types will usually be guided towards Takra Dhara as opposed to Taila Dhara. This is due to the fact the Pitta is heat and is most easily brought back to balance by being cooled. Specially treated Ayurvedic buttermilk holds wonderfully cooling properties and is therefore recommended in such circumstances.
Benefits of Shiro Dhara:
• Deep relaxation of the nervous system
• Improved functioning of the 5 senses
• Relief from mental and physical stress and strain
• Improved vitality and balance
• Increased blood circulation in the body and to the brain
• Boosts memory
• Nourishes hair and the scalp
• Assists in providing sound sleep.
•  Ekanga Dhara
Ekanga Dhara is a special treatment in traditional ayurveda for any particular part of body. In this treatment, medicated oils are dropped on any single part of body, that is upper and lower extremities. This treatment is performed on particular parts of the body for body aches and sprains.
• Sarvanga Dhara or Pizhichil
Medicated oil is poured onto the body in continuous streams while being gently massaged by four therapists for one hour. It is extremely soothing and  relaxing. It acts as a free radical scavenger, toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body. It is given after Abhyanga.
This is a highly rejuvenating treatment that enhances muscular tone and retunes the entire nervous system.
Benefits:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) after exposure to a viral or bacterial infection, Increases Ojus & Body Immunity, Anti-aging & rejuvenating Alleviates the burning sensation in the body, Ensures better circulation, Helps to recover from paralysis, Promotes healing of fractures.
• Dhanyamla Dhara
In Dhanyamla Dhara warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way using a special vessel. This is done for 45 to 60 minutes by two therapists from both sides. Dhanyamla Dhara is very effective in curing rheumatism, hemiplegia, paralysis, swollen joints, arthritis etc.
Benefits:
• Improves blood circulation
• Rejuvenates the whole body
• Relieves body pain and muscle spasms.
• Helps preserve and promote optimum health
• Increases immunity and prolongs life span
• Promotes development of muscles
• Improves skin complexion.
 Netra Tarpanam
This is a special treatment in which the eyes are bathed in pure medicated ghee (refined butter). This treatment is recommended between 8- 15 minutes. This is best for healthy eyesight.
Benefits :
• Relieves the strain due to constant glaring to the Computer & TV screen
• Refractive errors of the eyes
• Chronic Conjunctivitis Corneal Ulcer
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxins
• Glaucoma
• Helps in preventing early formation of Cataract
• Improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls
• Makes the eyes lustrous.
• Nourishes the nervous system, brain and memory
• Pain and burning sensation in the eyes.
 Udvarthanam
This is a specialized herbal treatment for weight reduction. A herbal powder is applied all over the body and deeply massaged with specific movements by two therapists for one hour.
Udwarthanam softens and exfoliates the skin, improves muscle tone, and is a favoured treatment for those with sensitive skin. In addition, Udwarthanam improves blood circulation and eases joint pains, and is also known to be effective against certain skin diseases.
Benefits :
• Toning the skin & muscle after child birth or weight loss
• Removes Cellulite
• Obesity, Weight reduction
• Imparts good complexion to the skin
• Revitalizes the sense of touch
• Removes Kapha toxins from the body.
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