Ayurvedic
Therapies
Use
this guide to better understand the different kinds of ayurvedic therapies/massages.
Panchakarma
This five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the imbalance of the
body's Doshas or bio energies (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in order to maintain
their inherent equilibrium and Ama, which forms as a result. Panchakarma therapy
has three main stages : Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma and Paschatkarma.
Poorvakarma, the first stage, comprises essential preliminary procedures for
preparing the body to unload stored toxins. The treatments help to loosen
Ama (toxins) and move it out to the deep structures into the gastro-intestinal
tract, where Panchakarma's cleaning therapies can then eliminate it.
Pradhanakarma is the second stage and includes the main cleansing therapies.
Paschatkarma is the final stage and describes the measures employed after
the main treatment, such as diet, medicines and daily routine.
Abhyanga
A synchronized full body massage performed by two therapists using specific
herbal oils prescribed according to the body type. Improves eyesight, promotes
sleep and gives a glow to the skin.
Udwarthana
A
deep, dry massage using herbal powders to stimulate hair follicles and tissue
in order to break down the subcutaneous, stored fat. Slimming of the body is
the significant effect.
Choornaswedan
A vigorous massage, with a cloth bundle containing herbal powders. Induces
profuse perspiration leading to relief of neurological disorders, rheumatism,
arthritis and sports injuries.
Njavarakizhi
Massage with small linen bags filled with cooked Njavara rice. This procedure
is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the body for the stress and
strain of a busy lifestyle.
Pizhichil
A combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments: Snehana (oliation) and
Swedana (sudation). Pizhichil is considered to be the most natural way to
purify different body systems, to protect from illnesses and build up immunity
for a healthy life.
Sirodhara
Lukewarm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream on the forehead, while
a gentle massage is simultaneously given, also on the forehead, for rejuvenating
and revitalizing the body and mind. It relieves stress and strain related problems,
slows the aging process, improves memory, and is known to have a curative effect
on paralysis and other neurological malfunctions.
Takradhara
Medicated buttermilk (takra) is poured in a stream (dhara) on the forehead to
calm and give relief from conditions like insomnia, depression and other stress
related problems.
Tarpana
Medicated ghee made with black gram powder, is smeared on the eyes. This has
a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes.
Gandusa
Retention of medicated oil / decoration in the mouth for several minutes. Lends
a radiance to the face, improves lines and wrinkles, tones the skin and assists
with any kind of mouth, voice or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose
and throat pathways.
Kaval
Holding in the mouth and gargling with medicated oil/decoction. Is highly beneficial
for ear, nose, throat disorders; improves the voice and brings a glow to the
face.
Vamana
Administering herbal decoction to induce therapeutic vomiting. Very beneficial
for Kapha imbalances such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and other skin disorders.
Virechana
Administration of Virechak Aushdhi, a purgative, in milk or warm water. Alleviates
excess Pitta in the body and helps treat dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn
and jaundice.
Sneha Vasti
An oil enema. The main seat of the Vata Doshi is Pakwashaya (large intestine),
therefore Vasti is the main therapy for all Vata disorders such as constipation,
neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism.
Kashaya Vasti
This therapy is usually taken after a course of Sneha Vasti. A cleansing enema
of honey, oil and herbs leads to nourishment and rebuilding of the Dhatus (body
tissues), strengthens their respective functioning, restores and fortifies the
body's immune system.
Nasya
The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with specific herbal oils, inducing
perspiration. The medicine is measured out in the exact doze and poured into
the nostrils while inhaling. A highly effective treatment for headaches, sinusitis
and migraine.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
