| Kerala
physicians have developed a perfect system of treatment
through the massage therapy. The massage seeks to
restore the balance in the body, by toning up the
general health. The medicinal and herbal oils used
in the massages help revive the damaged cells in
the various parts of the body. The basic approach
is rejuvenation. The technique of administering
the massages are also very scientific and is synchronized
with the natural functioning of the heart. The
number of experts to carry out the massages vary
from two to four depending upon the kind of massage
required for a given person. Main approach of
the Kerala system of Ayurveda is Oral (Ayurvedic)
medicines along with Ayurvedic massages. |
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| Uzhichil |
This is
a gentle but firm whole body Ayurvedic massage from
head to toe using warm medicated oil. Oil chosen
for the treatment is according to the constitution
of the person and nature of illness reported. The
massage is done in a soft rhythmic way with two
persons massaging at the same time for forty five
to sixty minutes. After the massage a steam fomentation
is recommended but not a steam bath which is harmful
after the massage.
The massage is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating
and it tones up the skin and strengthens all the
tissues of the body. A regular massage keeps off
the stress, anxiety, exhaustion and Vata disorder.
The massage also nourishes the body, extends the
life span, provides good sleep, improves skin texture,
improves vision and promotes physical stability.
The body resistance is established by this massage
and it is beneficial for the eyes and encourages
sound sleep. |
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| Pizhichil |
| Pieces of cotton cloth
dipped in the medicinal oil are squeezed all over
the body regularly along with a full body massage
for an hour. On completion of the massage body is
perfectly wiped out after a hot fomentation. Three
massage experts are engaged using two litres of
medicinal oil |
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| Dhara |
| After liberal application
of the medicinal oil on the head and the body, the
person is made to lie on a special wooden cot. A
continuous stream of herbal oil or medicinal decoction
or liquid material is dripped gently on the forehead
of the patient from prescribed height, with an hour
long continuous massage. Four massage experts are
engaged using two litres of medicinal oil. |
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| Tharpanam |
| This treatment
is administered for improving the eye sight,
strengthening the optic nerve, promote immunity
from eye diseases and achieve healthy eyes
to the person undergoing treatment. The process
involves pouring of medicated ghee over the
eyes of the patient in right proportion. The
classified butter is allowed to stagnate in
the eyes by which the desired results are
obtained. |
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| Pichu |
| Patient
is seated in a chair in an upright position. After
preparatory procedures like an oil massage, the
prescribed oil is applied on the head. A head band
or Vartti is then tied around the head just above
the level of the ears. The Pichu (cloth piece) is
then dipped in the medicated oil , spread over the
head and the is oil poured on it till it is totally
drenched . After a while, the Pichu is replaced
with a new one and the process is repeated for required
duration. |
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| Kizhi |
| Kizhi treatment
is a therapy wherein heated herbs and medicinal
oils are tied in cloth bags and placed on
the area to be treated. This is followed by
specific massages, done using the fingers,
heel of the hand or palm. The pressure application
varies according to the nature of ailment
and the spot. |
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| Navarakizhi |
| This is a Bolus Massage
with medicated rice. Navarakizhi improves complexion
of the skin, promotes digestion and restores vigor.
This is a highly effective anti aging, tissues strengthening
and rejuvenation massage using a special type of
rice that is cooked and dipped into herbal warm
milk, then skillfully massaged simultaneously by
two therapists all over the body. It is also effective
for combating paralytic strokes, body ache, emaciation,
debility monoplegia, osteo arthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis. |
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| Sirolepa |
| Lack of
adequate sleep taxes a person both mentally and
physically. Headache and sleeplessness is one of
most commonly reported problem. Sirolepa addresses
this problem specifically. It involves application
of herbal paste on the patient’s head and
entire body. It is followed by a unique massage,
which de-stresses and relaxes the mind. This treatment
is also effective for paraplegia, lack of vitality
etc. |
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| Swedana |
Swedana
is the Ayurveda therapy for revitalising the skin.
The treatment promotes blood circulation and increases
body perspiration whereby the skin eliminates wastes
and the skin tone improves.
Body massage is administered with specially made
herbal mixtures of various herbs and medicated powder
warmed in medicated oils.
After the application of medicated oil, the entire
body is made to perspire by the external application
of medicated rice packs in small bags.
Swedana Ayurveda oil massage is often followed by
a herbal steam fomentation with specially selected
medicinal herbs. This loosens the vessels and thereby
helps the detoxification of the entire body system.
The Swedana therapy includes many different forms
of heat treatment. The heat to the body can be applied
dry or damp, locally or to the whole body. |
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| Nasyam |
The nose
is the doorway to our brain and it is also the doorway
to consciousness. The Ayurvedic medication, when
administered nasally, it is called Nasya. This treatment
is effective for removal of excess humors accumulated
in the sinus, throat, nose or head. The benefits
obtained from Nasya are immense and it affords satisfactory
cure for headaches, paralysis, mental disorders,
pre-mature graying of hair, voice impairment, hemiplegia,
loss of smell and taste.
Herbal juices, medicated oils etc. are applied through
the nose for the required time duration as prescribed
by the Ayurveda physician. The body above the shoulders
is massaged and made to perspire. During this process,
the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palm
and feet are rubbed. |
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| Vasti |
Vasti (Enema)
is one of the important components of all Panchakarma
treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins
through the colon. Vasti is also highly effective
as a rejuvenating treatment. Medicated oil or ghee
(clear butter) and a herbal combination is given
as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle
tone. This procedure can be applied for a number
of days based on the medical condition of a person
identified by the Ayurveda Physician.
Vasti involves introducing liquids like medicated
oils, herbal mixtures or milk per through the anus,
urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in order to clean
or supplement the lower part of the body. The toxins
accumulated in the lower part of the body are pushed
to the lower digestive tract, urinary tract or reproductive
tract.
The treatment is effective for arthritis, paralysis,
hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated
with rheumatism and constant constipation. |
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| Uttara
Vasti |
| Uttara Vasti
(douching) is a cleansing and curative therapy employed
in the treatment of genitourinary tract disorders.
Combination of herbs and medicated oil is introduced
through the vagina and cervix in females and through
the penis and urethra in males. This treatment is
used for certain diseases of the genitor, i.e, the
urinary system. The body is cleansed of excess humor
and toxic wastes of metabolism. Through these 'Pancha
Karma' therapies a person attains the balance of
the three doshas and regains his natural health.
These procedures are advocated to the person depending
upon body constitution, intensity of disease and
other factors. |
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| Siro
Vasti |
The head
of the person undergoing the treatment is clean
shaved and fitted with a long leak-proof cap to
retain oil during the period of treatment. Lukewarm
herbal oil intended for the treatment is, then,
poured into the cap and retained for 15 to 60 minutes
each day during the treatment period. The patient
is advised to sit still keeping his face straight
till the oil and cap is removed from his head.
This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis,
dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches
and burning sensation of head. |
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| Udvartana |
In Udvartana
herbal powders are massaged in a rhythmic motion.
This therapy is largely recommended for dissolving
excess fat, strengthening the body and gaining a
healthy skin.
It is rejuvenative and it cleanses and nourishes
the skin besides providing firm muscle tone and
increased blood circulation.
The fragrant powders used in the massage are misty
and sensuous. Normally, powders from astringent
herbs are used in udvartana. Udvartana balances
kapha, liquefies adipose tissues, smoothens the
skin, strengthens and tightens the body. It gives
you the type of an athletic maneuverability. |
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