Shirolepa (Thalapothichil)
Effective in healing problems related to the head and neck regions like sleeplessness, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, certain psychosomatic diseases, headache, mental illness, hypertension, sinusitis etc.
Shiropichu
A simple procedure of applying the oil to the vertex using a cotton pad impregnated with oil, medicated or otherwise is known as shiropichu. Once again here the application of oil does not follow any form of massage. This procedure is said to be more beneficial in dermatological conditions of scalp as well as psychological disorders. As this process does not involve massage, It can be confidently performed in painful conditions or ulcerations of the scalp.
Ishtika Sweda
Is a type of sudation where the brick is pre-heated (red hot) and water kanji is poured over it to release fumes and affected area is exposed to these fumes.
Avagaha sweda
Tub bath is swedana / sudating the patient by way of immersing the whole body in a tub which is filled with oil or herbal decoctions or milk (ksheera) according to the patients’ prakruthi (constitution).
Upanaha Sweda
This therapy is well-known for its property to relieve pain, swelling and to nourish the tissues. It is done by application of herbal paste over the affected area, covering the applied paste with medicinal herbal leaves and bandaging over that with cotton cloth. This application will be removed after few hours as per the requirement. This therapy is very effective in osteo-arthritis, joint injuries and localized pain and swelling.
Annalepa
Inducing perspiration by applying the warm paste of rice is referred as annalepa. The whole body below the neck or a portion of the body may be conveniently subjected to the svedana therapy by this procedure. In this procedure the rice that grows in 60 days is preferred for carrying out the treatment. This is an easy and effective procedure of swedana and is ideal in healthy persons, in children and also in clients suffering from illness due to morbid vata dosha.
This procedure is indicated both in healthy as well as diseased. More specifically this procedure is ideal in following disorders:-Hemiperesis due to different causes, Motor neuron disease, Bulbar palsy, Parkinsonian syndrome, Emaciation, General debility, Rheumatoid arthritis, Peripheral vascular disease.
Mukhalepa
The topical application of the herbal paste to the face and keeping it undisturbed for certain period is known as Mukhalepa. This therapy is used to clear the morbidity of dosha or any toxic substances in facial skin, as well as to improve the color and complexion of the skin. Accordingly there are three types of mukhalepa and are named as Doshaghna Mukhalepa, Vishaghna Mukhalepa and Varnakara Mukhalepa.
Application of warm herbal paste is preferred in clients suffering from morbidity of vata as well as kapha in the facial skin. Contrary to this when morbidity of pitta dosha is identified in the facial skin, the cold herbal paste is applied. So also, vishaghana and varnakara mukhalepa is also carried out by applying the cold herbal paste.
Anjanam
Application of Herbal extract with madhu or gulabijala inside the eyes helps to remove foreign matter from the eyes.
Dhoopanam
Exposure to medicated smoke originated from different drugs relevant to the ailments, especially in psychosomatic diseases etc.It is also done on different parts of the skin for certain diseases.
Gandoosha
Taking little medicated oil and swirling it between the teeth helps in strengthening the teeth and gums.
Marma Massage
This art is used to activate the pressure points in the body called “Marma”s for correcting the body’s energy flows and replenishing its resources. Marma massage is soft flowing massage can be done by two people massaging in synchronize rhythm or with single Individual.Marma massage the techniques and the guidelines are developed keeping the knowledge of channels and nadi location in priority.
The massage is 60 to 90 minutes of duration followed by steam bath or warm shower. Marma massage stimulates generates the own energy resources and gives person more vital energy . It removes blockages form the Marma points giving physical and psychological relaxation and strength. Regular Marma massage protects from vata disorders nourishes body, extends life span, provides good sleep and improves physical stability. Simulating or massaging the Marma points gives benefits to the area of there location and improves the function of the connecting organs
Snehapaana
In Snehapana, a prerequisite in Panchakarma, Tikta Ghruta or ghee infused with herbs is orally administered to the patient for a specific period. This ghee is made from clarified butter (obtained from cows milk) from which the protein content has been removed. It is then boiled with various herbs. Snehapana is done in the morning after attending to the calls of nature, on an empty stomach. The health, age, Dosha condition and digestive capacity of the patient need to be taken into consideration when determining the dosage. The treatment lasts between five and seven days depending on the condition of the patient and the illness being treated.
Upanaha sweda
Upanahasweda or poultice is a purvakarma in Panchakarma therapy in Ayurveda. It is the local application of medicated paste to cure pain and swelling. In this treatment herbal medical mixture is applied hot over the affected part of the body and is allowed to remain there for over twelve hours.
Avagaha sweda
The patient is made to sweat while sitting in a tub filled with a warm medicinal decoction prepared using suitable herbs for each health problem. According to Ayurveda, this kind of sweda is good for rheumatism, painful urination, hernia etc.
Vamana
Vamana is a medicated emesis therapy which removes Kapha toxins collected in the body and the respiratory tract. This is given to people with high Kapha imbalance. Daily treatment involves loosening and mobilizing the toxins in an effort to finally eliminate them.
Benefits of Vamana: Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Allergies, Hay Fever, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Hyperacidity, Chronic Indigestion Nasal Congestion, Edema, Obesity, Psychological disorders, Skin disorders.
Basti (Enema or Colonic Irrigation)
It is considered as the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure is usually applied for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person. Benefits Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Colitis, Convalescence, Cervical Spondylosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation, Digestive disorders, Backache & Sciatica, Hepatomegaly & Spleenomegaly, Obesity, Piles, Sexual Debility &Infertility.
Anuvasana Basti (Oil Enema)
Oil enemas are a central part of Ayurveda, in fact there are over 100 specific oil enemas listed in the ancient medical texts. Specially selected and prepared oils are gentle inserted into the rectum and allowed to absorb over time. Ideally the oil should be kept in for several hours, preferably over night.The oils find their way through the colon and absorb all sorts of oxidants and toxins along the way.
Basti is especially good for excessive Vata imbalances. Far more gentle than colonic irrigation, oil enemas offer an effective and gentle alternative way to cleanse and detox the colon. Since Vata is mainly located in the colon and bones, the medication is administered rectally. There are about 80 Vata related disorders in Ayurveda. About 80 percent of them can be treated with medicated enemas.
Recommended for: Vata dosha types, people suffering from hemorrhoids (or other conditions that may contraindicate colonic irrigation), elderly clients or anyone who finds colonic irrigation too uncomfortable.
Benefits: Alleviates constipation, distention, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain and hyper acidity, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
Virechana (Purgation)
Virechana is medicated purgation therapy which removes Pitta toxins from the body that are accumulated in the liver and gallbladder, it completely cleanses the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without side effects. Benefits of Virechana help root out Chronic Fever, Diabetes, Asthma, Skin disorders such as Herpes, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia Joint disorders, Digestive disorders, Constipation, Hyperacidity, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Headaches, Elephantiasis and Gynecological disorders.
Rakthamokshana
Rakthamokshana is a method to eliminate the vitiated blood. It is done using leeches. Hence, it is also called as leech therapy. Indicated in all types of skin disorders, pimples, itching, inflammation, alopecia, discoloration, abscess, gout, etc.
Utharavasthy
Uttara vasti is the practice of cleansing and revitalizing the uterus to get a woman’s monthly cycle back in harmony with the rhythms of nature.