AYURVEDA:-
An ancient traditional system of
medicine, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of health care,
with literature going back 5000 years and an oral tradition that is much older.
This healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5000
years.
'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Veda' means
'Science'. Thus Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'.
In Ayurveda, health is a state of
spiritual and physical attainment. It is a medical, metaphysical healing life
science - the mother of all healing arts. The practice of ayurveda is designed
to promote human happiness, health and creative growth. It is the science of
daily living and this system of knowledge evolved from the sage's practical,
philosophical and religious illumination which was rooted in their understanding
of the creation. Ayurveda helps the healthy person to maintain health and the
diseased person to regain health.
The body is made up of Tridoshas (Tri'
means 'Three' and 'Doshas' mean 'Humours') - Vata is Air, Pitta is Fire and
Kapha is Water. Good health means a normalcy in the Tridoshas, balance of
metabolic, systemic and excretory functions, all five senses and in the mind and
spirit.
There are 7 constitutional doshas and
each individual falls into any one of these categories They are-
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Vata
-
Pitta
-
Kapha
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Vata-Pitta
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Pitta-Kapha
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Kapha-Vata
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Vata-Pitta-Kapha
Vata is predominant in Old age, Pitta
in the Middle age and Kapha in Childhood. According to the season, Kapha is
predominant early morning, Pitta in the afternoon and Vata late at night. For
good health, each person has to maintain the balance of their doshas and not
aggravate it and an imbalance in them is the cause of illness. It is thus
essential to identify one's body type and follow dietary regimes according to
the seasonal regimes to maintain optimum health. Ayurvedic treatment helps to
restore this imbalance without any side effects. This helps in several
conditions including liver disorders, strokes, mental and muscular dystrophy,
rheumatic and chronic conditions.
IMPORTANT
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT
SIMPLY HAVING A MASSAGE WITH AYURVEDIC OIL IS NOT AYURVEDIC TREATMENT. IF
MASSAGE IS NOT PROVIDED WITH PROPER MEDICATED OILS BASED ON DIFFERENT PERSONAL
FACTORS, IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS AT A LATER STAGE.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT REQUIRES AN
EXPERIENCED DOCTOR TO DECIDE WHAT TREATMENT IS TO BE GIVEN, WITH WHAT
COMBINATION OF OILS AND MEDICINES, AND IT HAS TO BE DELIVERED BY WELL TRAINED
THERAPISTS.
AUTHENTIC AYURVEDIC MASSAGES ARE UNLIKE WESTERN MASSAGES FOR THE FOLLOWING
REASONS:
Spa-like Ayurvedic massages can cause
health problems.
Authentic ayurvedic massages are done by therapists of the same sex as the
patient.
A lot of medicated oil is used in the massage, chosen by a qualified,
experienced doctor.
The strokes of the massage are invigorating.
The massage is ideally done with two therapists simultaneously.
The massage covers the entire body except the groin.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage to reduce stress, performed by doctors
AYURVEDIC ABHYANGA(MASSAGE)
The Ayurvedic doctor selects the ayurvedic oils based on your
body type which is used in the massage. In addition to the beneficial effects of
massage which reduces stress, improves circulation and relaxes taut muscles,
these ayurvedic oils have a rejuvenating effect as they also help eliminate
impurities. They also reduce hair-loss and dandruff, condition the scalp, and
improve sleep and eyesight. This kind of oleation serves as an absolute
preventive measure against many ailments related to the Vata dosha.
The massage is more effective when done
by 2 therapists. There is a lot of oil used in the massage and these massages
are done man-man and woman-woman only
PADHABHYANGA
It is the massage of the legs below the
knees which improves circulation to the extremities, is beneficial for
diabetics, increases joint mobility and muscle tightness and is useful in
destressing.
Shirodhara a continuous stream of oil is gently swayed on the forehead to relax
the nervous system
SHIRODHARA
Shiro means head and dhara is a steady flow of warm ayurvedic
oil which is specially selected by the ayurvedic doctor. Dhara can also be done
with other ingredients like buttermilk, but they are specifically chosen as per
the condition. Shirodhara involves a continuous stream of oil that is gently
swayed on the forehead which completely relaxes the nervous system and calms the
mind. It is very beneficial in conditions like hypertension, anxiety, insomnia
and psychiatric problems and also is effective for paralysis, senile dementia
and other neurological disorders and improves the memory as well.
ELLAKIZHI
Finely chopped herbal leaves and herbal powders are warmed in
medicated oil and bundled in a poultice which is used for the fomentation
massage. In cases of rheumatism and other diseases, fomentation in the affected
area brings great relief. Ellakizhi promotes better circulation, relieves
stress, and treats osteo-arthritis. It is also ministered to those with
spondylosis and sports injuries resulting from soft tissue inflammations and
joint pains.
AYURVEDIC UDVARTANAM
This specialised massage uses ayurvedic
powders or churnas to help reduce obesity, impart mobility to the joints and
strengthen muscles. The most promising benefit is an all over slimming and
toning effect on the body.
CHOORNASWEDAM
A linen bag filled with churna
(medicated powder) is used for fomentation, the duration of which varies
according to disease conditions. This is effective for ailments due to Vata and
Kapha disorders as it produces a therapeutic sweat, which relieves neurological
disorders, rheumatism and arthritis.
NETHRA THARPANAM
This is a special Ayurvedic treatment
to set right the degenerative changes in the retina and lens of the eyes, to
strengthen the optic nerve, ciliary muscles, and to correct the refractive
errors in diabetic retinopathy, etc.
THALAM
Application of medicated paste on the
crown of the head is called Thalam. Thalams are of various types according to
the nature of the ailment.
PICHU
This is a palliative treatment for
ailments in the head region. It is good for diseases affecting the cranial
nerves due to Vata disorders. The treatment is named after the folded piece of
cloth used to cover the crown called the pichu.
KSHEERA DOOMA
This is a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic
treatment meant for disorders of facial nerve and different neurological
disorders of facial muscles. This is very important in treating facial palsy.
VASTI
It involves holding warm ayurvedic oils
on the affected areas, that help immensely in cases of lower back problems,
cervical problems, arthritic knees and in cases of hypertension and cardiac
related conditions.
Kati Vasti, a special ayurvedic treatment for lower backache
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Kati Vasti
This is a special ayurvedic treatment for lower backache or sciatica of
different etiology. Warm ayurvedic oil is held on affected area on the
lumbosacral region.
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Greva Vasti
This is a special ayurvedic treatment for different kinds of neck complaints
including cervical spondylitis, I.V. disc prolapses, arthrosis, etc.
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Janu Vasti
This is a special ayurvedic treatment for the knee joint conditions like
arthritis, tendon injuries, sprain, etc.
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Hrud Vasti
This is a special ayurvedic treatment for a variety of heart diseases including
angina pectoris
TRADITIONAL BEAUTY TREATMENTS
The secret of beauty, according to
Ayurveda, is Ojas - the subtle quality of vigour or vitality, which is the
superfine essence of the seven dhatus. If one stays healthy in body, mind and
spirit, one's Ojas stay strong and this force creates a radiant inner self and a
beautiful outer self.
However, for enhancing physical beauty,
Ayurveda recommends a number of time-honoured natural treatments.
AYURVEDIC FRUIT/VEGETABLE FACE PACK
This treatment includes procedures like cleansing, massage,
herbal steam, gentle scrub, nutrifiying packs, toning, rejuvenating and
moisturizing. This is done with combination of ayurvedic herbs based on the
constitution, and fresh fruits and vegetables according to skin types. This
nourishes the skin by providing vitamins and minerals and rejuvenating the
pores. The pack heals and lightens scars, evens out the color tone, soothes and
moisturizes the skin and makes the skin soft and supple. It also stimulates the
deepest layer of the skin to make healthy new growth.