Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation. Ayurveda is more than a mere healing system; it is a science and an art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve longevity. Panchakarma is Ayurveda's primary purification and detoxification treatment. Panchakarma means the "five therapies". It is a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices to purify the body of toxins and restore it to balance with natural law.
In Ayurveda, the treatment is broadly divided into two categories:
- Shodhana and
- Shamana
Curing the disease by cleaning out the impurities is called Shodhana chikitsa, which is the principle of Panchakarma. It involves the clearing of vitiated doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) which cause the disease and thereby the restoration of equilibrium of doshas.
Panchakarma includes the following five purification therapies: |
Panchakarma Treatments
Abhyanga
A specialized whole body massage performed using specific herbal oil selected according to the body type. The massage is followed by a steam bath and a hot shower. The treatment improves physical consistency, induces deep relaxation and is very beneficial for vigor and vitality.
Pizhichil
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). In this highly sought-after rejuvenation treatment, hot herbal oils are poured all over then body and massaged in a special rhythmic movements by two Ayurvedic therapists. The massage is very slow and light, without exerting much pressure.
Shirodhara
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead, after receiving a gentle head massage. Shirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind. This therapy relieves the stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect in paralysis and other neurological malfunctions.
Udvartana (Weight loss Massage)
This is a specialized herbal treatment for weight reduction. A herbal paste or powder is applied all over the body and deeply massaged with specific movements by two therapists for one hour.
Nasya
The head, face, shoulders and chest are massaged with specific herbal oil and made to perspire. The medicine in exact doze is poured into the nostrils while inhaling. After this, the nose area, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously. This treatment is highly effective against headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis.
|
