Yoga is one of the most precious gifts to us from ancient India. Literally, Yoga comes from the Latin word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. It is not just about physical postures, but more importantly a spiritual art that links one’s personal consciousness with the universal consciousness. It is true that we are always preoccupied with perceiving the outside world without giving time to the inner self. This ancient art gives you the secrets to find inner peace and transcendence through exercise, breathing and meditation techniques in constant evolution and innovation. The yoga we see today in the modern world is an integrated version of ancient yogic concepts with modern medical and psychological techniques.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word made up of two words ‘Ayur’ and ‘Veda’. The first means life and the second knowledge or science together means the science of life. It is an ancient medical science that deals with the body, mind and soul. This science not only helps in the treatment of diseases, but also helps ensure a long, disease-free, healthy and happy life. Using natural plants as a source to manufacture its medicines, it has become highly trusted and popular among modern medical science scholars throughout the world. With this, the enthusiasm of curiosity to know more about Ayurvedic knowledge has been aroused among them.
ayurvedic treatments
Ayurveda treatments can best be described as treating the man as a whole. Ayurvedic medicines are mainly made from natural plants and their side effects are almost nil. His treatment is based on the principles that enlightenment can only be achieved by those in good mental and physical health. Ayurveda uses different forms of treatments for various types of problems.
Some of the main Ayurveda treatments are:
Pizhichil: In this type of treatment, two to four trained therapists apply warm herbal oil to the entire body in a special rhythmic manner for about 60 to 90 minutes a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is for pains, dislocations and tensions in joints and extremities. It is also for those with paralysis and pregnant women with the problem of lack of effective uterine contractions during labor. The treatment lasts from 14 to 28 days. Some people took this treatment to maintain fitness against premature aging. This treatment can also prevent hardening of body tissue.
Njavarakizhi: In this case, medicinal puddings, in the form of skittles tied in a muslin bag, are applied externally to the body and cause it to perspire. This type of treatment is mainly practiced in Kerala. It is mainly for all kinds of nervous system diseases, joint pain, chronic rheumatism, diseases caused by blood defects. It helps build a strong and solid body with a good muscular system.
Dhara: Here, certain herbal oils, medicated milk or buttermilk are poured on the forehead for about 45 minutes a day for 7-21 days. There are other subcategories for this treatment such as Thakradhara, Sthanyadhara, and Tailadhara. Thakradhara is for the treatment of premature graying of hair, headache, fatigue, diabetes, dislocated joints, weakness, tiredness, eye diseases, ear, throat and nose diseases. Sthanyadhara is for the treatment of extremely high fever especially among children and Tailadhara for sinus, paralysis and headache.
Vasthi: Herbal oils or herbal extracts are applied through the rectum daily for 5 to 25 days. This treatment is intended for paralysis, hemiplegia, arthritis, numbness, gastric constipation, frequent and rheumatism.
Sirovasthi: In this process, specific warm herbal oils are poured into the cap placed on the head and kept for about 15-60 minutes per day depending on the condition of the patients. This treatment is for loss of tactile sensation, facial paralysis, dry mouth, throat and nostrils, chronic headache and other vatha related ailments.
Udvarthanam: In this treatment, a certain herbal powder is massaged into the body for about 30 minutes for 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for diseases such as hemiplegia, paralysis, typical rheumatism and obesity.
Abhyangam: A special type of oil is used to massage the body in which strokes are given according to the patients’ condition for 45 minutes for 14 days. This treatment is for Obesity, Diabetic Gangrene, etc.
Nasiam: Herbal juices and medicated oils are applied through the nose for about 30 minutes for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is usually to treat headaches, mental disorders, paralysis and other skin diseases.
Snehapanam: Medicated ghee is administered internally in a proportionally increasing amount for 8 to 12 days. This is useful for the treatment of Osteo Arthritis, Leukemia, etc.
Kishi: The body is applied with herbal leaves and powder in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes a day for 7-14 days. This treatment is for Osteo Arthritis, swelling, sports injuries, etc.
Kativasti: In this treatment, a special warm oil is placed on the lower back with a border of herbal paste for 45 to 60 minutes. It is useful for all kinds of back pain or spinal disorders.
Urovasthi: A special type of warm oil is placed on the chest for about 45 minutes. This is helpful in treating asthma, heart conditions, chest pain, and other respiratory problems.
Ksheeradhoomam: In this course, medicated cow’s milk is applied to the body or particular part of the body. It is good for facial paralysis, speech disorders, Bell’s palsy, and other facial nerve disorders.
Talam: In this process, the medicated oil is mixed with a special powder and applied to the top of the head for about 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is good for insomnia, migraines, and problems related to the ears, nose, and throat.
