AYURVEDA
An ancient traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda dates back to 5000 years.'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Veda' means 'Science'. Thus Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'.
According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe is made up of combinations of five elements (panchamahaabhutas):
- Space or Aakaasha
- Air or Vaayu
- Fire or Agni
- Water or Apa
- Earth or Prithvi
The key to optimal health is to help the body eliminate toxins and re-establish the constitutional balance of the doshas. For such purpose, Ayurvedic treatments are broadly classified into Shodhana and Shamana i.e. purificatory and palliative therapy respectively.
SHODHANA CHIKITSA
Shodhana means to purify. The main aim of Shodhana treatment is to eliminate the internal causative factors of the disease. It is one the most important techniques in Ayurveda and is an internal purification process.
Shodhana Chikitsa consists of a three-stage purification process as follows:
POORVA KARMA (PREPARATORY PURIFICATION PRIOR TO THE MAIN PURIFICATION)
This course consists of Snehana Karma (oleation therapy) and Swedana Karma (sudation therapy). These procedures loosen the toxin deposits from the cells and tissues and bring them into outer channels for easy elimination.
PRADHANA KARMA/ PANCHAKARMA (THE MAIN FIVE PURIFICATION METHODS).
These are:1 Vamana (Medically induced vomiting to cure diseases due to vitiated kapha),2.Virechana (purgation to cure pitta aggravated diseases), 3.Basti(medicated enema used predominantly to treat diseases caused by vaata), 4. Nasyam (medicines administered through nasal roots for diseases above shoulder), 5. Rakthamoksha Karma ( Controlled blood -letting done either with the help of leeches or with other methods).
PASHCHAT KARMA (POST REJUVENATION THERAPY)
These procedures consist mainly of recuperative measures in the form of diet, lifestyle changes, and rejuvenating herbs.
SHAMANA CHIKITSA
Shamana is specially done after the Shodhana therapy and in less vitiation. Ayurvedic medicines are used internally and externally to manage the symptoms and cause of the disease by either addition or subtraction of dosha elements.
Special Treatments
A complete range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments are available at Aarogyamantra, each addressing a specific aspect of mental and physical wellbeing.
ABHYANGA
A traditional synchronized full body massage given by two experienced Ayurveda therapists using Sesame oil; this experience is also known as the �four-handed-massage.� Abhyanga improves physical consistency, helps to liquefy toxins and induces relaxation, whilst normalizing blood pressure and eliminating impurities.
UDWARTHANA
A deep, dry massage using herbal powders which stimulate the hair follicles assisting to break down the body�s excess subcutaneous fat. This massage aims to address obesity and mobilizes toxins. Beneficial for firming and toning.
AYURVEDIC HEAD MASSAGE
A powerful calming and relaxing massage over the head, neck, shoulder and upper back. Conducted in a sitting posture using Ayurvedic medicated oil. Traditionally known as "Shiroabhyanga", this treatment is ideal for anyone who carries stress over their shoulders and neck. It helps to improve quality of sleep, nourishes the hair roots and also is helpful in managing recurrent headaches.
CHOORNASWEDAN
Following a full body massage with dosha specific oils, therapeutic sweating is induced by the application of warmed herbal poultices. Choornaswedana is commonly known as �the bundle massage�. It increases circulation, speeds up the elimination of toxins, relieves muscle pain and stiffness, rheumatism, arthritis and sports injuries
PIZHICHIL
An indulgent, rejuvenating experience, during which lukewarm herbal oils anoint the entire body. The anointment is very slow and rhythmic with light pressure. Pizhichil strengthens immunity, lubricates the joints, liquefies toxins, increases flexibility and strengthens immunity.
SIRODHARA
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in an even stream on to the forehead to pacify and revitalize the mind and the body. As well as its intense rejuvenating and anti-aging effects, Shirodhara improves memory, normalizes sleep patterns and addresses other neurological disorders
TAKRADAHARA
A calming experience where cool medicated buttermilk is poured onto the forehead to bring relief to those who suffer from insomnia, depression, gynaecological, psychological and stress related conditions.
TALAPODHICHIL
A herbal head pack applied to relax the mind, which in turn brings peace to the body and soul. A cooling application that helps relieve insomnia, stress, migraines and brings overall balance to the being.
KATI VASTI
Practiced to ease lower back pain. A small circle of paste made from black gram or wheat flour is placed strategically on the lower back. Warmed oil is then poured into the depression created by the ring of paste. This soothes muscular tissue, alleviates pain and lubricates the discs and nerves.
UROVASTI
An experience that balances the Heart Chakra and helps reduce stress to alleviate future problems of the thoracic region. Warmed, medicated oil is gently poured into a reservoir made from gram flour, placed strategically over the chest area. This soothes muscular tissue, alleviates discomfort and balances the mind-body connection.
AVAGAHASWEDAM
It is a kind of immersion bath where the patient is made to sweat while sitting in a tub filled with a specific warm medical decoction for the whole body or different parts of the body like the hips or feet. This is good for rheumatism, painful urination, hernia, lower backache, arthritis, etc.
MUKHALEPA
For centuries MukhaLepa has been used as a beauty ritual for Indian women. Traditional herbs are used to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and finally hydrate. A specialised dosha specific herbal lepa or mask is applied to the face to bring out the beauty within.
TAN LEPA
This stimulates the natural cleansing and healing abilities of the body. Following a medicated herbal oil massage a dosha specific full body mask is applied to the entire body that aids in drawing out toxins and relieving aches and pains, leaving your entire body refreshed and calm
GANDUSA
This experience involves the retention of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth for a few minutes. Gandusa is good for cleansing, detoxifying and aids in mouth, voice, gum and tooth disorders. Gandusa addresses bad breath, whilst improving the flexibility of facial muscles.
KAVALA
Requires the retention, movement and gargling of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth for few minutes. This simple and soothing treatment is highly beneficial for disorders of ear, nose, throat and mouth whilst improving the voice.
SHIROVASTHI
Shirovasthi is the procedure where in the medicated oil is retained on the head for a prescribed period. This procedure is highly effective for facial palsy, migraine, dryness of mouth, throat and nostrils, insomnia, cervical spondylosis, Parkinson's disease etc.
TARPANA
Treating the eyes by applying ghee is known as �AkshiTarpana� or �Netra Vasti� in Ayurveda. Whilst laying on the droni table a �ring� of flour paste is made around the eyes. Medicated ghee is then poured gently into the ring over the eyes. After sufficient unction has been poured, the eyes are intermittently opened and closed for a period not exceeding five minutes. This experience is good for treating tired eyes as well as other eye disorders.
NJAVARAKIZHI
A bolus of Njavara or Shastika rice cooked with milk and herbal decoctions is made into a fist-sized bundle called a kizhi which is used for fomentation. This is done after the application of medicated oil over the whole body and this induces a sweat. It has its proven efficacy and indicated in muscular disorders, neurological anomalies from paralysis to neuralgias, emaciation, and blood related disorders. This in healthy individuals gives a sedation effect, improves blood circulations and metabolism and makes body feels lighter and relaxed. It makes skin soft and gives special lustre and glow.
