Panchakarma, which includes five major procedures, is meant to purify the whole body by eliminating the accumulated toxins from it. This package includes treatments like Virechana (Purgation), Vamana (Emesis), Snehavasthi (Medicated Oil Enema), Kashayavasti (medicated decoction enema) & Nasya (Nasal Administration). The specialty of this treatment is that it can be administered both in a healthy, as well as thediseased person.
When a healthy person subjects himself to Panchakarma, it has a preventive, restorative and rejuvenative effect on the body. Ayurvedic therapy requires a prescribed time frame. Treatments come in modules of 7, 14, 21 & 28 days. For rejuvenation therapy. A minimum period of 7 days is normally required. Duration for other treatments vary for case to case. Abhyangam is a popular body massage in ayurveda. The word abhyanga itself means to massage.
In Ayurveda, the Abhyangam massage has become popular because of its effective way of conditioning the body. Abhyangam can be used therapeutically. The massage is designed around each individual, to suit his or her disease or condition. An ayurvedic physician can assess this and will then decide on the appropriate oils and the exact way of massage.
Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way abhyangam massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power. To massage is to exercise the nervous system.
Dhara: It is a process by which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc are allowed to flow on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin diseases.
In Thakra Dhara, after giving head massage medicated Buttermilk is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff, Psoriasis, hypertention, Diabetes, hair loss and other skin complaints. This gives head very cooling action and generates sleep.
In Siro Dhara, after giving a good head massage herbal oil is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in relieving stress and strain and generates sleep. Maintains hormone balance. This is oil application relaxation therapy for the body and head. Recommended in the treatment of muscular-skeletal diseases. It alleviates fatigue, reduces pain and keeps spasm under check. Sound sleep is also one of its benefits. After oil application, the body is fomented with steam.
This process helps pacify Vata and reduces pain. It improves blood circulation, induces lightness in the body and puts an end to spasm and stiffness. Nasyam: Any disease related to upper the level of clovicles or shoulder bones is treated by Nasayam. In this, synchronized manage over the forehead, face and head is done and then hot compresses and pouring of the medicated oil in the nostrils. This treatment is very useful for the tinnitus i.e. ringing sensations in the ear.
Diet: Ayurveda is a very vast and ancient medical science. Unlike other medical sciences, instead of focusing on treatment of any particular disease, Ayurveda focuses more on the healthy living and well being. For healthy living, Ayurveda emphasizes on consuming right kind of diet which is healthy and nutritious. According to Ayurveda, there are positive and negative attributes of diet.
Since, Ayurveda deals with a holistic approach to healing; it covers the diet factor in depth. In Ayurveda, food is considered not only as mixture of the basic ingredients like proteins, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates, but something, which serves as a source of energy for mind and soul.