Ayurveda Panchakarma Procedures
Ayurveda Panchakarma Procedures
The main program of Ayurveda aims to cleanse the body of toxins, open all energy channels, and restore the proper functioning of all organs and systems.
Abhyangam
An ancient method of enhancing health, preventing and treating diseases, this approach nourishes the body, revitalizes the nervous system, and aids in overcoming exhaustion and sleep disorders. It positively impacts appearance and well-being, slows down the aging process, and extends lifespan.
Kizhi
A Kizhi is a poultice densely packed with herbal ingredients, which is heated in warm herbal oil throughout the treatment. The poultice is dipped in warm medicinal oils and applied to the entire surface of the body. This procedure is performed for 45 minutes daily over 7-14 days. It is highly effective for conditions such as arthritis, spondylosis, and sports injuries.
Pizhichil
One of the rare and unique procedures found only in Kerala, this treatment involves two or four experienced massage therapists who continuously apply warm medicinal oil to the entire body in a specific rhythm for 45-60 minutes each day over 7-21 days. The procedure is performed on a special massage table made from a single piece of wood. It is highly effective for rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous disorders, and sexual weakness. This treatment rejuvenates the body and calms the nervous system.
Navarakizhi
This special calming procedure involves rubbing the whole body or specific areas with balls of rice pudding wrapped in muslin cloth. The massage aims to induce sweating throughout the body. Two to three masseurs perform this treatment for 45-60 minutes daily over 14 days. It is beneficial for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, organ atrophy, and high cholesterol.
Udvarthanam
Udvarthanam is a massage using herbal powder, effective for treating conditions like obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin diseases, and circulatory disorders associated with a dominant Kapha dosha. Performed by two masseurs, the body is rubbed with herbal powder in a specific manner for 30-40 minutes daily, with a course duration of 14 to 28 days. Abhyangam is an oil massage where strokes are applied in the direction of blood flow for 45 minutes daily over 14 days. It is highly effective for obesity, sagging skin, insomnia, and fatigue related to an excess of Vata dosha.
Shirodhara
"Shiro" means "head" and "dhara" means "flow of liquid." This unique ancient procedure involves a rhythmic flow of a mixture of medicinal oils, milk, and whey onto the forehead for about 45 minutes. It induces a profound sense of relaxation and inner peace, relaxes the nervous system, and enhances the functioning of all five senses. Shirodhara is effective for insomnia, fatigue, headaches, tension, memory loss, and hair loss, and it helps to calm and refresh the mind.
Shirovasti
Medicated oil is poured into a bowl fixed on the patient's head and left for 15-60 minutes a day, depending on the patient's condition, for a duration of one week. This procedure is highly recommended for conditions such as facial paralysis, dryness of the nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, and other ailments related to the head area. Kativasthi involves applying specially prepared medicated oil to the lumbar region within a border of herbal paste. The oil is retained for 45 minutes to one hour. This procedure helps relieve back pain and addresses certain spinal ailments.
Kativasthi
Kativasthi involves applying specially prepared medicated oil to the lumbar region within a border of herbal paste. The oil is retained for 45 minutes to one hour. This procedure helps relieve back pain and addresses certain spinal ailments.
Urovasthi
Similar to Kativasthi, warm medicated oil is applied to the chest area and retained for 45 minutes. This treatment is recommended for conditions such as asthma, respiratory ailments, heart issues, and chest muscle pain.
Medicinal steam bath
In this procedure, steam from a boiling decoction of medicinal plants is passed through a chamber for 20-30 minutes, enveloping the entire body. It is highly beneficial after an oil massage to enhance its effects by opening closed tissues and expelling toxins. This treatment promotes weight loss and is useful for various skin diseases. It is widely used in the Panchakarma program.
Dhanyamla Dhara
In this procedure, the patient's body is doused with warm herbal decoction in a rhythmic manner using special vessels. The treatment lasts from 45 minutes to one hour daily and is effective for conditions such as hemiplegia and paralysis.
Kshiradhumam
Involves heating a decoction of medicinal herbs mixed with milk and directing the resulting steam to the affected part or the entire body. This procedure is highly effective for facial paralysis, speech disorders, drooping of the upper eyelid, and various nervous disorders.
Lepanam
In this procedure, a paste of medicinal herbs is applied to the affected area. It is effective for treating various inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, and similar ailments.
Thalam
In this treatment, a special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied to the scalp and left for 20-45 minutes. It is beneficial for ear, throat, and nose ailments, insomnia, migraines, and related conditions.
Thalapotichil
A paste made from various medicinal herbs, tailored to the patient's dominant dosha, is applied to the scalp for 30-45 minutes. This treatment is effective for insomnia, premature graying, and other hair or scalp issues.
Yoni Prakshalanam
Medicated oils and herbal decoctions are applied to the vaginal area in this treatment. It is beneficial for addressing gynecological issues and supports the cleansing process of the reproductive organs.
Tarpanam
Tarpana is an Ayurvedic procedure used to treat eye diseases and improve vision. It is based on the use of natural ingredients such as medicinal herbs, oils and minerals.
Indications for use of Tarpana:
eye fatigue;
dry eyes;
redness of the eyes;
decreased visual acuity;
myopia or farsightedness;
cataract (only in the early stages).
The procedure is prescribed only after consultation with an Ayurveda doctor, who will conduct a diagnosis and select the optimal course of treatment.
Karnapuranam
Medicated steam is applied to the ear for 5-10 minutes to cleanse and restore ear health. Herbal facial masks offer gentle care for the skin, addressing issues like acne, pigmentation, wrinkles, and sagging skin. However, true skin health is best achieved through a cleansed body and open energy channels, so skin care should complement overall health restoration. Mud therapy uses medicinal mud or clay to remove toxins, applied as applications, body wraps, on sheets, or in baths.
Yoga
Special yoga exercises support Ayurvedic healing, while meditation helps the body manage stress during treatment programs. In the anti-stress program, meditation and yoga asanas are integral. For experienced practitioners, the exercises and practices provided by the instructor might seem too basic, allowing them to continue their personal practice independently.
Medicines
In Ayurveda, medicines are prescribed both as standalone therapies and as components of various treatment programs. All Ayurvedic preparations are plant-based and made from high-quality raw materials, with the notable advantage of having no side effects. Herbal teas, or infusions, are used to introduce beneficial plant substances and can also help calm the mind when consumed mindfully. Herbal juices, made by grinding and squeezing fresh leaves, flowers, or stems, are powerful dosha balance correctors and contain potent medicinal components.
Snehapanam
The term "Snehapana" literally means "taking medicinal oils internally." This therapeutic procedure can also be part of the preparatory phase before cleansing therapies. During this treatment, medicinal ghee or vegetable oil is consumed internally in progressively increasing doses over a period of 5-7 days. It is effective for conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, chronic constipation, and hemorrhoids.
Diet
Diet is a crucial element in both treatment and health prevention according to Ayurveda. Many diseases arise from improper nutrition—whether it is unbalanced, excessive, insufficient, irregular, or mismatched with the daily rhythms of doshas or an individual's dosha type. Such dietary imbalances lead to dosha disturbances, which can cause various health issues. Correcting dietary habits can often alleviate or resolve many ailments, while optimal nutrition is essential for achieving complete health. During Ayurvedic treatment, a doctor tailors the diet based on the individual’s dosha type and any dosha imbalances.