KATIVASTI

Kativasti uses specially prepared medicated herbal oils and herbal paste applied on the lower back region. It relieves back pain and several spinal disorders. In Kativasti, specially prepared warm medicated herbal oil is kept over the lower back region using a herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is extremely good for various types of back pain and spinal disorders.

UROVASTHI

In Urovasti, warm medicated herbal oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma and allied respiratory problems.

In this treatment, warm medicated herbal oil is kept over the chest region with a herbal paste boundary. The warm oil is retained there for 45 minutes. It is recommended for asthma, respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

KSHEERADHOOMAM

Ksheeradhoomam is a special treatment passing steam from a mixture of milk and medicinal herbs over various parts of the body. This is effective for facial palsy and skin disorders.

Ksheeradhoomam is a special sudation treatment. A mixture of a medicinal preparation and cow's milk is heated and the steam formed is directed to the affected area or over the whole body. Very effective for facial palsy, speech disorders and various nervous disorders.

THALAM

In Thalam, a herbal powder mixed with special medicated oil is applied on the top portion of the head. Found to be very effective for ENT disorders.

Before any external treatment thalam has to be performed. In this treatment, a special mixture of herbal powder and medicated oil is applied on the upper portion of the head and allowed to remain for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment helps in conditions associated with ENT, insomnia and migraine.

LEPANAM

Lepanam is a popular treatment which consists of applying special herbal mixtures on affected parts of the body. In Lepanam, specially prepared herbal mixtures are applied on affected parts of the body. This treatment is effective for various inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis and gout.

PIZHICHIL

Pizhichil is a rare and special treatment of Kerala. It uses herbal oils and is very effective for rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia and nervous disorders.

In Pizhichil, two to four therapists continuously apply warm medicated oils all over the body in a special rhythmic way for about 45 to 60 minutes each day for a period of 7 to 21 days. The treatment is done on a special table made from a single piece of Strychnous Nuxvomica wood. This is very effective for rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders.

NJAVARAKIZHI

This is one of the most important specialized procedures in Ayurveda therapy of Kerala. The process includes application of certain medicinal puddings externally, in the form of boluses tied up in cotton bag (Kizhi). Application of this can be limited to a specific part or whole of body itself. The net result expected is to make the part perspire with loosing the sanmya bhavas of body. Astanga Samgraha and Charakacharya gives a passing reference about this procedure.

Njavara, a variety of paddy is one of the main ingredient of the bolus preparation. In Sanskrit Njavara is called Shastika that comes under Vrihi class that means the crop is ripened within 60 days. In the southern districts of Kerala, a whitish red variety is used while in Northern districts; the practitioners use a darkened variety of Njavara. In order to preserve the medicinal quality, this rice is dehusked without boiling or even if boiled, special procedures are adopted for the boiling process. The paddy is soaked in boiled water for about 4 hours and the utensil for this must be made of copper and it must have small mouth. It should be taken out of the water and kept in shadow for 2 hours and get dried and dehusked using wooden or stone made traditional mortar (urals).

This sastika or Njavara rice is the best one in vrihi variety of dhanyas. It is advised to be taken daily by Charaka. Astangahridayakara wants every one to take this during the time of pathyacharana (observing strict time-schedule and keeping special rules and regimen normally after undergoing ayurvedic treatments, especially the Panchakarma). This has a wide range of benefits including aphrodisiac. The oil prepared out of this is used for a wide range of aches and painful conditions like the Cervical spondylosis, Low back ache, paralysis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (in some stages), etc.

Generally Njavara is cooked in Sidarectusa. Lin. or Bala decoction. But this varies according to the conditions of the patient. Dolicusbiflorus, Alpinagalanga, Dasamoola etc. are used for this purpose.

One kg of Siddha roots cut into small chips and crushed well is decocted in 40 litres of water and it is reduced to 10 litres. This decoction is well strained and half the decoction is kept for use at a later stage. To the first half, equal quantity of milk is added and 230 - 300 g of Njavara rice is added and cooked until is becomes a semi solid paste or pudding state. This is transferred to special cloth pieces and poultices are made. Before applying this to the patient, it is properly prepared and oleation to head and body is done according to disease. The duration of the process varies from disease to disease and season to season. The effect of this process, if properly done, makes the body supple, removes stiffness of joints due to various vitiated vata dominant conditions, cleans the body channels, and brings about better blood circulation. It improves complexion, increases appetite, improves digestion, restores relish for food, and corrects the mental irregularities. This makes the body strong and steady, rejuvenated with well-developed musculature. Judicious application of this is very effective in hypertension, skin diseases and prevents premature ageing.

SIRODHARA

Sira means head and dhara means flow of liquid. In Sirodhara, specially prepared medicinal oil is poured on the head. This is used in cases of insomnia, loss of memory and headaches.

In Sirodhara, a mixture of herbal oils or medicated milk or medicated buttermilk is poured on to the forehead in a special rhythmic manner for about 40 minutes a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is effective for insomnia, loss of memory, headaches and mental tension.

VASTHI

In Vasthi, herbal oils and herbal decoctions are applied through the rectum.

It is also known as medicated enema. Vasthi is a therapeutic procedure in which certain herbal oils and herbal decoctions are applied through the rectum, daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. It is very effective for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints, rheumatism and chronic constipation.

SIROVASTHI

Sirovasthi is a special treatment for the head region of the body, using medicated oils. This is used to cure conditions like facial paralysis and dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat.

In Sirovasthi, lukewarm medicated oil is poured in to a cap fitted round the head of the patient for 15 to 60 minutes a day lasting up to 7 days.Highly recommended for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other diseases related to the head.

UDVARTHANAM

Udvarthanam is a special treatment using medicated powders. Found to be highly effective for obesity, hemiplegia and skin diseases. Also known as "powder massage", Udvarthanam is found to be very effective in treating obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin diseases, impaired circulation and some Kapha predominant diseases. Two therapists apply medicated herbal powders in a special way on the body for about 30 to 40 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days.

ABHYANGAM

Abhyangam is a special type of massage using medicated herbal oils to counter loss of skin luster, sleeplessness and fatigue. It also increases blood circulation in the body.

In this treatment massages are applied according to the circulatory channels, using medicated herbal oil. It is effective for loss of skin luster, sleeplessness, Vatha predominant diseases and fatigue.

NASYAM

Nasyam is the application of herbal juices or powders and medicated oils through the nostrils.

Nasyam is one of the "Panchakarma" treatments. Herbal juices and medicated herbal oils are applied through the nose for a period of 7 to 14 days. It is very effective for certain kinds of headache, facial paralysis, mental disorders, sinusitis etc.

SNEHAPANAM

Snehapanam is a special treatment in which medicated herbal oils or ghee preparations are given orally. This is used in cases of osteo- arthritis, psoriasis and chronic constipation.

Snehapanam is done as a therapeutic procedure and also as a preparatory process during the body purification therapy. Medicated herbal oils or ghee preparations are given to the patient orally for internal consumption in proportionally increasing quantities for a period of 8 to 12 days. This is very effective against osteo-arthritis, skin diseases and chronic constipation.

KIZHI

In the Kizhi treatment, herbal leaves or powders are prepared in boluses and applied over the body. It is used in cases of arthritis and spondylosis.

A Kizhi is prepared using herbal leaves and powders. This is dipped in warm medicated oils and applied on the whole body, or specified parts. This is done for 45 minutes a day for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is effective for osteo-arthritis, spondylosis and various sports-related injuries.

DHANYAMLA DHARA

Dhanyamla Dhara is a special type of Dhara treatment in which warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body. The treatment lasts for several days and is curative of conditions like hemiplegia and paralysis.

For Dhanyamla Dhara , warm herbal liquid, made from cereal extracts in a special manner, is poured all over the body of the patient. This is done in a rhythmic manner using a special vessel and lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective against hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints and vatha predominant diseases.

YONI PRAKSHALANAM

In Yoni Prakshalanam, medicated herbal oils are applied through the vaginal area.

Yoni Prakshalanam is a treatment in which herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vagina. This is recommended for gynaecological disorders. It is also practised as a purification process for the genital organ.

SPONDILOSIS

(Cervical) known as Greeva Graha (neck pain) in Ayurvedic texts can result due to wrong postural habits. It can be a professional hazard with computer operators, clerks, officer workers etc., or can express itself in old age due to degenerative changes. The deranged vata energy is responsible for the typical symptoms such as neck pain, restricted movement of neck, pain radiating to shoulders and arms, tingling sensation in the fingers etc., Specific procedures such as Greeva Vasti, Podikhizhi, Navarakhizhi, Pizhichil, etc., pacify the deranged vata externally where as internally some vata pacifying medicines are also administered. To obtain optimum results some of the Panchakarma procedures such as Nasyamay also are employed.

SINUSITIS

Sinuses are the mucous lined air spaces in the facial bones that communicate with the nose. When they get inflamed the main symptoms produced are headache, heaviness, tenderness over the affected regions. Nasya an effective Panchakarma treatment removes the accumulated toxins from the head region and provides a long-term relief. Internal medicines also aid in pacifying the aggravated toxins in the affected region.

THALAPOTHICHIL

This form of treatment is one in which various medicinal herbs selected according to Dosha predominance are made into a paste and applied to the scalp for 30 to 45 minutes. This treatment is good for insomnia, premature greying and other problems related to the hair and scalp.

SANDHI VATHA CHIKITSA

Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda has very effective cures for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, osteoporosis, etc. This programme includes massage, lepanam, oil application on affected parts, kizhi, steam bath, snehavasthy, kashaya vasthy, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, snehapanam and internal medicines.

SWASA KASA CHIKITSA

This is a program for curing respiratory diseases like bronchial asthma, prolonged cough, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. and includes body massage, urovasthy, pizhichil, pdolozjo, snehavasthy, kashaya vasthy, nasyam and internal Ayurvedic medicines.

SUKHANIDRA

This is a treatment programme which is very helpful for conditions like insomnia (lack of sleep) and anxiety. It improves immunity and self confidences. It includes body massages, sirovasthy, ksheera dhara, thalam, thalapothichil and internal Ayurvedic medicines, yoga and meditation.

SIDHMA CHIKITSA

This is a psoriasis treatment program is very effective for all type of psoriasis and various other skin diseases. It includes special lepanam, abhyangam, snehapanam, pizhichil, medicated steam bath, sirovasthi, exclusively prepared internal herbal medicines, along with yoga and meditation.

Physical benefits:

1) Ayurvedic treatment and therapies restores balance between three doshes ie Kapha, Vata and Pitta thereby making body in equilibrium with nature. You feel lighter and healthier.

2) Ayurvedic massages works greatly on immune system. All the accupressure and parasympathetic points comes under pressure thereby realeasing toxins out of the body.

3) Ayurvedic treatment does not cause any side effects unlike modern medicine.
4) Ayurveda can treat various chronic problems like arthiritis, paralysis, sinusitis, asthma, diabetes, impotence, backache, nervous weakness, indigestion, weak eyesight etc.
5) Rejuvenation therapies includes procedures for complete detoxification of the body. New rejuvenated cells take over the entire life systems thereby inducing child like freshness and healthy body.
6) Ayurveda customises treatment to specific individuals, depending on their body constitution and state of balance. Two people with the similar disease may require different treatment. Modern medicine has no methodology to account for this by itself.