Ayurveda which literally means Knowledge of life is probably the oldest (originated 5000 years ago) and definitely the most holistic medical system in today's world. This ageless science provides both curative and preventive measures towards physical, mental and spiritual well-being. More than being just a medical care, Ayurveda is a philosophy which helps one lead a long and healthy life. Over the years, Ayurveda which is considered to be a branch of the Atharva Veda has gained global popularity and has also been recognized by the World Health Organisation.
Kerala is considered to be the land of origin of Ayurveda and is perhaps the only place in India where this science still follows the traditional ways. Kerala's unparalleled wealth of herbs and natural vegetation and unique climatic proposition helps Kerala practitioners make their Ayurvedic formulations to superior effect. In short Ayurveda is Kerala is 'Gods own cure'.
Principles of Ayurveda
Basically, Ayurveda considers all living and non-living things in the universe as a combination of 5 elements called the Pancha Bhootas (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space). These elements are present in the bodies of everything in different proportions but it is the spirit or soul that separates the living from the non-living. This spirit manifests in the human body as 3 subtle energies and it is the balance of these 3 energies that keeps the body healthy and in full vitality. It is the imbalance of these 3 energies due to internal and external causes that causes diseases. Ayurvedic treatment is aimed at regaining the balance and thereby rejuvenating the body and achieving the trinity of life- harmony of the body, mind and soul.
Ayurvedic systems function on the relationship of the body with the natural environment and the cosmos. Naturally, Ayurveda does not treat a disease; it treats the body as a whole to restore proper functioning. So the first step of treatment in Ayurveda is determining the constitution of the person being treated. Treatment systems may be both internal and external.
The best time for Ayurvedic treatment is said to be the monsoon time in Kerala i.e. during the months June to November. The idea is that the atmosphere will be dust free during this time thereby keeping the body pores open helping to properly absorb the herbal oils pasted in the body. The popular treatment is massage for both rejuvenation and healing purposes.
Ingredients in Ayurvedic Treatment
The desired effect of an Ayurvedic therapy depends heavily on the quality and purity of the herbs and other specific ingredients used for treatment. It is this quality of material that makes Kerala Ayurveda the most desirable. Combining the ingredients to balance out the aspects of body and mind without adversely affecting anything else is the challenge of Ayurvedic Doctors. A few of the common ingredients in Ayurvedic therapy are – Thulasi (improves body defense mechanism), Aloe Vera (enhances mind power), Amla (Vitamin rich), Shrub called Ashwaganda (Stress buster), Triphala (for digestion), Asphaltum (Mineral rich), Pippali (longevity enhancer) and Neem (Detoxifier).
Treatment programmes in Ayurveda
Revitalization / Rejuvenation:
Ayurveda is popularly used for revitalization. Revitalizing treatments include medicated steam baths, herbal massages, correction of breathing techniques and the intake of Ayurvedic powders and juices. Anti-ageing remedies, slimming packages, Body Sudation and beauty treatments, along with meditation and yoga are among the favorite packages of exhausted visitors flowing into Kerala from all over the world. Panchakarma, A five fold treatment for mental and physical well-being which tunes body, organs, mind and breath and purifies blood is also very popular over here.
Therapeutic Treatments:
Therapeutic Ayurveda treats a vast spectrum of ailments, from gynecological problems to rheumatic diseases and nervous disorder to haemophilia. Ayurveda treatment centres on treating the entire body, both externally and internally. Some of the popular treatments are explained below:
 Shirodhara: In this treatment, medicated oil or milk or buttermilk is slowly poured on the forehead for 30 – 45 minutes for 7-21 days. This helps to get relief from stress, mental tension, insomnia, chronic headaches and diminishing memory.
 Sirovasthi: A long cap is fitted on the head and medicated oil is cascaded into it. This position should be maintained for the next 20 – 30 minutes. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and insomnia.
 Pizhichil: This is a sweating treatment in which warm herbal oil is applied all over the body in a rhythmic method for 45 – 60 minutes for 7-21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc.
 Njavara Kizhi: This is a cooling treatment in which the body is made to perspire by the application of special boluses which contain cooked herbal rice inside. Here the massage is done with this bolus after dipping it in a mixture of milk and decoction for 45 – 60 minutes. This treatment is for all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.
 Kizhi: Massage is done using special type of bolus made of herbal mixtures by dipping in suitable oil or herbal liquid. The different kinds are Elakizhi (with herbal leaves), Podikizhi (with herbal powder), Narangakizhi (lemon and herbs) and Manalkizhi (with salt and sand)
 Nasyam: This is a Panchakarma treatment in which herbal extracted juices or oils are dripped into the nostrils. This is a cleansing treatment effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders and some types of skin disease
 Lepanam: In Lepanam, a herbal paste is applied on the affected part of the body for various types of inflammatory conditions, gout, arthritis and skin diseases.
 Karna Dhoopanam: Medicated antiseptic fumes are puffed into the ears for 5 – 10 minutes. This procedure helps to clean and detoxify the ear. It will clean our ears and increases out listening power.
 Tharpanam: A brim is made around the eyes with a paste. The patient is asked to close his eyes and medicated oil is poured around the closed eyes till the eye lashes are fully immersed in the oil. It helps to prevent and cure eye diseases.
 Kati Vasthi: In this treatment, the patient is asked to lie on his back and a brim of herbal paste is kept on the lower back of the patient. Extracted oil is poured slowly in that rim and it is kept like that for 30 – 45 minutes. It is useful for lower back pain, spondylosis, spinal disorders and other problems in the lower vertebral column.
 Vasthi: Highly medicated herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied; through the rectum. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.
 Snehapanam: Generally oral application of concentrated oil precedes many treatments. This treatment is for Osteoarthritis, Psoriasis and Leukemia
 Yoni Prakshalanam: It is a purification process for genital organs. Herbal oils and decoction are instilled through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynecological disorders.
 Urovasthi: A specific kind of warm and medicated oil is kept over the chest area for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.
 Ksheeradhoomam: It is a treatment for nervous disorders of the face. The process is carried out using fermented cow's milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face
 Thalam: A special herbal powder is mixed with medicated oil, which is applied on the top of the head for 20 – 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for E.N.T (Ear, nose throat) problems, insomnia, migraine and other similar diseases.
|
