About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the ancient system of Indian Medicine which is the natural healing system to
mankind. Ayurveda originated in Vedic period which has been inherited by later generations
through enlighted Rishis over five thousand Years. Ayurveda includes herbal medicine,
dietities, body work, surgery, psychology and spirituality. ‘Ayurveda’ means science of life.
(‘Ayu` means life ‘Veda’ means science). Ayurveda is known for its holistic approach to
treatments and rejuvenation therapies and it is the only system medicine through which
perfect cure of ailments and resonance of body and soul is achieved.

Ayurveda is not only a treatment discipline. Its therapies are used to regain health and
vigour to our body and mind so that we can be more efficient in our work and family life. In
modern word, Ayurveda regained its sovereignty globally by helping thousands of people to
be more efficient and healthy in family and work place by rejuvenating themselves. The
emphasis on the maintenance of positive health or Swastha Vritha is a distinguish feature of
Ayurveda. In order to maintain positive health, Ayurveda prescribes specific daily routine
`Dinacharya` and also a seasonal regime `Ritucharya`. In Dinacharya, great importance is
given to diet which is to be taken in a proper way with regards to quality, quantity as well as
frequency.

In daily regime Ayurveda advocates not to suppress certain natural physical waves like
micturition, defecations, hunger, sleep etc. On the other hand, suppressions of harmful
psychic urges is advocated by Ayurveda, like greed, fear, anger, vanity, jealousy, malice and
excessive attachment to anything. Ayurveda gives equal importance to mental health for
which a regime of ethical life (sadurutta) is prescribed. Strict mental discipline and strict
adherence to moral values is considered a pre-requisite for mental health.

Maintaining Health Through Ayurveda

Ayurveda, which means “Knowledge of Life” is much more than an alternative system of
medicine. It is the science that suggests the ideal way to live, to have a lengthy and healthy
existence. It is in fact a holistic system that considers health in a multidimensional
perspective.

Ayurveda’s perspective on effective health care is divided into two dimensions – maintenance
of health using discipline in daily life and rejuvenation therapies and treating diseases
through medication.

One of the most important things in maintaining health is observation of systematic daily
routine, especially in food habits and sleep. Also a well planned schedule of exercise.
Ayurveda details this under the head Dinacharya.

Ayurveda asks us to live life in accordance with seasons. Eat foods that suit the seasons and
do therapies that are more effective in that particular climate. Personal hygiene is a must for
good health. But Ayurveda goes beyond that and says social and civic hygiene are equally
important.

Long before modern science understood the power of the mind in the treatment and cure of
diseases Ayurveda studied the phenomenon in detail. Health happens when everything inside
the body and the mind is in equilibrium. Mind and body are not independent entities and
therefore if one is affected it has an effect on the other also. Likewise all body parts are
interconnected and a dissonance in one could create a problem in another.

Most of the Ayurvedic medicines and therapies are aimed at boosting the human immune
system. For it believes that the innate strength of the human body is capable of warding off
most of the diseases. All that is needed is to give it the necessary support and right
nourishment. Periodic purification treatments like Kizhi, Pizhichil, Vasti and Dhara which
cleanses, rejuvenates and relaxes the body and mind are also part of the methods to ensure
good health.

Abhiyangam
Abhiyanga is a massage done by using herbal oil. The oil is specially selected for the
particular body constitution. The process is long and thorough. More force is used to
loosen the excess doshas and direct them toward the organs of elimination. There is a
related treatment called Shirodhara, in which warm, herbalized sesame oil is dripped in a
stream onto the forehead to profoundly relax the nervous system and balance the Prana
Vata, the dosha that exerts control over the brain.
Abhyanga — the ayurvedic oil massage — is an integral part of the daily routine
recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being. Traditional
ayurvedic texts wax eloquent on the benefits. Here’s what one says — “Give yourself a
full-body oil massage on a daily basis. It is nourishing; pacifies the doshas; relieves
fatigue; provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep; enhances the complexion and the
luster of the skin; promotes longevity; and nourishes all parts of the body.”

Benefits of Abiyangam

 Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology

 Calming for the nerves
 Lubrication of the joints
 Increased mental alertness
 Improved elimination of impurities from the body
 Softer, smoother skin
 Increased levels of stamina through the day
 Better, deeper sleep at night

Abhyanga provides the means for transdermal absorption of the healing qualities
of the material used in the massage, and it helps the skin, which is the largest
organ in the body, perform its diverse functions efficiently, whether it is allowing
toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.
It is like oiling the engine of your car — if you do it regularly, your engine will be in
peak condition, and give you years and years of trouble-free performance

Kalari Massage

Kalari Massage is an art which has become popular all over the world. Kalari massage
blends the body, mind and spirit. Kalari massage therapist take special care of the
nerves and muscles as they have a good idea about its working. Massaging synchronizes
 the entire biological system of the body. It enhances the circulation of the body fluids
and activates the lymphatic system of the body and helps to purify the body. Kalari
massage strengthens the body by relaxing and opening up energy pathways.

The action of muscles and nerves are thoroughly studied and made use in the massaging
techniques. Muscles and nerves can sense the pain. When muscles get pain due to tear
and wear, due to extreme stretching or contraction, accumulation of metabolic poisons
etc, it stimulates the nerve endings. While massaging there is an improved vascular
movement of muscles and the rub carries away all the accumulated bad metabolic from
then pain nerve endings. The students are massaged during the training and also when
they are met with accidents during their practice. So the students can actually
experience the reaction of each muscle and nerve to a gentle touch by the finger, hand or
foot.

Massage gives a feeling of relief due to the development of good endorphins in the brain
by suppressing the feeling of pain and replacing it with a healing sensation. When we rub
a portion of the body we will feel relieved of pain. And if oil is applied, the relief is more
and long lasting. This is the secret of relief and pleasure. When we massage the body
with oil and the like the blood circulation gets increased too. Three methods of massages
are usually done for different purposes.

Benefits of kalari marma massage:

 sense organs are vitalized;
 improved joints, muscular system, nervous system function. It is therefore of great use
in preventing old age disorders;
 if one feels lethargic or physically unfit, this massage is substitute;
 gives energy, enthusiasm, and improves awareness;
 enables proper blood circulation; and
 relieves various aches like back pain, stiffness, dislocations, injuries, and also
stimulates various bodily organs and systems.
 Panchakarma – Rejuvenating Detox
Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means “five actions” or “five treatments”. This is a
process used to clean the body of toxic materials left by disease, poor nutrition and
environmental toxins. Normally the body has the innate ability to efficiently process and
remove these waste materials, including the vitiated doshas. However, due to one’s repeated
dietary indiscretions, poor exercise patterns, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, the
digestive enzymes, metabolic co-factors, hormones, and agnis which regulate the body’s
internal homeostasis become disorganized. This can lead to the accumulation and spread of
toxins throughout the physiology resulting in disease. This waste matter is called ama in
Ayurveda. Ama is a foul-smelling, sticky, harmful substance that needs to be completely
evacuated from the body.

Panchakarma will remove the excess doshas and correct imbalances in them as well as
eliminate the harmful ama out of your system through the body’s own organs and channels
of elimination (colon, sweat glands, lungs, bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, etc).
Panchakarma purifies the tissues at a very deep level.

It is a very pleasurable experience that is tailored to individual needs and may involve:

• Daily warm oil massage (abhyanga)

• Herbal steam therapy (swedana)

• Lymphatic massage

• Herbal enemas (basti)

• Nasal administrations (nasya)

• Other special treatments (see treatments below)

Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma as a seasonal treatment for maintaining mental and

physical hygiene and balance.

Panchakarma is a five-fold therapy; it is highly individualized based on the needs of the

individual depending on the Ayurvedic constitutional type, doshic imbalances, age, digestive
strength, immune status, and many other factors. Depending on each individual’s needs, all
or only parts of the five therapies are utilized. Specially trained therapists must administer
these procedures in an exact sequence for a specified period of time. In addition, although
Panchakarma is for the most part a delightful and comfortable therapy, there can be periods
of discomfort associated with the profound release of toxins, which does occur. It is therefore
essential that a knowledgeable expert who can recognize the signs of properly and improperly
administered Panchakarma supervise the therapy. Fortunately these signs were meticulously
recorded by the ancient vaidyas.
Like all medical procedures, Panchakarma Therapy always must begin with an initial
consultation by a qualified Ayurvedic Physician who can determine the individual’s prakriti
(constitutional type), the nature of the health problem (if any), and the appropriate degree of
intensity of the prescribed therapies.

Panchakarma treatments have been shown to create measurable brain wave coherence and
to lower metabolic activity. They allow the body and mind to drop into a profound level of
peacefulness. In this state of relaxation, it is possible to cleanse toxins from tissues as well
as to release deeply held emotional tensions.

Panchakarma Treatmenta Details

Pizhichil
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana
(oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is bathed in streams of lukewarm
medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. Three therapists attend to the client, focusing
on their particular needs. More than three liters of relaxing, medicated oil is used in this
therapy. Pizhichil protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthy life.
It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, neurological disorders, blood
pressure, nervous weakness and helps to arrest the aging process.

Beneficial for Pizhichil

Relaxation & Health

• Relieving anxiety

• Combating depression

• Regulating blood pressure

• Relieving body pains

Ailments

• Treating rheumatic diseases

• Alleviating arthritic symptoms

• Overcoming paralysis

• Reducing neurological disorders

Beauty

• Keeping skin young

• Preventing aging
Pizhichil is used in management of following conditions

Pain Management

This Ayurvedic Massage with warm herbal oil improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles
to reduce body aches and pain.

Stress Reduction

Massaging with warm oil improves relaxes body and mind to reduce stress.

Paralysis

Pizhichil Ayurvedic Treatment includes massage with warm oil and therefore can stimulate
the nerves and muscles.

Immunity

Ayurvedic herbal massage with warm oil stimulates production of white blood cells to
improve immunity.

Kizhi (Navara Kizhi,Ela kizhi, Podi kizhi)

A generous amount of medicated oil is applied to the whole body and then the body is
massaged with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara rice. The boluses are
dipped in this regenerating mixture of cow’s milk and a brewed herbal decoction, and then
applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat). This procedure is highly rejuvenating,
nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle. It
enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall
appearance of the skin.

Beneficial for Kizhi

Relaxation
• Strengthening nerves

• Calming stress

• Regulating blood pressure

• Relieving body pains

Ailments

• Curing neurological disorders

• Alleviating rheumatism

• Relieving arthritis

Beauty

• Nourishing limbs

• Beautifying skin

Navarakizhi is used in management of following conditions

This treatment is done with specific Kizhis (Pouches) made up of special Navara Rice which
has amazing medicinal value. These warm kizhis are applied to the body of the patient who
lays in the Dhroni. This is applied by two masseurs for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a
period prescribed by the Doctor. Najavarakzhi treatment is for all types of rheumatism pain
in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This is found to
be very effective for Polio and paralysis.

Ela kizhi / Podi kizhi

Ela or ila or patra means leaves; kizhi or pinda means bolus; Swedam means sudation. It is
one of the major sudation process using herbal leaves, practiced by Vaidyas (physicians) in
Kerala. It is highly effective in ailments affecting bones, joints and nervous system.

Procedure:

The leaves which are having Vata pacifying property are collected freshly. Most commonly
used leaves are leaves of tamarind, Calatropis gigentica, Ricinus communis, drumstick, Vitex
nigundo, Adatoda vasica etc. They are chopped and mixed with grated coconut, lemon,
turmeric rock salt etc. depending on the condition.The mixture is fried in plain sesame oil or
other medicated oil as per the requirement. They are divided into four equal parts and tied in
a linen cloth in the form of boluses. These are kept in a vessel containing the oil used to fry
the ingredients and the vessel is then heated. An Abhyangam (a gentle oil massage) is given
for about 10 to 15 minutes.Then the massage is given with warm boluses. The boluses are
applied over the body in seven different postures. Care should be taken that throughout the
procedure the temperature is maintained at around 46 degree centigrade by reheating the
bolus over hot vessel. After the procedure, the body has to be covered with a thick blanket for
about 30 minutes. Then one has to take shower with hot water.
Benefits:

• Improves blood circulation

• Improves skin complexion

• Increase muscle strength

• Relieves body pain and stiffness

• It is anti aging and rejuvenating

Patra Pinda Swedam is effective in the following conditions:

• Neurological disorders

• Arthritis

• Myalgia

• Chronic back pain

• Sciatica

• Spondylosis

• Lumbar spondylitis

• Cervical spondylitis

• Sprains and cramps

• Neuralgia

• Sports injuries

• Post traumatic dysfunctions

Shirodhara
Shirodhara treatment is a classic Ayurvedic therapy that includes pouring of warm herbal oil
on the forehead in continuous stream. Ayurvedic Shirodhara treatment is very effective in
promoting sound sleep and reducing stress. Shirodhara is one among the Bahiparimarjana
chikitsa or external treatments told in Ayurveda. The term Shirodhara comes from two words
“Shira” meaning head and “Dhara” meaning stream.

Shirodhara Treatment: What To Expect?

Shirodhara is usually practiced in the morning or in evening. The procedure required you to
lie down on the massage table with closed eyes. Shirodhara may first begin with abhyangam
(Ayurvedic body massage). After abhyangam, the procedure for shirodhara is started which
involves pouring of about 2 litres luke warm oil continuously as a stream on to the forehead
in an oscillating manner.

The time duration of Shirodhara treatment may extend from 30 to 60 minutes depending on
the condition of the patient. It is important to make sure that the oil does not enter eyes or
ears and is therefore recommended to be performed by an experienced therapist. You may
also be given a mild head massage before or during shirodhara.

Shirodhara may also include pouring of buttermilk, decoctions or even water. Depending on
the dravya (medicated or non-medicated liquids) it can be called as Tailadhara, Takradhara,
Kashayadhara and Jaladhara. Shirodhara is also included as one among the Murdhataila
(four special procedures told in Ayurveda for head).

How Does Shirodhara Treatment Work?

Pouring of warm oils used stimulates and sooth the hypothalamus, thereby regulating the
functions of pituitary gland and inducing sleep. Shirodhara stimulates Marma’s or Vital
Points in the head and improves circulation. The warm oils used for Shirodhara also cause
vasodilatation of all the channels and thereby improve the blood circulation of brain.
Shirodhara also reduces the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and nor adrenaline
and thus relaxes mind.

What Are The Benefits Of Shirodhara?

The benefits of Shirodhara include treatment of sleep problems, memory loss, poor
concentration, chronic headaches, stress, depression, mental tension, hypertension, facial
Paralysis and degenerative conditions of the brain. The medicated oils absorbed through the
scalp stimulate the hair follicles and hence shirodhara is an important therapy to treat Hair
problems such as premature greying of hair or hairfall and much more.

Nasyam
Nasya treatment refers to an Ayurvedic therapy that includes instillation of herbal oils, juices
or powders through the nasal route. It works specifically on disorders of ear, nose and throat.
Nasya is one among the five Panchakarma therapies. It is especially desirable for diseases of
parts above the base of the neck; nasal passage being the gateway of the head.

How Does Nasya Treatment Work?

The medicaments administered through the nostrils pervade into the nervous (Brain) and
venous system (Blood circulation) present in and around the nostrils. Then they evacuate the
morbidity present or distributed in nearby area. Thus it relieves the blockage of the channels
and the diseases are cured effectively. Medicated oils / juices / powders stimulate the vital
centres of brain to overcome specific diseases. Nasya treatment does not cause any serious
side effects when performed by an experienced therapist. However, it is recommended to not
undergo Nasya After heavy meals or Shirodhara.

Get rid of ENT problems

nasyam ayurvedic therapy

What are the benefits of Nasya Treatment?

Nasyam Ayurvedic treatment cleanses, purifies and strengthens the nasal passages, allowing
you to breathe fully and easily again. Due to its many benefits Nasyam is a recommended
remedy for congestion, allergies, Sinusitis, headaches, Migraine, cervical Spondylosis, hair
fall, premature greying of hair, rhinitis and other nasal infections.

Nasyam is used in management of following conditions at Cauvery ayurvedha gramam,

Pain Management : Nasyam is beneficial in treatment of headaches, Migraine and cervical

Spondylosis. Medicated oils or powders stimulate the some vital centers of brain that reduce
pain perception.

Stress Reduction : It includes administration of medicated drugs or oils through nostrils. It

stimulates the vital centers of brain that regulate emotions.

De-Toxification : Nasyam is one of the Panchakarmas and is indicated as an important

Ayurvedic de-toxification therapy.

Skin & Hair Care : With regular treatment, Nasyam can improve skin complexion. It can also
improve hair texture and prevent greying of hair.

Paralysis : As mentioned in Ayurveda nose is the opening to reach the brain, any medicine
instilled in nasal cavity acts directly on brain.

Elderly Care : Ayurvedic Nasyam treatment can be used in disorders that develop with
increasing age such as pain, Paralysis, stress etc.

Immunity : Use of Immunity boosting herbs for Nasyam can be beneficial in people who show
low Immunity.

Eye Care : Medications administered through nasal cavity act on the specific area of brain
that are involved in regulating vision.

Mental Health : Medication administered through nasal cavity act on the specific area of
brain to improve mood and emotions.

Kadi Vasti,Janu Vasti.

Kati Basti (Vasti) is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment used for lower backache and disorders
of lumbosacral region, including slip disc, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, spinal problems etc.
Kati Vasti is a part of external oleation (Snehana) therapy in Ayurveda. It is very safe, non-
invasive and green category procedure.
Indications of Kati Basti

• Backache

• Backache in women

• Sciatica

• Intervertebral disc protrusion

• Lumbar spondylosis

• Lumbar spondylitis (Inflammation of lumber joints characterized by stiffness,

tenderness and pain)

• Slip disc

• Degenerative disc disease

Principles of Kati Basti

• Warm oil is used in Kati Basti, warm oils pacify VATA humor, so it reduces pain and
stiffness. It lubricates the region and relaxes the surrounding muscles.

• It also works on KAPHA humor. Sometimes patients experience stiffness along with
very dull pain and heaviness. It is a sign of KAPHA involvement. The base of all oils used in
Kati Basti is Sesame Oil. Sesame Oil has VATA and KAPHA pacifying properties. Therefore,
Kati Vasti also works on back pain and tightness, stuffiness and back tiredness.

• Sometimes, PITTA humor becomes associated with the backache. In this type of
backache, tenderness is also present. When your doctor touches your back, you will find a
severe pain in the back. In this type, regular Kati Basti Oils cannot be used, so some oils
made from PITTA pacifying herbs are used in this case.