Ayurveda
Ayurveda, the science of holistic healing evolves from two words, Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge). Ayurveda is one among the oldest systems of health care that focuses on a person’s physical, spiritual, mental and social well being and deals simultaneously with the preventive and curative aspects as well. Records reveal that Ayurveda was practiced even before 4000BC and the fundamentals of this branch of medicine were formulated by the Indian sages who lived thousands of years ago.
“Charaka Samhita”, the Bible of Ayurveda, analyses the human body in terms of earth, water, fire, air, and the three energy forces ( Tridosha : Kafa, Pitta, Vata - roughly translated as - phlegm, bile and wind).
“Ashtanga Ayurveda” has categorized Ayurveda into eight major branches
- Internal Medicine(Kaya Chikitsa)
- Paediatrics(Kaumar Bhritya)
- Psychiatry (Bhoot Vidya)
- Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology(Shalakya)
- Surgery( Shalya)
- Toxicology( Agad Tantra)
- Geriatrics(Rasayana)
- Eugenics and aphrodisiacs(Vajikarana)
Self-examination and introspection forms the first step and fundamental basis of understanding and determining any disease. Ayurveda has been found to be useful in the treatment of diseases like arthritis, skin diseases, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Ayurvedic treatments can broadly be classified as
- Shodhana therapy (Purification Treatment)
- Shamana therapy (Palliative Treatment)
- Pathya Vyavastha (Prescription of diet and activity)
- Nidan Parivarjan (Avoidance of disease causing and aggravating factors)
- Satvavajaya(Psychotherapy)
- Rasayana therapy(use of immune modulators and rejuvenation medicines)
Regulation of diet plays a significant role in Ayurvedic therapy.
Doshas- ‘Vata, Pitta and Kapha’
Three Doshas (or forces) in Ayurveda categorized as:
Vata,Pitta and Kapha is said to be present in every individual’s body. Ayurveda believes that most of the diseases and ailments in one’s body are related to the imbalance of these “Three Doshas”. To keep oneself in perfect health and well being, it is vital to maintain these “Three Doshas” in a balanced state.
Vata
Vata or Vatham is a kinetic biological state that can be related with breathing, defecation, urination, menstruation, etc. in our body. According to Ayurveda, Vatham is derived from “Vaayu’ and “Akasham”. Vata, the most dominative of the Three Doshas, is the primary reason for a disease. As by the Ayurvedic principles, this Dosha has control over the other two- Pitta and Kapha. Most of our bodily functions are controlled by Vata as it is believed to have a greater effect on the nervous system. Vata can have serious effects on one’s creativity, expression of feelings like joy and enthusiasm, and even hearing/ speaking abilities.
Pitta
Pitta or Pitham, the transformative biological state (composition of fire and water), relates to the regulation of the digestion of the physical, mental and emotional elements present in our body. Any change in the balance of Pitta may result in a change in the metabolism, heat and the transformations in both body and mind. If Pitta is in excess, it will trigger both physical and mental changes including increased anger, thinning hair, ulcers, etc.
Kapha
Kapha or Kapham is the Dosha related to lubrication and structure, especially of the bones and muscles in one’s body. Kapha is the watery element in the human body that cements every other element. According to Ayurveda, it is this Dosha that gives resistance power or immunity to our body. If Kapha is in excess it will lead to several discomforts like allergies, weight gain and tiredness. Along with keeping one’s immune system in proper condition, Kapha also helps in memory retention as well as energizing the lungs and heart.
Ayurveda Treatments
Ayurveda offers the following exciting range of treatments -
Rasayana Chikitsa – Anti Ageing Treatment (28 Days)
Rasayana Chikitsa, literally translated means rejuvenation. In this treatment, special emphasis is given to preservation of enzymes in the tissue cells under normal conditions. The cells are revitalized while the nerves and bones are kept soft and smooth. This works as an anti-aging cure making individual free from diseases, irrespective of their age.
Ayurveda is not a quick-fix science; instead it emphasizes on the art of healthy living to achieve longevity. It offers guidelines on every aspect of an individual’s lifestyle – a healthy diet, habits and exercises as a means for curing and preventing diseases.
According to Ayurveda - any rejuvenation therapy can only be undertaken after detoxifying the body of all impurities.
For this particular program special cleansing and detoxifying treatments are done for the first 2 weeks, before the actual rejuvenation treatment begins. After 2 weeks the actual rejuvenation treatment begins with special medicines and diet. Benefits of this program include slowing down of the aging processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and an increase in the general immunity.
Therapies include: Nasyam, Virechanam, Vamanam, Snehavasthi or Kashayavasthi - depending on the doshas. Preparative treatments including Pizhichil, Pouch Massages, uzhichil (a type of massage), Sirodhara, Sirovasthi, Kayasekam etc. for purifying the body are also undertaken. After the preparative treatments rejuvenating procedures are undertaken videlicet, Uzhichil, Uzhichil with special creams, Njavarakizhi, Kashayadhara, Ksheera Dhara, Mukhalepam, Udvardhanam, Thechukulli complemented by different Rasayanas and a nourishing diet.
Manasanthy – Anti Stress Program (14 Days)
This program aims at de-stressing and relaxing the mind. Mind plays an important role in our day-to-day interactions, our judgments and our emotional wellbeing. If the mind is under a lot of stress this, in turn, is reflected upon the body. Scientific studies have proved that people, wound-up by hectic lifestyles, face a host of mental and physical ailments – now widely called as ‘lifestyle diseases’.
This is a complete de-stressing program that combines the goodness of Ayurveda with the practice of Yoga. This specially designed 14 day program aims at attaining a complete sense of well-being.
Therapies include: Uzhichil, Sirodhara, Nasyam, Sirovasthy, Njavarakizhi, Kateevasthy, Sarvanga dhara, Thalam, Pichu, Thalapothichil etc. These Ayurvedic therapies are complemented by Yoga therapies, special traditional herbal medicines and herbal teas.
This treatment is ideal for those under tremendous physical and mental stress, and for those suffering from conditions like - insomnia, lack of concentration, tiredness, headaches etc.
Pancha Karma – General Rejuvenation Treatment (21-28 Days)
Pancha Karma – the standard 5-point revitalization treatment - is gaining wide acceptance and worldwide recognition today. Pancha Karma belongs to a group of Ayurvedic therapies belonging to the ‘Shodhana’ class of cleansing procedures.
The program is undertaken in 3 different steps, starting with the pre-purification, followed by the main procedure and ending with a post-purification procedure.
Poorvakarma (Pre Purification)
According to Ayurveda, before the actual treatment begins, the body must be prepared with proper detoxifying measures. For this purpose two procedures are undertaken – the 'Snehanam' and 'Swedanam'.
‘Snehanam’ is the process of applying different oils (medicated or non-medicated herbal oils) to move the toxins towards the gastrointestinal tract. This process is also a de-stressing procedure that nourishes the nervous system.
‘Snehanam’ is followed by ‘Swedanam’. The literal meaning of ‘Swedanam is sweating. ‘Swedanam’ is the process of removing toxins through the gastrointestinal tract.
After these two procedures a Pancha Karma treatment suitable for the individual is undertaken.
Pradhana Karma (main procedure)
There are five different types of Shodhanas, or cleansing methods.
1) Nasyam (Elimination of toxins through the nose)
2) Vamanam (Therapeutic vomiting)
3) Virechanam (Purgation)
4) Vasthy (Enema)
5) Rakthamoksham (Detoxification of the blood)
Paschat Karma (post purification measures)
After the treatment it is highly important that a particular diet and lifestyle be followed that is harmonious with the individuals basic constitution. If this is not strictly adhered to, the patient could worsen his/her condition with toxins entering the cleansed tissues and going deeper than before.
There are a couple of things that should be avoided including - loud talking, long walks, bumpy rides, sitting for a long time and excessive eating. Unwholesome food, daytime sleep and excess sexual indulgence must be avoided at any cost. 'Rasayanas', herbal remedies and organic food must be taken to rebuild and for giving a new lease of life and strength to the damaged tissues.
Therapies include: Snehapanam, Uzhichil, Pizhichil, Sirodhara, Ksheeravasthi, Sirovasthy, Podikizhi, Elekizhi, Dhanyakizhi, Nasyam Njavarakizhi, Narangakizhi, Dasamoolaksheera Dhara, Snehavasthi, Kativasthi, Urovasthi, Vamanam, Virechanam, Kashayavasthi, Mathravasthi etc..
Thaulyakna Chikilsa –Slimming Program (21-28 Days)
Rather than relying on diet pills, become slim more naturally. Slimming through Ayurveda is one of the simplest and safest methods. It guarantees that you achieve your goal at the earliest with absolutely no side-effects at all. The ultimate aim of the program is to achieve a state of balance in the body through controlled diet and Ayurvedic treatments.
The package includes exercises for reducing the excess fat accumulated in the body, treatment through herbal supplements which are more compatible and acceptable for the human body and a strict diet to control the Vata for people of Kapha constitution.
The program also includes Yoga to rejuvenate the body by exciting the lethargic glands to increase their hormonal secretions, increasing the fat metabolism and also to give the much needed vitality and muscle tone.
Therapies include: Udvardhanam, Kalari uzhichil, Lepanam, Medicated steam bath, Podikizhi, Internal medication, Padabhyangam etc.