Ayurvedic Treatments
There are various Ayurvedic treatments, each following a
different procedure for different conditions. The Ayurvedic
Doctor will prescribe a combination of Ayurvedia remedies
according to the patients' dosha and condition.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga means Oleation (oiling up). It is full body massage
which is recommended to be done daily. The body is massaged with
various Ayurvedic warm oils which moves the toxins towards the
gastro –intestinal tract. 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.
It is one of the main procedure for Purva Karma (preparation for
Panchakarma).
Utsadana or Chavutti Thirumal
Utsadana means massage by foot pressure. The practitioner uses
his feet to perform special techniques, some short, generally
long, firm, controlled strokes over the entire body.
The practitioner’s feet become just as accurate and effective as
the hands and when using the foot, various strokes are performed
in order to achieve depth and precision, particularly in
specific ‘problem areas’ which need more attention, thus
relieving built-up, long-standing tension. By using the feet and
the body correctly, the practitioner can give an extremely deep
and therapeutic massage. No muscle, ligament, joint or tissues
are left out. Thus it is an excellent treatment for sports
people, yoga practitioners and dancers. Perhaps more importantly
it is a mind, body, soul treatment.
Utsadana, like other forms of massage uses oil to enable the
practitioner to perform long, smooth, flowing strokes over the
entire length of the body. However, unlike these other forms of
massage the practitioner uses his/her foot to carry out these
strokes in place of the hand.
The recipient lies flat on the floor - the body cushioned by
mats and towels - the limbs are placed in specific positions to
aid comfort and encourage free flow of energy. The masseur/se
applies one foot at a time, holding on to a support rope, which
runs above head level across the room.
Udvarthana
Udvartana is deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage.
This full body massage uses a paste prepared from ground grains
to cleanse the skin, improve circulation. This massage help
weight loss. It is particularly good for skin care as its
powerful exfoliating effect magically conditions the skin.
It is almost similar to Abhyanga but more invigorating. Also it
uses herbal paste instead of oil. The paste is made with various
organic grains, flours, herbs and oils and applied with upward
strokes during massage. Udvartana massage is particularly used
for people having Kapha dosha.
Udvartana helps to eliminate lymphatic toxins out of the body
and also improves sluggish circulation and digestion. It
balances Kapha dosha and cleans the skin. It increases the
metabolic rate of the body and activates the rasa dhatu (lymph),
which in turn enables the vayus (gases) to flow and make the
nadi system more efficient.
Kati Basti
This is a very effective treatment for back pain, stiffness, and
other back concerns related to spinal disc problems. This
treatment considerably increases the circulation at the region,
as the medicated oil gets deeply absorbed into the skin, and
both nourishes and strengthens the muscles and nerves.
Greeva Basti
Greeva basti is an oil treatment for neck related problems. It
helps in alleviating neck and shoulder pain, cervical
spondylosis and reduces work-related strain.
Janu basti
Janu basti is an oil treatment for knee-related ailments. It
gives relief to chronic knee pain.
Kasheruka Basti
It is a therapeutic procedure in which lukewarm medicated oil is
pooled over Vertebral column and allowed to retain. Temperature
of the oil is constantly maintained by frequent heating. Later
gentle massage is done to the back muscles. Oil is selected
depending upon the diseases.
Shiro vasti
A mixture of the lukewarm herbal oil according to the individual
body type is poured into a cap fitted on the head. This
treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of
nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation
of head.
Shirodhara
Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. Shirodhara involves
gently pouring liquids over the forehead, more specifically, on
the ‘third eye’. It is the chakra point just above and between
the eyebrows which is said to be the seat of human
consciousness.
Shirodhara is used to treat various diseases including eye
diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair,
neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing
impairment, tinnitus, vertigo and certain skin diseases such as
psoriasis.
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