Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a method of cleansing the body of all the unwanted waste after lubricating it. Panchakarma are 5 (five) in number; hence the term PANCHA (five) - KARMA (procedures). Panchakarma treatment is unique in the sense that it includes preventive, curative and promotive actions for various diseases.
- I. Poorva Karma or Shamana Chikitsa
Poorva Karma which is the preparatory procedure required before the main procedure to enable a person to receive the full benefits of the main treatment. It consists of two main processes - Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (fomentation). These methods help to dislodge the accumulated poisonous substances in the body, thus preparing them for their complete removal.
- II. Pradhana Karma or Shodana Chikitsa
The main procedure. On completion of the first step, it is decided which ofthese are to be done depending upon the proximity ofthe waste. An increased level of upper respiratory tract waste shall call for Vamana. Similarly, a lower gastro accumulation of waste calls for a Virechanam.
- III. Paschaat Karma
Paschaat Karma or the post-therapy dietary regimen to restore the body's digestive and absorptive capacity to its normal state.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga involves application of oil on the external surface of the body including head, which is intensely relaxing and refreshing. It helps in improving blood circulation, restricts the effects of aging, increases eyesight, relieves stiffness of muscles, lubricates joints, nourishes skin, improves the quality of sleep etc.
Udwartana
Udwartana is the massage done opposite to the hair follicles using medicated powders. It helps in the reduction excess fat in the body, stimulate muscle, toning of skin, and eliminates bad odour of skin, reduce cholesterol, enhance circulation, it is also effective in motor neuron disease etc.
Kizhi
Kizhi is a poultice made of medicated leaves, powders etc are widely used in treating spondylosis, muscle cramps, swelling, obesity etc.
Njavara Kizhi
Njavara rice prepared with milk and medicated decoction is made into a poultice and applied over the affected area. It is used in hemiplegia, facial palsy, muscular dystrophy etc. It also soften the skin and enhance complexion.
Pizhichil
Pouring warm medicated oil throughout the body, it smoothen the nerves, helpful in bone injuries, increases circulation, useful in muscle spasm, nerve weakness, sexual weakness etc.
Kashayadhara
Kashayadhara is the pouring of medicated decoction throughout the body which is effective in eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases. It is also used in rheumatic complaints also.
Shirovasti
Retention of warm medicated oil over the head is Shirovasti. It nourishes hair roots, useful in various eye disorders, sinusitis, cervical spondylosis etc.
Thalapothichil
Grinded medicated herbs are applied over the head, and the head is covered with banana leaf. This is useful in scalp disorders, regulates the nervous system, calm down the mind, reduces stress.
Shirodhara
Pouring of warm medicated oil, milk or curd on the head. It helps reduce anxiety and stress, enhance sleep etc.
Pichu
A cotton pad dipped in a medicated oil is placed over the affected part/area which is useful in degenerative conditions.
Thalam
Thalam is an application of medicated oil or powder along with a medicated ghee over the crown or forehead. It is very effective in mental abnormalities, neurotic illness, helps in lessening tension, enhances vision, improves concentration etc.
Avagaha Swedam
Submerging the body into warm medicated liquid is avagaham. It is useful in treating the oedema of lower back.
Upanaha Swedam
Bandaging an affected area with medicated paste is veshtanam or upanaha swedam. It is widely used in localised swelling, osteoarthritis etc.
Snehapanam
Intake of ghee in a prescribed dose for certain days is Snehapana. Snehapana is done as a poorvakarma before panchakarma treatments. It is very useful in gastrointestinal diseases, degenerative diseases, diseases of spinal cord, psoriasis etc.
Dhoomapanam
Fumigation of medicated herbs which helps in curing sinusitis, asthma, lower respiratory disorders. It also helps in reducing stress.
karnapooranam
Pouring of medicated oil or decoction to the ear is karnapooranam. It helps to improve hearing, strengthens the muscles, softening the ear wax etc.
Tharpanam
Retention of medicine over the eye for a prescribed time is tarpana. It helps to reduce burning and dryness of eyes, strengthens eye muscles. This procedure is used in treating refractive errors, ptosis, cataract, retino
Greeva Vasti
Retention of oil over the neck which helps in curing cervical spondylosis, cervical spondylitis, cervical disc prolapse, numbness, tremor etc.
Uro Vasti
Retention of oil over the chest which is useful in congestion of chest. Helps in breathing, removes spasm of chest muscles, improves circulation, increase the lung capacity.
Kativasti
Kativasti is an effective treatment in lower back pain. Medicated oil is retained on the lower back for prescribed time.
Kati Vasthi
Kati Vasthi is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy that focuses on relieving lower back pain and spinal disorders. Warm medicated oil is retained in a herbal dough ring placed on the lower back, allowing deep penetration into muscles and tissues. This treatment helps reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, strengthen the spine, and alleviate conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and lumbar spondylosis.
Januvasti
Januvasti is the retention of oil over knee which helps in reducing the pain and swelling of knee, improves the mobility of the knee joint, protects the knee from age related ailments, very effective in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis of knee.
Marma Therapy
Marma therapy is an ancient indian practice which focus on the manipulation of subtle energy (PRANA) in the body for the purpose of supporting the healing process. This therapy focuses on energizing the body to relieve occupational illness and stress related diseases.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is an incredible ancient and universal practice, a form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special suction cups on your skin for a few minutes to draw out stagnated &congested blood and vital force as well as other stagnated or morbid humors. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
Reflexology
Therapeutic practice that stimulates specific pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears to restore energy flow and balance the doshas. It enhances circulation, relieves stress, detoxifies the body, and supports organ function. Often combined with Marma therapy and herbal oils, reflexology promotes relaxation, boosts immunity, and improves overall well-being.