Other Treatments
Abhyanga
Abhyanga or body massage is the most important activity mentioned under daily regimen in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Massage is done all over the body from neck to toe. It improves blood circulation and induces deep relaxation of mind and body. Kerala traditional massage, rejuvenation massage and skin care massages are also included under this.
Indications and benefits:
- Delays ageing
- Relieves pain
- Neurological diseases
- Bone and joint disorders
- Improves vision
- Nourishes body
- Induces good sleep
- Improves skin tone and complexion
- In Post stroke management
- Cervical or lumbar spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis
Udwarthanam
Udwarthanam is done as a massage with herbal powders in opposite direction of hair follicles. It is beneficial in the strengthening of the muscles.
- Neuropathies
- Obesity
- Myopathies
- MND
Swedanam / Sudation
This is a kind of sudation by which medicated steam is applied to the patient’s body for a certain period of time to get perspiration. Medicinal herbs or decoctions are kept boiling in the bashpa sweda yantra from where the steam is generated. The patient is advised to stay inside the steam chamber for a time period after oil massage.
Indications:
- Neuro muscular disorders
- Joint diseases
- Post traumatic stiffness
- Rejuvenation therapy
Powder of medicinal plants are tied in a cloth, heated and applied to the body or affected area according to the condition. It can be used with or without oil according to the stage of the disease.
Indications:
- Bone and joint disorders
- Spondylosis
- Inter vertebral disc prolapse
- Neuro muscular diseases
Selected herbal leaves are cut, heated in medicated oil along with garlic, rock salt etc and tied in a cloth. This medicinal bag/ kizhi is dipped in hot medicated oil and applied to the body for a specific period of time.
Indications:
- Pain-related arthropathies
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylosis
- Muscular pain & Sports injuries
It is a special preparation of lemon along with other medicines tied in a linen cloth. After a warm oil body massage these kizhi or medicinal bags are dipped in lukewarm oil and applied to the body.
Indications:
- Stiffness of joints
- Joint pain
- Ligamental strain
- Muscular spasm & Frozen shoulder
Kerala’s unique contribution to Ayurveda, involves fomentation of the body with a bolus of rice called “njavara rice” cooked in milk and herbal decoction made from root s of sidacordifolia. This cooked rice is tied up in linen bags, are dipped in warm milk and herbal decoction and is massaged into the body. This highly rejuvenates the tissues of the body.
Indications:
- Paralysis
- Debility & Rheumatism
- Joint and muscular & Back pain
- High blood pressure & Neurological diseases
Kati vasthi / Griva vasthi/janu vasthi/urovasthi
A circular wall of 2 inch thickness is constructed with kneaded dough in the particular area (lumbar/cervical/knee/chest) and warm medicated oil,is poured gently and retained over a period of time. This treatment increases the circulation, nourishes and strengthens the muscle, ligaments , nerves and joints.
Indications:
- pain
- sciatica
- IVDP
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylosis
Dhara
it is one of the special traditional therapies of Kerala with exemplary benefits. It is a type of sudation. The term pizhichil and sarvangadhara is used synonymously. Milk, kashaya, dhanyamla, oil and processed buttermilk (thakradhara ) are used for this purpose according to the condition.
Pizhichil literally means ‘squeezing’. Here warm medicated oil is squeezed over patient’s body with a piece of cloth which is dipped in medicated oil.
Indications:
- Mainly in diseases due to vatha
- Neuropathies
- Degenerative diseases & Low backache
- IVDP & Traumatic conditions/ injuries
- Muscular spasm & In Post stroke management
- Psoriasis & Osteo arthritis
Sirodhara is pouring the liquid on the forehead in a rhythmic pattern for a stipulated time for getting local and systemic effects. It is one of the most relaxing therapies that lead the entire body into a state of calmness. Dosha specific oil is poured in an even stream on the forehead continuously to pacify the doshas and thereby revitalizing the body and mind, diminishing the effect of stress and strain and strengthening physical constitution.
Indications:
- Tension headaches
- Vascular headaches
- Sleeplessness
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental neurological diseases
- Relaxation treatment
Sirovasthi
Sirovasthi involves the application of selected lukewarm oil to the head for a specific period of time. Sirovasthi is an effective treatment for nervous system disorders. Patient is made to sit straight on a chair with long leather cap of 10 inches height tied to the head with the help of a band. Kneaded dough is used to prevent leakage. Lukewarm medicated oil is poured into the leather cap. After a period, oil is removed and gentle massage is given to the patient on the shoulder, neck and forehead.
Indications:
- Diseases related to head
- Neurological disorders
- It lowers stress and builds immunity against psychosomatic diseases.
- sleeplessness
Thalam
This is a treatment procedure of retaining medicines over the center of the head.
Indications:
- Sleeplessness
- Psychological disorders
- Stress management