| Ayurveda:
Health is the axis on which human life revolves. A holistic
approach, taking the body, mind and spirit as a whole, able
to correct whatever is amiss- the sages of ancient India knew
this to be the only solution to the problems of health. it is
said that the lord Creator Brahma blessed the humanity with
the Brahma-Samhita. A part of the fourth Veda, the Atharva,
it is a treatise on the way of the nature towards perfect health.
It contains the eight divisions of the Ayur-Veda. Ayurveda is
a Sanskrit Word meaning the "Science of life". Many
herbs used in Ayur-Veda are fabled to induce eternal youth and
even raise the dead to life (like the Mruthasanjeevani mentioned
in the Ramayana) Charaka, Susrutha et-al, who lived in the sixth
century B.C. wrote treatises based on which the present day
Ayurveda has grown as a medical and clinical discipline. Defying
the onslaught of the modern medical system inthe last century,
Ayurveda has retained its ageless appeal-mysterious, even magical-but
efficacious. Stress is rapidly becoming an all pervasive
ailment. It needs more than the superficial treatment given
to it. The Pancha Karma or the five types of `sodhana' therapy
is more than a cure for stress and strain. By eliminating
the waste products (free radicals) from the body, it tones
up the nerves, improves the circulatory system and has an
additional effect of rejuvenation and increasing vitality.
Stress vanishes and the body relaxes in tranquility. It cures
as well as prevents degenerative diseases, nervous and mental
disorders, paralytic conditions, different types of rheumatism,
dyspepsia, diabetes, obesity etc. Kerala has contributed in
a great measure to the development of this therapy.
We are living in times of change. The present day life style
is pulling man away from the tender caressing and care of
nature. People are now weaker than their ancestors used to
be, and they are more prone to diseases. Here in this Island,
we offer you treatments based on our ancient wisdom of Ayurveda
and Yoga. In addition to Ayurvedic treatments we offer you
classes on Yoga by experts. Indian astrology has renown world
wide for accuracy. The efficacy of the various corrective
measures that it suggests are beyond doubt. Your experience
of Kerala will not be complete without meeting the native
astrologer. The Ashtamudi Ayurvedic Island has a resident
astrologer for personal consultation. We would like to give
you a brief pointer to the various Ayurvedic methods of treatments
offered at the Ashtamudi Ayurvedic Island.
Pizhichil: Kaya-Sekha or Pizhichil originated in Kerala.
It is a process in which the body is made to perspire, by
applying warm, medicated oils in a particular way. The patient
is seated in a wooden basin (the Taila-droni) and after carrying
out certain sacred rites, the specific oil prescribed to him/her
is first applied to the head. Then with the help of cotton
swabs dipped in suitable medicated oil a steady stream of
medicated oils is allowed to flow on the body. Massaging is
done by two to four trained persons. The selection of oils,
duration of treatment etc., will be decided by an expert physician
after thorough examination of the body. Pizhichil is carried
out on healthy persons as a rejuvenatory process. Besides,
it is very useful in curing rheumatic conditions like arthritis,
paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agnates, sexual weakness,
nervous weakness and disorders as well as degenerative diseases.
Generally the duration of the treatment is about 60 to 90
minutes per day for a period of 3-14 days.
Navarakizhi: Pindasweda or Navarakizhi, a native Kerala treatment
is the process by which the whole body or any of its specific
parts is made to perspire, by the external application of
certain medicinal puddings prepared in the form of boluses
in a muslin bag. These puddings are prepared from the special
variety of raw rice obtained from the Navara of Sashtika paddy.
For applying Navarakizhi, four specially trained masseurs
are required. The patient is seated in a wooden basin. After
some rites, he is anointed with the prescribed medicated oils.
The bolus bags are put into a hot mixture of milk and medicinal
decoction and kept over a steady fire and allowed to remain
in it for 5 to 10 minutes. The masseurs test the warmth of
the bolus in the left hand palm, holding the bag by its tuft
using the right hand. The masseurs now start massaging, from
the neck and gently downwards with one bolus after another.
Strictest care is taken to see that uniform temperature is
maintained on the boluses and even pressure is applied to
the body. The treatment continues for about 60 to 90 minutes
per day for 3 to 14 days . This treatment makes the body supple,
enhances complexion, and strengthens the body muscles. It
cures stiffness of the joints and cleanses the interstices
of the body thereby effecting free blood circulation, also
increasing the digestive power. It is also prescribed for
all kinds of diseases of the nervous system, chronic rheumatism,
pain in the joints, emaciation of the limbs and diseases born
of impure blood.
Kizhi: This is a process in which leaves or other parts of
herbs, or herbal powders are applied to the whole body. The
substance is tied into boluses which are dipped in hot, medicated
oils and applied to the body for thirty minutes to an hour,
per day for a period of 3-14 days. This is used in the treatment
of Osteo Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis with inflammation,
spondilosis, injuries sustained during sports, accidents or
attacks Sciatia (IVDP), obesity, diabetes etc. It cleanses
the body and improves blood circulation.
Sneha Panam: This is a treatment in the course of which medicated
ghee or oils are given for consumption in empty stomach in
proportionally increasing quantities for a period of 3-14
days. This process is used to cure hyper acidity, ulcer, rheumatoid
arthritis, degenerative diseases, various skin problems, psoriasis,
bleeding, piles, constipation, kidney problems, diabetes etc.
It is rejuvenate too.
Vasthi: This is a treatment in which prescribed medicated
oils, decoctions, herbal preparations, extracts are applied
through the rectum daily for 3 to 21 days. The process resembles
the enema, but the purpose is different. The herbal essences
are absorbed by the intestine directly, averting the gastric
process. Used in the cure of arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia,
numbness, gastric associated with rheumatism and constant
constipation, degenerative, neurological problems, chronic
back pain infertility, sciatica, obesity, digestive disorders,
ulcer, skin and kidney problems. it purifies the body also.
Sirovasthi: Sirovasthi is the term applied to the process
of allowing medicated oils to remain on the head for a prescribed
period. It is widely practiced in Kerala. A bandage is tied
around the patient's head and a cap with an open end on top
like an open ended chef cap is placed. the prescribed medicated
oil, warmed to body temperature, is poured into this cap.
The level of the oil poured thus, would be about three-quarter
inch above the skull. The oil is allowed to remain there,
till mucus discharge oozes out of the mouth, eyes and nose
of the patient. The treatment is generally done in the evening,
or even at night. The treatment may be for three, five or
seven days, depending on the disease. It is efficacious in
the cure of the loss of tactile sense, facial paralysis, sleeplessness,
dryness of nostrils and throat, certain varieties of cataract
and severe forms of head ache. It is useful in the cure of
insanity, dullness and weak functioning of the brain, and
many other diseases of the head, eyes, ears and nose.
Nasyam: This is a process in which herbal juices, medicated
oils etc. are applied through the nose daily for a period
of 3-21 days. A very common treatment in Ayurveda, Nasyam
is used for treating certain kinds of head aches, paralysis,
mental disorders, sinusitis, tonsillitis, facial paralysis,
eye diseases. It gives more power to eyes, ear, and the brain.
it also helps to prevent wrinkles and gray hairs.
Dhara: It is a process developed in Kerala. A steady stream
of decoction, medicated oil, medicated milk, Medicated butter
milk (Thakram) is poured on the head, especially the forehead,
or the whole body. The patient lies down in a wooden basin
(Dhara-droni) and his/her head and body are anointed with
suitably medicated oils. the head is rested on a pillow. After
sacred rites, the physician himself anoints the whole body
followed by the masseurs. The oils for the purpose are medicated
according to the nature of the disease. It is poured into
a specially designed vessel and made to drip on to the patient's
forehead. The vessel is kept refilled with the liquid collected
from the basin in which the patient lies down. The process
continues for 45 to 90 minutes during which the patient lies
on her back. The treatment is carried out daily for a period
of 3-14 days according to the nature of the disease. Morning
hours between 7 and 10 am are preferred. it is mainly for
disorders like insomnia, diabetes and certain skin diseases.
It rejuvenates. It strengthens the senses (the indriyas) and
besides improving digestive power, it makes a person virile
too.
Abhyanga: Abhyanga is oil massage for a part or the whole
body-smearing the oil, rubbing and massaging for certain time,
and then taking a comfortable medicated hot water bath. It
prevents ageing and has a rejuvenating effect the skin begins
to glow. Sight, sound and hearing improves. it increases the
blood circulation, by removing the waste products, and cures
all sorts of pains. It is effective in the treatment of diabetes,
rheumatic problems, obesity insomnia etc.
Udvarthanam: A massage using herbal powders, Udvarthanam
is a unique treatment. the duration of the treatment is a
unique treatment. The duration of the treatment is for 30
to 60 minutes daily for a period of 3 to 14 days. This process
is used in the cure of hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and
some rheumatic ailments.
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana - Chikitsa): Rasayana are
rejuvenating medicines. The Rasayana Chikitsa includes Panchakarma
therapy suitable to the body constitution and administration
of Rasayana. It is a specialty evolved to correct immunological
imbalances through various preventive, promotive and curative
method. The hands and feet are massaged using medicated oils
, head and face using oil and cream. Medicated steam baths
and internal administration of rejuvenating medicines are
also in the treatment. The duration is 3 to 4 hours everyday
for 7 to 14 days. The therapy is aimed at rejuvenating one's
body and mind. youthful vigour and vitality are attained.
It cures various immunological disorders. it helps to overcome
stress problems ensuring perfect health and resultant longevity.
Body purification therapy (Sodhana Chikitsa): The integrity
of the three humors (Rheum, Bile, Phlegm) or the tri-dosh
mechanism and its capacity to rehabilitate its steady state
equilibrium (samyata) determines the state of health. Purity
of the mind and body helps the process. For this, conscious
purifications, possible through the therapy, may be done.
This therapy includes both the Panchakarma and swedakarma
modes. This package of treatment, for a period of 7 to 21
days, consists of body massage, sneha panam (drinking of medicated
ghee), Vamanam (vomition), Nasyam, Virechanam (medicine induces
purgation, Sneha Vaste, Kazhaya Vasthi, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi,
Tharpanam (cleaning of the eyes), Shirovasthi and medicated
steam bath. This treatment cleanses the body and makes it
ready for a fresh start.
Body immunisation / longevity treatment (Kaya Kalpa Chikitsa):
This is the topical treatment in Ayurveda for arresting the
ageing process, reducing degeneration of body cells and building
up the resistance of the body. It is based on the Pancha Karma
and Sweda Karma modes of treatment. Internal Administration
of Rasayana is main feature. The 28 day treatment package
consists of body massage, Sneha Panam, Vamanam, Virechanam,
Nasyam, Sneha Vasthi, Kazhaya Vasthi, Pizhichil, Karna Pooranam
(cleaning the ears), medicated steam bath, Yoga and meditation.
Medicated Steam bath: In this treatment, steam produced by
the boiling of certain herbs and their leaves in water, is
filled in a cavity in which the patient is kept. The steambath
lastsform 20 to 30 minutes. It induces perspiration and thus
drains impurities, tones up the body, clears the skin and
improves the blood circulation. It cures obesity, pains in
the joints, problems of the respiratory system and rheumatic
complaints.
General Massage: Body massage with herbal oils or herbal
powder for an hour by hand from one to 14 days. It tones up
the body, improves blood circulation etc.
Rejuvenation Massage: This therapy consists of massaging
using herbal oils or herbal powder and is done by hands and
feet, on the body, head and face. The massage continues for
90 minutes. Afterwards a special massage will be done on the
different nerve centers (marmas). A medicated steam bath follows.
Yoga and Meditation: In Ayurvedic
medicine, recitation of mantras, use of some formulas, yogic
exercises etc., have psycho somatic utilities. They affect
the total man, in both his psycho-physical and spiritual dimensions,
favourably. An understanding is essential of these processes.
Under the guidance of experts and gurus, reintegration of
one's personality may also be achieved.
Slimming Program: This program consists of :- medicated herbal
powder massage, medicated herbal oil massage, body purification
therapy, kizhi, medicated steam bath.
These treatments will be carried out for 7 to 41 days. In
take of herbal juice, herbal preparations and an Ayurvedic
diet is advised during the period.
Beauty Care Programme: In this program, herbal face package,
herbal cream massage, herbal oil massage and intake of herbal
tea and rasayana preparations are included. this program is
meant for increasing skin complexion and beautifying the body.
Tharpanam: It is a cleaning process of the eyes giving a
cooling effect. It prevents cataract and strengthens the optic
nerve the muscles of the eye and improves eye sight.
Karna Pooranam: This is a process in which medicated fumes
are applied into the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process
helps clean the ear and prevent ailments associated with the
ear.
Notes: Duration of treatments may vary according to the directions
of the physician and the rate would also vary proportionately.
Process may change depending upon the patient's body conditions.
Body massage courses and yoga or meditation courses will be
conducted as per the request of the patient. Different rates
are applied for a single Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Thila Dhara,
Shero Vasthi etc.
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