Overview

Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the Brahmin sages of ancient India some 3000-5000 years ago. There are several aspects of this system of medicine which distinguish it from other approaches to health care:

1. It focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than focusing on individual symptoms.

2. It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all individuals and therefore recommends different regimens for different types of people. Although two people may appear to have the same outward symptoms, their energetic constitutions may be very different and therefore call for very different remedies.

3. Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that ultimately all intelligence and wisdom flows from one Absolute source (Paramatman). Health manifests by the grace of the Absolute acting through the laws of Nature (Prakriti). Ayurveda assists Nature by promoting harmony between the individual and Nature by living a life of balance according to her laws.

4. Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which regulate all natural processes on both the macrocosmic and microcosmic levels. That is, the same energies which produce effects in the various galaxies and star systems are operating at the level of the human physiology--in your own physiology. These three universal energies are known as the Tridosha.

History

Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparatison were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments.

The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. What we see is that A yurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.

Benefits

Ayurveda's focus on an individual's holistic health rather than merely the physical body, is the most beneficial aspect of ayurvedic medicine. It works on the principle that a perfect health condition is achievable through the psychosomatic integration in a person. Ayurveda provides us with a unique physical purification method called panchakarma and various ayurvedic herbal health remedies for mental and spiritual well-being.

The ultimate goal of ayurveda is to create a state of holistic health for the individual, to create, consequently, a healthy society and environment with its herbal health remedies. To attain this state ayurveda believes one's life must move in harmony with nature's rhythms and its laws. Because, ayurvedic medicine recognizes the human body is part of nature, rather a microcosm of the universe. The five great elements of the universe forms the three doshas of the human body, and a balance among the three doshas is necessary for the perfect working of the whole mechanism of body, mind and soul.

These holistic health benefits of ayurveda encompasses the physical, mental as well as the spiritual aspects of a person.

Procedure

Detoxification treatments of Ayurveda are very effective in completely freeing the body from toxins that triggers off aging. Kerala Ayurveda has perfected various detoxification treatments which are very popular now.

Detoxification therapy relaxes the muscles, removes the tension, tone up the nerves, and energizes the body. It improves digestion, vitalizes the sexual function and improves sleep. It rejuvenates body systems and changes the mind. Ayurvedic massage is an immensely satisfying experience that gives a lasting feeling of well-being.

This is the first cleansing treatment offered to most patients, and it is found enjoyable and relaxing. The herbal oil is specially chosen for each individual patient, taking in to account the body condition and disorder to be treated.

The treatment is effective in all kinds of skeletal and muscular diseases, rheumatoid, arthritis, osteoarthritis, lumbago, sciatica, hemiplegia, neuropathy etc.

This is process by which whole body or specific parts is made to sweat by the application of certain medicinal puddings made of rice etc., tied up as boluses in a muslin cloth. The therapeutic measure is so named because of the fact that the boluses of cooked Navara rice are used in the process.

Panchakarma treatment cleanses the internal system of the body. Patients are surprised how good they feel afterwards. The five steps in detoxification are designed to eliminate negative ‘dosha’ energies and accumulated toxins, which are part of undigested food taken in to the system.

Vamana (Emetic Therapy)
It is used to combat predominantly Kapha disorders such as indigestion, loss of appetite, chronic cough, asthma, cataract, sinusitis and head aches. The patient’s stomach is filled to capacity with liquids based on water, milk and a medicinal herb added to have the emetic effect. Patient’s vomiting is supervised at every stage by the doctor. It is one of the most effective ways of normalizing Kapha energy.

Verechana (Purging)
This treatment is used against Pitta related disorders. This therapy involves herbal decoction, which has purgative effects. After the patient’s digestive capacity has been gauged, a number of laxatives will be prescribed and taken orally. After much elimination, the colon is considered to have been thoroughly cleansed.

Treatment is appropriate to combat skin complaints, asthma, urine retention, constipation, headache and all toxic conditions.

Vasti (Oil Enema Therapy)
Enema therapy is done using oil or herbal decoction. It combats ‘Vata’ related diseases. It is carried out in strict hygienic conditions of the clinic. By eliminating toxic waste it confers happiness, strength, power, intelligence and positive out look.

Conditions including gastric disorders, constipation, joint pains, convulsions and headache are treated by this therapy. For women it is advised for problems related to reproductive health.

Sirovasti (Medicated Oil on head)
A cap open at both ends made of flexible leather is fitted on the head of the patient after applying medicated oil on head and body. Then lukewarm medicated oil is poured in to the cap. After 45 minutes the oil is drained. Then the patient is given body bath in warm water.

Sirovasti is exceptionally effective in eye, nose and ear diseases, chronic headache, facial paralysis, spondylitis, insomnia and numerous other diseases. It improves vision, memory and mental faculties.

Nasya Karma (Nasal Therapy)
This is used to eliminate unbalanced-dosha-energies from upper body. The patient inhales steam and medicinal vapor made from powdered medicines, dried herbs, medicated oils or juices of medicinal plants. This therapy is used to heal cataract, migraine, eye complaints, problems related to nervous systems such as stuttering, and stiffness of head and neck. It also clears congested sinuses, tones the face muscles and alleviates skin problems, loss of memory, paralysis and depression.

Dhara (Oil Therapy)
Sirodhara is oil therapy for head. For this therapy the patient lies flat, face up, on a special wooden bed. An oil filled pot with a small hole in the base is suspended above the patient‘s forehead, and a thin flow of warm medicated oil is directed in to spot between the eyebrows. The oil is then gently stroked down the hair for 30-40 minutes and permeates the skin. Sometimes the therapist massages it to the scalp for extra potency. The patient is made to lie on a wooden board, specially prepared for this purpose, after oiling the body with herbal oil. It can have dramatic healing effects. It is highly effective in the treatment of somnia, migraine, epilepsy, ear-nose diseases, neuropathy, amnesia, spondylitis, para plegia etc. Dhara alleviates fatigue lack of vitality, improves memory and restores equilibrium of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

Dhara is also done with milk, buttermilk etc.

Rejuvenation therapy is beneficial to those who suffered long term illness. This involves some "Panchakarma" and some special preparations called " Rasayana". Rasayana improves memory, helps to maintain mental faculties, helps to boost immune system to protect against diseases and infection. Rasayana also improves strength and vitality. The effects could be visible in the skin, hair, muscle tone, speech and performance.

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