Ayurveda's Pindasweda or Navarakizhi

This is a type of sudation process in which the whole body, or any specific part there of, is made to perspire by the external application of certain Gnavara (medical) rice puddings, in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags, dipped in a mixture of warm milk and decoctions. It is applied as appropriate by two to four therapists for about 30 to 600 minutes each day.

This treatment is for all type of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and certain kinds of skin diseases and muscular diseases.

Ayurveda's Marma massage

Our skin is the largest organ of our body.  It is most important and rich source of healing substances. It is very sensitive to the touch therapy, either by massage of powder, oil or just gentle pressure.

The touch of a human hand on the body has immediate benefits for the mind, emotions and the physiology. That is why Ayurveda has emphasized more on the healing magic touch since ancient times.

Neuro-chemical found in the nervous system is also present in the skin. Massage can stimulate such substances; hence it is effective in psychological as well as nervous conditions.

These are the vital or sensitive points/ areas in human body. These are the junction of muscles, bones, vessels, nerves, etc.

 Number of Marmas- Total 107

Ayurveda's Spinal Massage-

Vertebral column is a main seat of Avlambak Kapha, spinal cord and Majja Dhatu.
There are 24 vertebras. Cervical -7, Thoracic-12 and Lumber- 5. Having 3 natural curves, the vertebras are connected to each other by muscles, ligaments and joints. There are 22 discs between these vertebras and nerves pass throug...h the openings in the vertebras. If a spine is properly aligned and strong the vital life force will flow in the body for longer duration.
If the spine is in right shape the man will think right, act right and live an energetic life. At the time of massage, masseur 1st learns how to put all vertebrae in proper alignment.
Another important thing is the role of the spinal fluid in maintaining the health, vigor, vitality and virility. Massage of spine can cure nervous and all psychic disorders.

Ayurveda's Panchakrma Therapy:

These are 5 purification procedures; hence these procedures are called ‘Panchakarma’.
They are as follows –
1.Vamana (Medicated Emesis) – herb induced emesis / vomiting
2.Virechana (Medicated Purgation) – herb induced purgation / loose motions
3.Basti (Medicated Enema) – enema of medicated oil / decoction
4.Nasya (Nasal Drops) – nasal administration of medicine
5.Raktamokshana (Blood Letting) – blood letting procedure.

I. Vamana – Herb induced emesis/ vomiting               
This is the first main purification procedure. Snehana & Swedana is followed by Vamana. 
It is the procedure in which excess & vitiated Doshas are removed from upper part of the body by the way of vomiting. 
In this procedure, vitiated Kapha & Pitta Doshas ar...e eliminated from body. This vomiting is induced with herbal vomitting substances.
Indications –
It is the main method of eliminating Kapha Dosha & some extent of removal of Pitta Dosha. Hence it is used for the patients having diseases of Kapha & Pitta predominance.
1.Asthma
2.bronchitis
3.sinusitis
4.indigestion
5.skin diseases
6.obesity
7.stomatitis
8.pharyngitis
9.laryngitis
10.mental disorders
11.epilepsy
12.excess salivation
13.loss of taste of food
14.hemorrhoids/ piles
15.tumors of fat & muscles

II. VIRECHANA - (Herb induced purgation)
This is the second main purification procedure. Snehana & Swedana is followed by Virechana.
The aim of this procedure is to stimulate vitiated Doshas from stomach, small intestine, liver, gall bladder & bring them to the gastrointestinal tract for their eventual ...expulsion via rectum through anus.
It is a simple procedure than Vamana to execute, involving only the administration of an appropriate purgative herbal formula. But preliminary procedures (snehana & swedana) must be completed prior to the procedure for the full effect of Virechana.
It is the procedure in which excess & vitiated Doshas are removed from lower part of the body by the way of purgation. [Ch. Su. 4/4]
In this procedure, vitiated Pitta & Pitta mixed with Kapha are eliminated from body. It is also useful for diseases of Rakta Dhatu, i.e. blood. [Ch. Su. 20/19]
This purgation is induced with herbal purgative substances.
Benefits of Virechana –
1.Cures diseses of Pitta Dosha & blood
2.Rejuvenate all tissues & body organs in the abdomen
3. It improves skin complexion
4.gives longevity
5.Increases immunity power.

III. Basti – (Medicated Enemas):
It is the important procedure in Panchakarma, because it removes the excess Vata Dosha from body. It can’t compare with enema, because enemas are only for bowel cleansing, but Basti controls Vata Dosha.
The word ‘Basti’ means the urinary bladder. In the ancient days for introduc...tion of liquid into... the rectum, the urinary bladders of animals (cows, buffalo, and sheep) were used. So this procedure is named as ‘Basti’. A metal or wooden nozzle (i.e. basti netra) would be attached to that bladder for smooth function.
Now a days adult size enema pot (size 450 ml) or glycerin syringe (100 to 200 ml) are used.
  It is the procedure in which medicated oil/ oil with decoction are introduced into the large intestine through rectum with the help of enema pot or syringe.

IV. Nasya – Nasal administration of medicine
Nasya is the procedure in which medication is administrated through the nostrils in order to purify the head & neck region.
For Nasya, varieties of forms of medicines are used such as oils, powders, plant juices, decoctions, infusions, smoke, etc.
Importance of proced...ure – NASA HI SHIRASO DWARAM.
It means Nose is a route of Head. Being gateway to head, Nasya therapy is effective in diseases of head including 5 sense organs. In this, vitiated Doshas from head & neck region are eliminated through nose.
Hence, this therapy is beneficial in head & neck diseases.

V. Raktamokshana - Blood letting

Sushruta is a father of surgery. He put very much stress on Rakta (blood). He considered blood as 4th Dosha. Pure blood has life giving value & impure blood can create / spread diseases. Hence impure blood must be removed from body.
Pitta Dosha lives in blood, hence when Pitta is... vitiated Rakta (blood) is also vitiated. So, this therapy is useful in diseases caused by vitiated Pitta & blood.
 
To remove the vitiated Rakta (blood) from body is called ‘Raktamokshana’.
Types of Raktamokshana –
According to the area it covers –
A. Sthanika (Local) – Subtypes are -Prachana, Shringa, Alabu, Jalouka.
B. Sarvadehika (related with whole body) / Siravedha (through vein)

Benefits of Ayurveda's Shirobhyanga (head massage)-

•While oil is applied to the head it gets absorbed in the scalpand reaches to the  root of the hair.
•This nourishes, lubricated and strengthens the hair root and skin of the scalp preventing hair loss and premature graying.
•It also helps to improve circulation to the head relaxing the ...muscle and nerve fibres.
•This helps to refresh both the mind and the body.
•Relieving tension and fatigue.
•Massage to the head improves circulation of spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord
•It also increases the releases of hormones and enzymes necessary for the growth of brain and relaxation of the body.

Determining Your Ayurveda’s Body Type (Prakruti):

This is determined by the proportion of each Dosha dominance in each individual. The Dosha which is
predominant will reflect the energies and metabolic tendencies within. Knowing your Ayurveda's Body type; will allow you to understand your mind and  physiology and will allow you to interpret with great specificity your
metabolic signals.

The questionnaire is used to determine your Ayurveda's Body type.

Ayurveda's Defination of Swastha (Health) -

“Samdosha Samagnischa Samdhatu Malkriya.
Prasanna Aatma Indriya Mana Swastha iti Abhidhiyate.” 

                                                                          (Sushruta Samhita)  

Sam = balanced / in proportion,
Dosha = basic physiological constituents, 3 in number, hence called ‘Tridosha’, Agni = digestive power,
Dhatu = structural constituents in body, 7 in number, hence called ‘Saptadhatu’,
Mala = waste products of body,
Kriya = proper mechanism / working,
Prasanna = delightful / working in ideal manner,
Aatma = jeevatma, i.e. individual soul,
Indriya = 5 sensory organs + 5 motor organs
Mana = mind,
Swastha = health,
Abhidhiyate = defined as.
 

The definition of health is described at 2 levels – 1) Physical & 2) Mental.
1) Physical Health – Tridosha, Agni, Saptadhatu, 3 Mala are balanced & working properly.
2) Mental Health – Aatma, Indriya & Mana are working in ideal manner. Thus Ayurveda expects holistic health.

Ayurveda's Treatment Classification

Treatments in Ayurveda are classified into two groups:
I) Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification therapy)
II) Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification therapy)

Pancha Karma is classified as “Shodhana Chikitsa” (purification/detoxification procedure)
...Shodhana: Purification If
the doshas are vitiated beyond a particular level, they give rise to
various endo-toxins (Ama), which have a tendency to be accumulated in
the minute channels (Srotas) These endo-toxins (Ama) are
beyond the level of pacification and hence they need to be eliminated
from the body through Sodhana therapy Ayurveda recommends purification therapy for the majority of chronic diseases.
SEASONAL PANCHAKARMA
1.In autumn (Vata season), Basti (medicated enema) is recommended to
alleviate the normal aggravation of vata caused by the cold wind,
dryness of the season
2. In summer (Pitta season), Virechana (induced purgation) is given to remove excess pitta dosha, caused by excessive heat
3. In spring (Kapha season), Vamana (induced emesis) & Nasya (nasal
therapy) is performed to remove excess kapha caused by the coolness and
dampness of the season

Ayurveda's Ritual of Eating

Foods are a blessing of the nature to human beings! We are alive today has only one reason that we have foods and water to drink!!"
Yajyam is a holy ritual according to the Ancient Indian Sciences. In this one offers the particular herbs, Ghee and all other necessary needs for life to fire. By offering these items, one shows the gratitude of him towards the natural powers for this entire beautiful world and all the need full things available with the nature. Same we do while eating the foods. We offer the foods and drinks along with all the nutritive materials to the internal fire, known as Jatharaagni, for our vitality. But most of the times, we eat just to fill our tummy and for taste. Foods are the best planning of the nature to give us the vitality. We should say thanks to the God, to the Mother Nature for all this, which give us life and strength to live.
So before eating the food, don't forget to say thanks to the almighty powers for all that you are consuming to live. Actually while eating something we sacrifice a life, whether it is a plant or an animal. We should be thankful to that food to sacrifice its life for us.

Ayurveda's Ritucharya (Seasonal Routine)

Ayurveda's behaviour Advice for Healthy Life =>Ritucharya (Seasonal Routine):
Nature has blessed us with the different colors of the seasons. These seasons have great influences on us, human beings. Seasons leave an impact on the Doshas due to ups and downs in temperature, humidity and all other factors. Look at nature, trees shed of leaves and renew these in particular seasons. Same we need to do to maintain our health properly. Seasons are six in number, tastes are six and Doshas are three. This is a digitalized relation in between all these.
In every season one taste become dominant over the others which decides the Dosha related with that particular Dosha. To maintain health and to remain in harmony with the nature and our own Doshas, one should follow certain regimes and should avoid certain things both in diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda has told these in detail. One who follows these regimes, will be never ill. Try the following a regime –

Season - Spring
Food Favor - Bitter, pungent , astringent taste
- Water boiled with Shunthi/ Vijayasar.
-Take water with honey
- Shunthi, Ashwagandha and Pippali
- Honey, Barley, Wheat and alcoholic beverages.

Avoid Food - Light food items Sweet and sour taste.
- Heavy food items.
- Cold, oily and fatty food stuff

Lifestyle favor - Body detoxification procedure for Kapha. - Exercise.
- Massage with Kapha Massage powders. - Body Mask with Chandana and Aguru. - Can perform sexual activities as per the mood.

Avoid Lifestyle -To sleep in Day hours.

Ayurveda's Abhyanga: oleation on whole body with little pressure in a specific manner.

Ayurveda specially recommends Abhyanga in daily regimen. Abhyanga means oleation (i.e. application of oil) on whole body with little pressure in a specific manner.

Indications of Abhyanga (i.e. whom Abhyanga is advised) –

1) Joint disorders - sandhigata vata (osteo arthritis),
aama vata (rheumatoid arthritis), spondylitis, vata rakta (gout), disorders of
vertebral column, etc.

2) Muscular diseases like pain, spasm, myopathy (muscles
loose their power day by day).

3) Nervous system disorders - sciatica, hemiplegia,
paraplegia, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy.

4) Circulatory problems – myocardial infarction, ischemic
heart disease, varicose veins.

5) Feminine problems – dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhoea,
menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, menopausal syndrome.

6) Post delivery – after delivery to both mother &
child.

7) Sportsman problems – always giving excess strain over
muscles, diseases like tennis elbow, lumbago, frozen shoulder, backaches, etc.

8) Psychological problems – depression, negative
thinking, constant worry, loss of memory, insomnia, illusions, and
schizophrenia.

9) Metabolic disorders – obesity, loss of weight & stamina.

 

Ayurveda: a holistic health science

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. Although suppressed during years of foreign occupation, Ayurveda has been enjoying a major resurgence in both its native land and throughout the world. Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both have their roots in Ayurveda. Early Greek medicine also embraced many concepts originally described in the classical Ayurveda medical texts dating back thousands of years.

More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realizing their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.

The origin of Ayurveda is from Vedas, Atharvaveda and is connected to Hindu religion. In the last two centuries modern medicine and it is constant research process has produced miracles in curative medicine surgery and diagnosis. Ayurveda message is an ancient medical system used in Indian culture in order to maintain the health of the mind and spirit of human body. These Ayurveda massage techniques provide circulation, relaxation, and elimination of toxins. Ayurveda massage techniques play an important role in rejuvenate the body. Ayurveda is a type of traditional medicine system that is very famous and favored among the peoples in Indian subcontinents.

If we talk about western world then Ayurveda is a form of complementary and alternative medicine system. Relaxation massage, herbs, kneading, yoga, kinds of beauty and slimming therapies, Ayurveda Panchakarma.