Ayurveda is becoming very popular all over the world. This traditional natural system of medicine has practiced for more than 5,000 years. This system of health care was conceived and developed by the seers and natural scientists through centuries of experiments, observations, discussions, and meditations. In Ayurveda, the mind (or consciousness) and the body (or physical mass) not only influence each other, they are each other. They form the mind-body together. Ayurveda accentuates prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body systems, and extension of life span.Medical tourism, promoted by traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha are widely popular in the state, and draws increasing numbers of tourists

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means “science of life” or “practices of longevity.” The word is derived from two roots - ayur means life and veda means knowledge. Knowledge when arranged systematically with logic becomes science. It has its root in ancient Vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurvedic medical practice is based on one of the several Vedas and earliest Indian text known as Atharva-Veda. Ayurvedic manuals were written by Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata which give detailed descriptions of the various practices. About 500 hundred remedies are listed on Charaka and Sushruta over 700 vegetable medicines.

Ayurvedic treatment is an integrated approach for preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies. The treatment is mainly based on the view that the elements, forces, and principles that comprise all of nature - and that holds it together and make it function - are also seen in human beings. Laboratory and clinical studies on Ayurvedic herbal formulations and therapies have shown them to have a range of potentially beneficial effects for preventing and treating certain cancers, treating infectious disease, treating diabetes, promoting health, and treating aging.

Ayurvedic philosophy and practices link us to every aspect of ourselves and remind us that we are in union with every aspect of nature, each other, and the entire universe.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Different Types of Treatments in Ayurveda

PIZHICHIL

All parts of the body other than the head are subjected to this treatment. In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. Pizhichil treatment is very useful for rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis agitans, nervous weakness and nervous disorders, and sexual weakness.

NJAVARAKIZHI

Njavarakizhi is another special ayurvedic treatment by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. Boluses are made of boiled and medicated njavara rice. This is helpful for treating all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and certain kinds of skin diseases.

DHARA

Dhara is another ayurvedic treatment, which includes the application of a continuous stream of mildly warm oil to the body parts. In this treatment, some Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk, and so on are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7-21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental tension, and certain skin diseases also.

VASTHI

Vasthi treatment is mainly for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation. This treatment includes cleansing of colon. In this treatment, certain herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days.

SIROVASTHI

This is a kind of ayurvedic treatment with herbal oil. In this treatment, certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patients’ conditions for a period of 7 days. This Sirovasthi treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth, and throat, severe headaches, and other vatha originated diseases.

UDVARTHANAM

In this treatment, typical massage with herbal powder is done for 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is also known as Powder Massage. This is helpful for treating the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity, and certain Rheumatic ailments.

ABHYANGAM

This is a specialized ayurvedic body massage. This massage is designed around each individual to suit his or her disease or condition. Abhyangam treatment can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies which helps the body to resist against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic gangrene.

NASYAM

This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, and some type of skin diseases. In this treatment, herbal juices and medicated oils are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days.

SNEHAPANAM

Snehapanam is an ayurvedic therapeutic measure. In this treatment, medicated ghee or oil is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is mainly for osteoarthritis, psoriasis, leukemia, and so on.

KIZHI

In this treatment, boluses made of herbal leaves or herbal powders are applied to the whole body with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is mainly for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondylosis, sports injuries, and so on.

DHANYAMLA DHARA

This is a special type of ayurvedic massage therapy. In this therapy, warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This therapy is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis, and rheumatic complaints.

YONI PRAKSHALANAM

This treatment is good for gynecological disorders. In this treatment, herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

KATIVASTHI

In this treatment, specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This treatment is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

UROVASTHI

This treatment is effective for treating diseases like asthma and other respiratory problems, heart diseases, and muscular chest pain. In this treatment, warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes.

KSHEERADHOOMAM

In this treatment, medicated cow milk is heated and the steam is passed over entire body. This is helpful for treating facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speech disorders, and other nervous disorders of the face.

THALAM

This treatment is a process of retaining medicinal oil over the head. In this treatment, special powder mixed with medicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This is used for treating ENT problems, insomnia, migraine, and so on.

LEPANAM

This treatment is helpful for various types of inflammatory and spastic conditions. In this treatment, medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part. The therapy is for 90 minutes to 2 hours per day for 7 to 14 days.