Kerala Ayurveda

THE NATURAL WAY TO HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

AYURVEDA is derived from Vedas, the divine Hindu legacy of knowledge. The aim of Ayurveda is not only healing of the sick but prevention of illness and preservation of life and in that way it comprises a noble system of living that makes Ayurveda the most complete system of medicine and health care we know today. Hence Ayurveda is the science concerned with the life span of human beings. The word Ayu is derived from Ayussu meaning life span and veda means knowledge. Altogether the ancient medical system is the knowledge concerning life and health. Apart from medicine and treatments it contains other subjects related to treatments such as Yoga. Yoga, an essential part of Ayurveda, is a science as well as a method of achieving spiritual harmony through the control of mind and body. The asanas (yogic postures) and pranayamam (control of breath) are practices that not only help us to acquire perfect health but also to develop a calm and serene mind.

The position of Ayurveda is unique among other medical systems for many a reason. According to Ayurveda, the human body is made up of the five natural elements (panchabhoothas), identical to those which constitute the universe itself (Prithivi, Jala, Agni, Vayu and Akash.) Again it is comprised of THRIDOSHAS , namely Vata, Pitha and Kapha..When these three Doshas are in balance, the state of the body is said to be healthy and any imbalance will lead to disease. The ratio of these doshas differ from person to person. An expert physician is generally capable of understanding these doshas and diagnose the disease properly by analyzing the symptoms through Darsana (observation), Sparsana (physical examination of the body) and Prasna (enquiry and discussion with the patient). Ayurveda acknowledges the differential metabolism of each individual human body. Treatments in ayurveda are therefore individualized. No two ailments can be the same due to differences in body constitutions, age, sex and place. Timing is also important. Curative medicines are to be taken in perfect harmony with nature in keeping with universal timing (change in Rithu, weather) in contrast with the man-made measurement of time in other systems of medicine.

The diagnostic process in Ayurveda comprises of Darsana (observation), Sparsana (physical examination of the body) and Prasna (enquiry and discussion with the patients). Ayurveda also considers the state of the human mind. A calm and serene mind is a vital component for physical well-being. Hence Ayurveda evolved the system of Yoga, A comprehensive series of exercises for the mind and the body. Thus Ayurveda established its credential long back and later spread its wings of influence to many other cultures notably the Arabs.

Ayurveda is more than a medical system, because it enforces on the patient a code of discipline and ethics in order to achieve physical comfort, mental happiness and improved life span. For example apart from Pathyam (dietary restrictions) smoking, drinking and sleeping during the day are prohibited. The emphasis is more on the patient, i.e the treatment is patient oriented. Cure may therefore take a longer time but it will usually be complete and the patient will have improved resistance of the body against future ailments. Hence it can be safely termed as eco friendly.

According to Hindu mythology Ayurveda was advised for the welfare of mankind by none other than Brahmah, the creator of universe and was orally transmitted to Agnivesas through Prajapathy, Aswinideva, Indra and Athreya. Merit goes to the sages Athreya, Charaka, Sushrutha & Vagbhata for documenting and developing this system of medicine. The Ashtavaidya families are to be credited for preserving and practicing this superior system of medicine in the modern times.

Variuos Ayurveda Treatments

I Rejuvenation Procedures

Rejuvenation therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa) Whole body massage with herb enriched oils followed by herbal steam bath. The rhythmic massage is a comfortable process that even puts many to sleep. The procedure tones up skin, gives one a totally rejuvenated "Born again" feel.

Body Purification therapy (Shodhana chikitsa) A combination of procedures including massages and consumption of herb enriched preparations intended to cleanse the body of accumulated drug adulterants, pollutants and clogged dirt and dust.

Immunisation/ Longevity therapy (Kayakalpa chikitsa) A combination procedure combining consumption of herb enriched ghee and the five point programme or panchakarma. The procedure fortifies the immune system and slows down the ageing process significantly.

Rejuvenation Massage Whole body massage with herbal oil for rejuvenating body and system, reducing mental tension, sexual weakness and improving vitality.

Medicated steam bath Bathing in herb enriched steam. A procedure recommended to relieve skin diseases, eliminate impurities, reduce sub coetaneous fat and to tone up the body.

II - Therapeutic Procedures

• Pizhichil Indication: Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis agitanus, Sexual and nervous weakness. Procedure: Luke warm herbal oils are applied all over the body and rhythmic massage is done for 60 - 90 minutes/day for 7 to 21 days.


• Njavarakizhi Indication: Rheumatism, Joint pain. Hypertension, Hyper cholestorolenia, Skin disorders of systemic origin. Procedure: Medicinal puddings in muslin cloth bags is applied all over the body for 60 - 90 minutes/ day for 14 days.


• Abhayangam Indication: Obesity, Diabetic gangrene Procedure: Manage with specialized massage strokes for 45 minutes/day for 14 days.


• Nasyam Indication: Head aches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, Certain types of skin diseases. Procedure: Nasal application of herbal juices or oils for 7 to 14 days.


• Snehapanam Indication: Ostes arthritis, sporiasis, leukaemia Procedure: Internal consumption of medicated ghee for a period of 8 to 12 days.


• Kizhi Indication: Osteo arthiritis, arthiritis, spondilosis Procedure: Application of luke warm medicaments and medicinal leaves in boluses on selected body parts.


• Dhanyamla Dhara Indication: Hemeplegia, paralysis, rheumatism. Procedure: Rhythmic massage with continuous poring of herbal Preparations for 45 minutes - 60 minutes.


• Yoni Prakshalanam Indication: Gynaecological problems. Procedure: Vaginal application of herbal oils and decoction.


• Dhara Indication: Insomnia, mental tension, some skin ailments Procedure: Herb enriched oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk are poured in a continuous steam on the forehead for 45 minutes every day for 7 to 21 days.


• Vasthi Indication: Arthiritis, Paralysis, Hemoplegia, Numbiness, Gastric irritation Procedure: Rectal application of herbal oils and extracts daily for a period of 5 to 25 days.


• Sirovasthi Indication: Facial paralysis, Dryness of mouth, throat, severe head ache. Procedure: Herbal oils are retained in a cap filled on the head for 15 to 60 minutes every day for 7 days.


• Udwarthanam Indication: Hemoplegia, Paralysis, Obesity, Rheumatism Procedure: Massage with herbal powders 30 minutes every day for 14 to 28 days.


• Urovasthi Indication: Asthma, resperatery problems, heart diseases and chest pain Procedure: Warm medicated oil is retained over the chest for 45 minutes.


• Ksheeradhomam Indication: Facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speck and nervous disorders of the face. Procedure: Fermentation with herb enriched cow's milk.


• Thalam Indication: ENT problems, migraine, insomnia Procedure: Herbal powder in oil/herbal juice is retained on the head for 30 to 45 minutes.


• Lepanam Indication: Inflammation of specific points. Procedure: Application of herbal paste on the affiliated part.


• Sidhara Chikitsa Indication: Psoriasis Procedure: A combination process involving Lepanam, Abhyangam, Snehapanam, Pizhichil, Medicated steam bath and sirovasthi.


• Slimming Programme A combination process of herbal powder massage and herbal oil massage, herbal steam bath, intake of herbal juices.


• Beauty care programme For improving skin tone and skin complexion. The procedure comprises of herbal face pack, herbal ream and oil massage, intake of herbal tea and herbal steam bath.


• Speciality programme for spine and neck ailments A combination of speciality massages including Kativasthi, Sneha vasthi, Kashaya vasthi, Pizhichil, Njavara kizhi and special excercises is used for spine and neck problems.


• Karnapooranam Indication: Ear problems Procedure: Application of herb enriched fumes to exterior ear


• Tharpanam Indication: Eye problems and strain of the optic nerve. Procedure: Application of herb enriched preparation on the eye.


• Mukhalepam A procedure to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. The procedure involves application of herb enriched face powders and creams.