What is Ayurveda and how does Ayurveda Work.
Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine based on humoral theory of disease. Its importance springs from the fact that it reflects the law of nature inherent in life. Ayurveda has a definite edge in the rules of personal conduct for longeivity because it gives detailed instructions about personal hygiene, sleep during the day, diet and so on, that impinges on a healthy life.
Ayurved is holistic and is entered on the person rather than the disease. It points out that the mind, soul and body are like a tripod each leg is essential.
What is Ayurveda and how does Ayurveda work? The concept of holistic medicine is so rarely seen in the western world that many people think it is a new idea. But the idea of keeping the body, mind and spirit balanced to promote good health has been around almost as long as medicine itself. One type of traditional medicine that relies heavily on such concepts, ayurveda, has origins that go back thousands of years. Native to India, Ayurveda consists of a variety of treatments based on doshas. Doshas are combinations of elements that are said to make up the human body. There are three doshas:
- Vata - This dosha deals with air and ether elements. It controls nerve impulses, muscle and joint movement, breathing and heartbeat. It also governs the emotions of anxiety, fear and pain.
- Pitta - Represented by fire and water, Pitta is associated with metabolism, digestion, intelligence and skin color. Emotions controlled by the pitta include anger, hate and jealousy.
- Kapha - Kapha is associated with earth and water. The body's physical structure and the immune system are controlled by this dosha. It is also responsible for the emotions of calmness, forgiveness, love and greed.
These doshas are said to form at the time of conception and play a major role in each individual's physical characteristics and personality. If any dosha becomes unbalanced, the corresponding systems suffer and illness develops. This is why ayurvedic medicine emphasizes treatment of the entire person, not just symptoms of disease. The key to effective Ayurvedic treatment is a thorough assessment. Ayurvedic assessments often last an hour or more. The practitioner asks the patient questions about his health and lifestyle and checks the pulse at twelve different points. The tongue, skin, lips, fingernails and eyes are also closely examined, as they may hold clues to imbalances in the doshas. Ayurvedic treatment plans usually consist of several different methods designed to create harmony in the system. A patient might be advised to alter his diet, go through a detoxification regimen, take herbal medicine, meditate and exercise. Massage and yoga are also often used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda utilizes a number of treatments that are used on their own in alternative medicine. Some, such as diet modification and exercise regimens, are also frequently recommended.
Abhyangam (General Massage)
The person undergoing massage is seated on the Droni (a wooden plank specially made for the massage) two masseurs stand on either sides of the person applying herbal oil on the head and massaging gently. The massage is continued on the neck., ear, shoulders, chest and back. The person then turns on their back and the massage is continued from shoulder to toe. During the course of the massage the person lies on his right side, left side stomach and again on his back and finally in the sitting position. General Massage has been found very effective for improving eyesight, longevity, sound sleep, rheumatism, vitality and glowing skin. These massages are also a preventive medicine. In short, it rejuvenates the body and maintains the physique.
Pizhichil
This is one of the special massages for rejuvenating the whole body. The prescribed medicated oil is applied on the head and the entire body is covered with medicated oil in this treatment the patient lies on the Droni. Next a piece of linen dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed on the patient's body as the body is continuously massaged. The massage protects you from illness and improves your immune system adding vitality and health to your life. It also aids in the healing of rheumatic diseases, blood pressure, pain in the joints and diabetes.
Navarakizhi
The body is massaged with small linen bags (bundles) filled with cooked Navara Rice, which is cooked in cow's milk and a specific herbal. mixture. These bags are dipped in the same mixture and applied over the whole body of the patient. The bags are not too hot or too cold. After wiping the body with a dry towel, the medicated oil is again applied. The course is 14 days to 21 days. It is one of the most excellent forms of treatments to impart luster to the skin and nourishment for the body through the skin. It also cures various ailments.
Dhara
The patient lies on the wooden bed in a comfortable position and is covered with a liberal application of the medicated oil (herbal concoction of milk or other materials) on the head and body. A specially designed apparatus is filled with the medicated oil and placed at a specific height. The masseur then swings the apparatus back and forth so that the oil flows continuously and gently across the forehead. The head is then dried with a towel and again oil is applied to the head. This treatment can also be done for a specific part or the whole body depending on the ailment. It promotes rejuvenation and revitalization of the human mind and body, diminishing the effect of ageing. This is a special massage therapy for stress and strain.
Sirovasthi
Luke warm medicated oil is applied to the entire head.. A leather cap is then placed on the head to maintain the temperature. The course of treatment is effective for migraine, deafness, diseases affecting cranial nerves, facial paralysis, insanity, diseases and wounds etc. In fact this treatment is good for all diseases.
Elakizhi (Patraswedam)
Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated. powders. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and used to massage the entire body, neck, shoulders, hand and back, shifting the person from side to side. The massage can promote better circulation within the affected area thereby promoting increased perspiration, which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. It also helps to tone the skin and can be superbly relaxing.
Nasyam
From the shoulders up the patients body is massaged causing it to perspire. The medicine in exact dose is measured and poured into the nostrils, as the patient inhales. During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms & feel are rubbed.. This is very effective in ailments such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion.
Thalapothichil (Head Pack)
Herbal oil is applied on the head and massaged. Varthi, a special cloth is tied around the head and there after the herbal paste is applied with uniform thickness all over the head. After 45 minutes the paste is removed and the head is wiped clean.. This treatment is very good in the case of hair loss, dandruff, grain, insomnia, low blood pressure and chronic sinusitis.
Beauty Care
Beauty therapy treatments reduce pimples, wrinkles, acne, sagging skin and hair loss through the use of head massage, facial massage and face packs. The beauty treatment is part of a complete treatment of the body.
Massage for the head
Oil is applied to the head, which gets absorbed deeply into the scalp though the roots of the hair. It nourishes, lubricates and strengthens the hair roots and scalp, preventing hair loss, headaches, premature graying and activates pituitary glands. It also improves memory and relaxes the muscles of the face.
Facial Massage
Kaircin is used for the face. This oil nourishes, cleanses and beautifies the tissues bringing a smooth youthful glow to the complexion thus reducing wrinkles.
Face Pack
After the facial massage face pack is applied and can be left on until the full body massage is complete. This makes the skin soft and glowing.
Eye Care Treatment
Tharpanam
This is done by allowing clarified butter (ghee) to remain in the eyes, which strengthens the optic nerves and improve the eye sight.
Netra Dhara
This is a process of washing the eyes with medicated mixture or oils. This helps to relieve tension in the eyes, thus improving eye sight and eliminating pain and fatigue. It brings luster to the eyes and smoothes away wrinkles.
Kativasthi
Strong and flexible back, Disc prolapse, Back pain and spinal disorders.
Tones respiratory system and hearth Asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain
Ksheeradhooman
Tones facial nerves and muscles, Facial paralysis, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.
Improves sleep. Strengthens eyesight, ENT problems, insomnia, migraine etc.
Tones muscle, improves circulation. Balances Vata. Obesity, Especially for Diabetic Gangrene etc.
Vasthi
Balances Vata. Tonic, Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Gastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation
Loose weight, improve circulation, Hemiplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments
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