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 Ayurveda (Sanskrit for "science of life"), the name derived from - 'Ayus' Life & 'Veda' science, is a form of alternative medicine based on the principle that disease is caused by an imbalance of life forces (viz. kapha, pitta, and vata). It is attributed to Dhanvantari, the physician to the gods in Hindu mythology, who received it from Brahma. Its earliest concepts were set out in the portion of the Vedas known as the Atharvaveda (2nd millennium BC). Ayurveda is the oldest existing system of medical practice and is regarded by proponents as a complete way of life aimed at spiritual, mental, and social well-being as well as physical health. There are several aspects of this system of medicine which distinguish it from other approaches to health care: 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
Scope of Ayurvedic Medicine
Classically, Ayurvedic Medicine was conceptualized and practiced as eight major clinical subspecialties of medicine in addition to numerous adjunctive specialties. The eight major subspecialties continue to be taught today and they include:
| KayaChikitsa (General Medicine) |
| 'Kaya' means body. The treatment of this is studied under KayaChikitsa. All systematic diseases are treated by this branch. |
| ShalyaTantra (Surgery) |
| Various operative procedures along with pre-operative and post operative are studied in detail. Also study of scars and instruments etc. are incorporated under ShalyaTantra. |
| VishaTantra (Toxicology and preventive medicines) |
| 'Visha' is poison. Study of various toxic herbs and animals like snake, insects, etc. and their antidotes come under VishaTantra. |
| Vajikaranam (Aphrodisiac / Eugenics Treatment) |
| Vajikaranam is a treatment given for the production of progeny with better healthy and mental capacities by increasing reproductive potential. |
| ShalakyaTantra (E.N.T. and Ophthalmology) |
| The study of body parts above clavicle bone is done under ShalakyaTantra. Surgical views of E.N.T. and Ophthalmology are also included under this branch. |
| KumarBhrutyaTantra (Pediatrics) |
| 'Kumar' means child, 'Bhrutya' is service and 'Tantra' is technique. The science that deals with development of newborn baby, the diseases of children (upto 12 years) is KumarBhrutyaTantra. Truly it also includes prenatal and antenatal care for females. That way it includes Gynecology and Obstretics in this branch. |
| GrahaChikitsa or Daivavyapashrya (Spirituology / Psychiatry) |
| 'Graha' is planet. This branch is related with Astrology and gem stones. The treatment by precious stones like diamond, ruby, pearl is studied under GrahaChikitsa. |
| Rasayana (Geriatrics and Rejuvenation therapy) |
| As ayurveda also aims in the maintenance of health, how one should make his life healthy, happy, live longer life, this branch explains that. This is the unique, prime branch of medicine in the world today. |
For every disease, there is information about: definition, etiology, prodrome, clinical symptoms, pathophysiology, and prognosis, principles of treatment, medicines, diet, lifestyle recommendations, and even etymology. This approach is strikingly similar to that of modern medicine and even more comprehensive.Over the last century, Ayurvedic Medicine has experienced a rebirth and has continued to evolve its holistic approach to health in accordance with modern needs and scientific advances of the day. Today, modern Ayurveda also includes
| Kulam Svastyam Kutumbakam |
| Principles of Preventative Healthcare For the Entire Family |
| Sangakara Chikitsa |
| Treatment of Addictions. Includes strategies for defeating addictions to alcohol, tobacco, sexual behavior, and food. |
| Panchakarma Chikitsa |
| Purification and Rejuvenation Treatments. Prescribed with respect to one's individual nature, work, social circumstance, age, and season. |
| Sthoola Chikitsa |
| The Ayurvedic Approach to Diet and Weight Loss. This discipline covers practical and effective approaches to maintain a healthy weight through constitutionally-determined diet, exercise, herbs, spices, teas, breathing, and psychological aids. |
| Vatavyadhi Chikitsa |
| Specific treatment plans for the diseases of Vata origin which affect the musculoskeletal system and nervous system (joints, bones, muscles, nerves) Examples include but are not limited to: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, multiple sclerosis, spondylosis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. |
| Svabhaavoparamavaada |
| Promotion of self-healing and resistance to disease (i.e. immunity) as per your age, sex, occupation, nature, daily routine, medical history, mental status, season, and region. |
| Saundarya Sadhana |
| Beauty and cosmetic treatments for men and women, including skin, hair, eyes, posture, body odor, and general appearance. |
Treatments in Ayurveda
Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years in India. In ancient times Rishis were involved in making of medicine and treating people. Several researches and studies have been undertaken in this field of medicine. Today, these treatments are very popular all over the world.
| Shodhanam |
| Various therapeutic procedures are followed to facilitate elimination of harmful factors:Vamanam (emesis therapy), Virechanam (purgation therapy), Nasyam (nasal medication), Vaste (enema therapy), Raktamoksham (blood-letting therapy). |
| Pre-treatments for panchakarma |
| The panchakarma pre-treatment includes three different processes: Thalam, Snehanam, swedanam. |
| Thalam |
| Before any external treatment thalam has to be performed. In this treatment, a special mixture of herbal powder and medicated oil is applied on the upper portion of the head and allowed to remain for 20 to 45 minutes.This treatment helps in conditions associated with ENT, insomnia and migraine.
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| Snehanam |
| This is a process of oleation . The medicated oil may be applied externally on the body or given orally. |
| Swedanam |
| Swedanam, or the sweating treatment is carried out through various procedures. |
Prime Treatments in Ayurveda
| Pizhichil |
| In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc. |
| Njavarakizhi |
| It is a process 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 a muslin bag. This is applied by two to four masseurs for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases. |
| Dhara |
| In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases.
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| Vasthi |
| Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.
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| Sirovasthi |
| Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head and other vatha originated diseases.
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| Udvarthanam |
| This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity (excess fat) and certain rheumatic ailments.
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| Abhyangam |
| A special type of oil massage wherein strokes are administered according to the disease, for 45 minutes a day, for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic Gangrene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremes of the body) etc.
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| Nasyam |
| Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, certain types of skin diseases etc.
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| Snehapanam |
| Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, sporaris, leukaemia etc.
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| Kizhi |
| Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.
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| Dhanyamala Dhara |
| 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 treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints etc.
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| Yoni Prakshalanam |
| Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.
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| Kativasthi |
| In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.
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| Urovasthi |
| Warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.
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| Ksheeradhoomam |
| This is fomentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.
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| Snehapanam |
| Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, sporaris, leukaemia etc.
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Body Care Programmes
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikilsa)
This treatment includes body massage with hand and foot by two masseurs with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated stem bath. This therapy is for 90 minutes to 2 hours per day for 7 to 14 days. This therapy is to rejuvenate mind body and soul, to tone up skin, to strengthen all systems so as to achieve ideal health and longevity
Body Purification Therapy (Shodan Chikilsa)
It is a process of purifying the whole body to attain proper balance of vatha, pitha and kapha based on the panchkarma and swethakarma treatment. The 15 days package process include body massage, snehapanam, nasyam, virechanam(medicated purgative), snehavasthi, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, karnapooranam, tharpanam, sirovasthi, steam bath, Herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines.
Body Immunization/Longevity Treatment (Kayakalpa Chikilsa)
This is the prime treatment in Ayurveda for reducing ageing processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and immunisation of the system. Giving RASAYANA ( Very Special Ayurvedic Medicine) internally is the main part of this programme, based on the panchakarma and swethakarma treatment. The 28-day package process includes body massage, snehapanam, virechanam, nasyam, snehavasthi, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, tharpanam, sirovasthi, karnapooranam and medicated steam bath. This treatment is best effective if taken before the age of 60, for either sex
Sporaris Treatment Programme (Sidhma Chikilsa)
This is an effective treatment for all types of sporaris. This special Ayurvedic treatment programme lasts for 21 to 28 days. This programme includes special lepanam, abhyangam, snehapanam, pizhichil, medicated steam bath and sirovasthi along with exclusively prepared internal herbal medicines.
Slimming Programme
This includes two types of massages (1) medicated herbal powder massage (2) medicated herbal oil massage. These two massages will be given for 28 days. This programme also includes medicated steam bath, intake of herbal juices and herbal tea. A very special Ayurvedic diet is advised during the treatment period.
Beauty Care Programme
In this programme herbal face pack, herbal cream massage, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea and steam bath are included. This treatment increases the skin complexion, skin tone and beautifies the body figure.
Spine and Neck Care Programme
This is a special treatment to keep your spine and neck healthy and to cure the problems related with it. This programme includes special massages, kativasthi, snehavasthi, kashayavasthi, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, special exercises etc.
| Karnapooranam |
| This is a process of medicated fumes applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps to clean the ear and avoids ailments associated to the ear. |
| Tharpanam |
| It is a cleaning process of the eyes with cooling effect, prevents eye diseases and strengthens the optic nerve. |
| Mukhalepam |
| This is a herbal face pack with specially made herbal powder and fresh cream. This prevents and avoids wrinkles and improves the skin tone. This is also good for the eyes. |
| Rejuvenation Massage |
| This massage includes body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand and foot, head massage, face massage for 1½ hours. This is good for rejuvenating the body, to reduce mental tension, sexual weakness, to improve vitality etc. |
| General Massage |
| Body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand to tone up the body and to improve the blood circulation etc. |
| Medicated Steam Bath |
| Certain precious herbal leaves and herbs are boiled and the steam is passed to the whole body for 10 to 20 minutes. This is good for certain skin diseases, to eliminate impurities from the body, to improve the tone of the body, to reduce fat etc. |
Some Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants
| Kurunthotty (sida cordifolia) |
| for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and sciatica. |
| Adalotakam (adhatoda vasica) |
| for treatment of respiratory tract infection. |
| Karinnochi (vitex nigundu) |
| for back pain and skin problems. |
| Avanakku (ricinus communis) |
| used as a purgative. |
| Thulsi (ociumum tenuiflorum) |
| for fever and respiratory infection. |
| Nellikka (embellic myrobelan) |
| Thannikka (belleric myrobelam) |
| Kadukka (chebulic myrobelam) |
| used for making trifala rasayana. Increases eye power. |
| Kattar vazha (aloe vera) |
| skin diseases and blood purification. |
| Sankupuzhpam (clitoria ternatnea) |
| for treatment of poison infection and for increasing memory. |
Medicine preparation
Each Ayurvedic medicine is prepared by a team of qualified technicians under the strict supervision of experienced doctors. This extensive process includes cleaning the herbal parts and drying them in sunlight for a specific time as noted down in scripts. This is followed by boiling and fermenting processes using specially made vessels. Dharapathi, vasti yantram, dhara chatti, dharastand and shalakas are some of the equipments used
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