The ancient system of holistic healing Ayurveda has offered the world organic and sustainable solutions. These solutions address not just the symptoms, but help the body in recovery through resolving the root causes and decoding a customized solution that is perfectly suited for the person’s body type.
Among some of the excellent Ayurveda therapies in Kerala, the Pizhichil & Shirodhara have stood out to be as two deeply healing therapies that make the use of gently warmed oils infused with herbs to deeply nourish the body. These treatments balance the entire system of the body to release tension and accumulation of toxins.
While Pizhichil on one hand focuses more on releasing the muscular tension and removal of toxins, Shirodhara on the other hand aims to target mental healing and calming down the nervous system through a consistent pour of warm oil over the forehead.
As today’s modern lifestyle is dominated by endless stress, fatigue, lifestyle diseases, insomnia, skin issues, imbalances with the hormones Etc. Ayurveda treatments help one to rediscover the ability to find deep relaxation and therapeutic healing without having any side effects.
Understanding Pizhichil – The Royal Ayurvedic oil bath
Pizhichil also known as Sarvanga Sneha dhara in Ayurveda which means oil pouring over the entire body. This ayurvedic treatment is basically a royal ayurvedic bath with oils where a selected oil is gently warmed and infused with herbs. This is to be poured and massaged over the entire body. Traditionally this used to be performed by the royalty and therefore it is called as the King’s therapy. This treatment has highly nourishing and rejuvenating effects.
How does it work?
Pizhichil often uses two to three litres of warm herbal oils which is to be poured over the entire body. Basically this treatment opens up the pores of the body and enhances the circulation of blood. Since the oils are infused with herbs it deeply penetrates the skin and the tissues. And helps in elimination of accumulated toxins through sweat and lymphatic drainage.
Understanding Shirodhara – The go to Ayurvedic Treatment for Mental Relaxation
The word Shirodhara Means pouring a steady stream over the head. In the Shirodhara calming therapy Kerala, calming and relaxing herbs are infused in liquids such as gently warmed oil, buttermilk and even medicated decoctions which are poured in a continuous form over the forehead with a rhythmic and gentle stream.
How does it work?
In Shirodhara the aim is to make the pouring happen exactly over the Agya Chakra or the Third eye. This is spiritually known to be the centre of intuition, mental clarity and focus.
Basically, this treatment is meant to stimulate the hypothalamus gland of the body which is responsible for secretion of stress hormones and regulating the body sleep cycle.
It also targets to balance the sympathetic nervous system of the body which puts the body in a fight or flight mode. And activates the parasympathetic system which is responsible for easy rest and digestion. This treatment also helps to balance the Vata and doshas and put the body in a meditative state where it gently enters a healing mode.
Pizhichil & Shirodhara Benefits
Reduction in joint pain – Pizhichil & Shirodhara treatments help in lubricating the joints and reduce Pain in the joint and promote mobility.
Reduced muscle stiffness – Today’s lifestyle results in high chronic fatigue and stiffness in the muscles and poor body postures. These ayurvedic treatments help in Promoting relaxation and releasing tension from the muscles.
Enhance blood circulation – Pouring warm oil and massaging the body in gentle rhythmic circles enhances the blood circulation in the body.
Better nervous system health – It helps in relaxing the nervous system and also patients who are suffering from diseases such as Parkinson’s or paralysis or have neuropathic issues can find deep relaxation and better functioning of the nervous system through these treatments.
Stress relief and in-depth relaxation – The warm oils relax the body, calm down the mind and promote stress relief and in depth relaxation.
Nourishment of the skin and the tissues – Oils are meant to nourish the skin and the tissues. These treatments leave the skin soft and supple and offer deep hydration.
Better hormone health and better sleep quality – Both of these treatments are beneficial, especially in balancing the mood and promoting better hormone health and regulating sleep cycles of the body. Both these treatments put the body in a relaxed state of mind and enhance the quality of sleep.
Conclusion
Pizhichil & Shirodhara are not just excellent Ayurveda treatments. They are transformative experiences that render deep healing benefits especially in today’s time. Whether you are someone who is dealing with chronic fatigue, depression, mental stress or undergoing lifestyle diseases such as PCOS, insomnia, hormonal imbalance etc. These treatments will help you get better and revitalize your entire system.
