India is the land of sages, age-old wisdom, and the birthplace of Ayurveda. Introduced over 5000 years ago, Ayurveda is an ancient healing science that teaches you the sustainable way of life. More than a medical system, Ayurveda is a lifestyle that keeps your mind, body, and spirit healthy. This holistic science aims to balance the three doshas present in the human body– Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are in unique combinations in each body and are responsible for the health of different body parts.
ayurvedic treatments in india are hugely practiced, especially in some of the wellness destinations like Kerala, Goa, Mysore, Rishikesh, Dharamshala, etc. As the need for rejuvenation, healing, and transformation is increasing, these treatments and therapies are becoming more popular and relevant than before. Each treatment in Ayurveda is rooted deeply in wisdom, ancient philosophy, and therapeutic touch, making this science no less than an art form. In this article, you will explore some of the most common Ayurvedic treatments & therapies in varkala Kerala that provide overall wellness and complete transformation.
Abhyanga Ayurvedic Treatments
Abhyanga is an ancient ayurvedic massage which is mentioned in the Ashtanga Hridaya and Charaka Samhita. These two are the age-old texts written in 1st to 6th century BCE. In these texts, Abhyanga is said to be a part of daily lifestyle or wellness regimen, also known as Dincharya, for maintaining your youth, longevity, and vigor.
How It’s Performed
The first step is when the therapist selects the warm oil based on the imbalance of your doshas. For instance, if your Vata dosha is not balanced, then your herbal oil will be Ashwagandha or Sesame oil. Whereas if your Pitta is not balanced, Coconut or Brahmi oil is preferred and for Kapha imbalance Mustard oil and Triphala oil are recommended. The therapist is now going to heat up the oil gently according to your body temperature. The oil is spread on your body starting from your scalp to the soles of your feet in symmetrical and rhythmic strokes. The massage is performed for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour on your body and is often followed by the steam therapy, known as Swedana for further detoxification.
Benefits
- Abhyanga is one of the best Ayurvedic massages that will nourish your tissues and strengthen muscles.
- The warm oil massage helps in lubricating the joints in your body and relieves the stiffness.
- Enhances lymphatic drainage and improves blood circulation
- Your skin textures improves and immunity increases
- Abhyanga also promotes better sleep and provides you deep relaxation
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is the ayurvedic therapy where oil is poured slowly on your forehead, while you relax. It is one of the most common treatments in Ayurveda and is beneficial for profound relaxation. This treatment is explained under Moordhni Taila which is an age-old ayurvedic text. Let’s understand the entire procedure for Shirodhara.
Procedure
You have to lie down on a wooden therapy bed while resting your head in the middle. Now the medicated oil is selected according to your mental constitution like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, or Kshirabala. After this a copper or clay vessel is taken from which the steady stream of oil will be poured. Now the oil is poured over your forehead (Ajna Chakra) in a continuous stream for 30 to 60 minutes. After the therapy, your hair is wiped clean and your head is wrapped in order to retain the effect.
Benefits
- Shirodhara helps in calming your nervous system and providing profound relaxation.
- It treats mental stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue.
- Shirodhara is immensely effective for improving insomnia and memory disorders.
- This Ayurvedic therapy also balances hormones in females and calms your mind.
- It also improves your meditative state and provides inner-awareness.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is one of the most important and popular Ayurvedic therapies practiced in India as well as all over the world. In Charaka Samhita, this therapy is described as an impactful cleansing protocol which is used for curing chronic diseases as well as for complete purification of your body. The Panchakarma therapy consists of five core procedures, namely:
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Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis):
Vamana targets Kapha dosha and is used to exclude the excess mucus as well as harmful toxins from your stomach and upper respiratory tract. This process begins with Snehapan, which is ingesting the medicated ghee for some days. It is then followed by Swedana, which is a herbal steam therapy used to loosen the toxins in your body. You will be provided medicated herbs like Licorice Decoction and Madanaphala for inducing controlled vomiting. This process is conducted under the guidance of expert therapists and Vaidyas.
When is this used?
- If you are suffering from Asthma and chronic cold
- If you are a patient of Bronchitis and Sinusitis
- Obesity and Metabolic disorders are also cured using Vamana
- It also helps in skin diseases which are related to Kapha accumulation
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Virechana (Purgation Therapy)
The target dosha for Virechana procedure is Pitta dosha and it is used for eliminating excess heat toxins and bile from your intestines, liver, and blood. In this, you have to take internal oleation and light days for some days. You are also provided gentle herbal purgatives like Senna, Castor Oil, and Trivet. It is called Purgation therapy so your body will experience mild purgation in a controlled environment. During this period you should hydrate yourself really well and rest properly. .
When is this used?
- If you are facing liver disorders like jaundice and hepatitis
- If you have IBS, ulcers, and Hyperacidity
- Hormonal imbalances and migraine issues can also be cured from this therapy
- If you have Psoriasis and Eczema
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Basti (Medicated Enema Therapy)
Basti is the third procedure of Panchakarma targeting Vata Dosha and is used to detoxify, lubricate, and nourish your colon, which is the main seat of Vata dosha in your body. There are basically two types of Basti, Niruha and Anuvasana Basti which are practiced for detoxification. In Anuvasana Basti, an oil-based enema is done using warm oils like Dashmoola Taila or Mahanarayan Oil. In Niruha Basti, with the use of herbal water, rock salt, ghee, herbs, and honey, decoction based enema is practiced. The procedure of Basti usually has a series of treatments so it takes over several days or weeks to complete the entire procedure. The duration of Basti in your body is prescribed by an expert doctor or Vaidya.
When is this used?
- Basti is beneficial when you are dealing with chronic constipation and bloating
- If you are dealing with lower back pain and rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica and spondylosis is also cured by Basti procedure
- If you are dealing with neurological and degenerative conditions
- If your problem is infertility or reproductive issues
- Nasya (Nasal Cleansing Therapy)
Nasya is used for targeting Vata and Kapha dosha in your body and purifies head region as well as nasal passages. Although it is a standalone therapy, Nasya is also a part of Panchakarma therapy for the detoxification of the upper body. The entire procedure and benefits of Nasya are provided separately in detail below.
- Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy)
Raktamokshana procedure is the last step of Panchakarma therapy and targets Pitta dosha in your body. This therapy is used to eliminate the vitiated blood and reduce the disorders caused by Pitta imbalance in your blood flow and skin. The therapy is performed with the help of surgical injections or leeches (Jalauka Avacharana), depending on the condition of your body. Although it is included in the Panchakarma therapy, it is rarely used today. Some Ayurvedic hospitals still practice Raktamokshana under the strict supervision of expert doctors.
When is this used?
- For non-healing ulcers, psoriasis, and eczema, this therapy works wonders
- If you are dealing with acne, varicose veins or Abscesses
- If you have Arthritis along with inflammation or Gout
- If you have impure blood or hypertension
Benefits
- Panchakarma Therapy removes the deeply rooted toxins from your body and helps in boosting immunity
- It rejuvenates your inner cells and all the organs
- Panchakarma therapy also balances all your doshas and removes metabolic waste
- It helps in delaying aging and improves overall vitality
Nasya
Nasya is a nasal cleansing therapy which is powerful for neck and head disorders. Many yoga and ayurveda practitioners have made this a part of their daily routine for cleansing of senses. There are four types of Nasya. Virechana Nasya is the first one and is used for cleansing your body and removing deeply rooted toxins. Then comes Brimhana Nasya which is useful in providing nourishment to your body. Shamana Nasya is helpful in pacifying your doshas and balancing them properly. The last Navana Nasya is used daily for keeping up with general health.
Procedure
Warm oil is first applied to your face and neck in order to stimulate proper blood circulation. After this steam therapy is provided which helps in opening nasal passages for you. Then 2-10 drops of medicated oil are administered in both the nostrils for opening them properly. Then you have to tilt your head back and allow the oil to enter sinus cavities directly. After the entire procedure is finished, you can spit the mucus and rest properly for the entire day.
Benefits
- Nasya is used for clearing congestion, allergies, and sinusitis
- It also improves the clarity of your voice, memory, and smell
- Nasya treatment helps with curing headaches, migraine issues and neck stiffness
- It prevents aging and graying of your hair
Tharpanam
Tharpanam is an effective and one of the most unique Ayurvedic therapies which is designed for the eyes. This therapy is a part of Shalakya Tantra, which is a branch of Ayurveda that cures diseases above the clavicle. Tharpanam actually means nourishing your eyes by putting medicated ghee over them for some time. Tharpanam is both preventive as well as therapeutic and is ideal for individuals who have longer screen time or are suffering from dryness in the eyes or strain.
Procedure
First you will be asked to lie in a relaxed position in a quiet room with dim lighting. Then your face will be gently massaged around your eyes and forehead to prepare it for the therapy. A soft dough is made from Urad Dal (black gram) flour and a small circular wall is made out of it which is placed around your both eyes, forming a small well. The wall is sealed carefully so that no leakage of ghee ruins the procedure. Now the warm medicated ghee is poured slowly until your eyes are fully covered with the ghee. Then it is maintained at lukewarm temperature throughout the procedure for about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your body’s condition. After the procedure, ghee is gently removed with the help of a spoon or cotton pad. Once your eyes and face are cleaned with rose water or herbal decoction, you will be advised to avoid bright lights and screen for some hours.
Benefits
- This therapy strengthens your ocular muscles and also enhances vision clarity
- It reduces dryness in your eyes, itching and burning sensation that is caused by longer screen time
- The therapy is also effective in treating the computer vision syndrome, early stage cataracts or conjunctivitis
- Tharpanam works for removing dark circles, watery eyes, and eye strain
- It relieves headaches caused by tension and also promotes better sleep
- The therapy also helps in reducing the early signs of aging in the eyes
Putapakam Therapy
Putapaka therapy is an eye cleansing process which is usually performed after Tharpanam. Once the nourishment is provided with the help of Tharpanam therapy, Putapakam is performed for cooling and cleansing your eyes by using herbal decoctions which eliminates excess toxins and Pitta dosha from your eyes. This therapy is mainly recommended to people who have Pitta-predominant eye conditions like inflammation, photophobia, infection, and redness.
Procedure
First your herbal decoctions are prepared like Chandan, Padmarkam, Triphala, and Yashtimadhu. These herbs are boiled, strained and then cooled down in order to form a clear decoction at room temperature. After the ghee is removed from your eyes in Tharpanam therapy, you will be told to rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Then the prepared decoction is gently poured over your eyes or is retained using an eye cup for a few minutes. You will be asked to blink and open your eyes constantly during the procedure so that the decoction can wash your ocular surface. After this, your eyes are gently dried and you have to close them for a few minutes. You must avoid sunlight, screens, or any kind of eye strain after this procedure.
Benefits
- This therapy removes the residual of medicated ghee along with remaining toxins from Tharpanam therapy
- It also reduced Pitta imbalances like inflammation, sensitivity, and burning
- The therapy clears redness, minor eye infection, and also acts as a natural eyewash with antimicrobial properties
- After this therapy, you will feel the freshness and clarity in your tired eyes.
Ayurveda is not about quick fixes but is about finding the root cause of the issue and understanding the body completely. The ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Nasya, and Abhyanga are some of the time-tested tools that will definitely help you to pause, reset, restore, and realign yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Every therapy discussed above works at the deepest level inside your body and uses ingredients sourced from nature, in order to tune you with its rhythm. It combines the ancient methods and modern healing techniques together to provide you comprehensive benefits. In a world where everything is moving so fast, these Ayurvedic treatments in kerala and therapies are the best way to take a sacred pause and return to the slow as well as mindful life.
