Although the human body is considered as a great, intelligent, natural healing system capable of rejuvenating itself, the formation of toxins reduces that natural capacity. It is then that Panchakarma plays a crucial role in that correction. The deep cleansing process, unique to Ayurveda, that enables the body to release doshas and toxins from its cells and expel them is called Panchakarma, which basically denotes detoxification or elimination of toxins from the body.
Shirodhara
'Shir' in Sanskrit means 'head' and 'Dhara' is a continuous flow of water or oil etc. So Shirodhara is a continuous flow of medicated oil over the forehead for 40-45 minutes along with a gentle head massage.
At Atharva Ayuvedic Clinic, we render a special foot massage (Pada Abhyang) along with Shirodhara.
Shirodhara is an excellent treatment for mental relaxation. When the procedure is carried out by the expert therapist, the patient experiences deep sleep or is almost in a trans-state of mind.
Shirodhara is a part of treatment given for hypertension, sleeplessness, memory loss, multiple psychological disorders (like depression) psychosomatic ailments (like psoriasis, asthma, hyperacidity etc.).
We perform Shirodhara treatment with milk, buttermilk for hair and scalp complaints like hair loss, hair graying, split ends, brittle hair, dandruff etc.
Coconut water Shirodhara (added with rose water and sandal wood oil) is an immediate relief for migraine or cluster headache. It works effectively in heat stroke too.
Nasya (Nasal Administration)
The nasal administration of medication is called Nasya. Any excess bodily secretions accumulated in sinus, throat and nose area is eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose. It is done with medicated ghee or oil followed by Swedana i.e. medicated steam fomentation. In patients of Bell's palsy, this is the key treatment which has assured results. It is useful for the patients of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyp, DNS (Deviated nasal septum), adenitis, re-current allergic rhinitis and middle ear infections also.
Whole Body Massage
In this traditional Ayurvedic body massage therapy, we use medicated oil to strengthen and tone the body and improve circulatory system. Oils and herbs are boiled together which permeate through the body and reach different tissues of the body.
Oil massage also makes the superficial and deep tissues soft and supple, thus helping to remove stress and to nourish the nervous system.
Basti:
Basti is an excellent treatment for Vata i.e. inflammatory changes in joints leading to pain.
It includes administration of oil by rectal route or external route. When oil is administered rectally, it is called Matra-Basti.
Basti can be Manya Basti (Basti on Neck), Kati Basti (Basti on Back), Janu Basti (Basti on Knee joints) etc.
Kati Basti :
As seen in the photographs, in this treatment a lightweight mould is fixed on the spine i.e. affected area and warm medicated oil is poured inside the mould. A gentle and scientific massage followed by medicated steam is administered.
This procedure is useful in lower back ache (muscle spasm), lumber spondylitis, sciatica, Bamboo's spine etc.
Janu Basti
As seen in the photographs fibre moulds are fixed on both the knees, they are filled with hot medicated oil and kept for 20-25 mins. This is followed by synchronized Ayurvedic massage followed by steam (Nadi – Sweda). Then a paste of Ayurvedic herbal powders is applied on both the knees.
This treatment has proven to be a boon for the patients suffering from osteoarthritis, sports injury (ligament tear etc.)
Manya Basti
Same procedure when carried out on cervical spine, is called Manya (i.e. Neck) Basti.
It is advised for the patients of severe neck muscle spasm, cervical spondylitis.
Hrid Basti
Hrid Basti is part of treatment for Heart Diseases. This process enchance development of collaterals i.e. new arteries on the surface of the heart and thus helps in prevention of heart attacks. It is useful treatment before and also after CABG (Bi-pass) surgery.
Uttar Basti
Administration of oil through vagina. In this procedure, medicated oil / ghee is introduced inside the female reproductive tract.
This is a treatment for infertility, gynecological disorders.
Nadi Sweda
Continuous steam of medical decoction is given through a tube which is connected to a vessel containing herbs boiling in water. Disease affected parts of the body are treated with Nadi Sweda.
It is effective in treating pain disorders at different sites.
Patrapottali Sweda
Ayurvedic herbal powders and fresh herbal leaves are cooked in medicated oil and wrapped in a cotton cloth in the shape of a ball. Massage is given with adequate pressure with these pre-heated balls.
In this treatment, Snehan and Swedan is carried out at the same time. So the absorption of medicines is much faster and higher. Hence, the results are also encouraging.
This is a useful treatment in certain neurological ailments and management of different muscular and joint pains.
Sarwang Swedan (Whole Body Steam)
'Swedana' is sudation or sweating.
It is given with the steam of Herbal Concoction to improvise circulation and loosen the toxins from the individual. Swedana liquefies the toxins and throws them out of the body through sweat.
It is a treatment for Obesity, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis and stress related health problems.
Pinda Sweda
Cooked rice in the shape of a ball (cooked in herbal decoction and then processed) is tied in a piece of cloth.During this procedure, these balls are dipped in the decoction and a massage is given with adequate pressure with these balls.
This is an excellent treatment in Neuro-Muscular disorders (Pseudo muscular Dystrophy, Paralysis etc.) and Muscle Wasting.
Netra Tarpan
Lightweight fibre moulds are fixed over both eyes and filled with medicated ghee. This is kept over the eye for 20-25 minutes followed by gentle, soothing and scientific eye massage.
To remove excess heat from the body, foot massage is also given.
This is a treatment for eye problems like long sightedness, short sightedness, dryness of the eye, watering of eyes and also on weakness of eye muscles which causes squints.
It helps in problems of retina and optic nerve. It helps in reducing dark circles also.