Treatments | Visraam Ayurveda

Shamana

Shamana Chikitsa is employed when the extent of vitiation is less and the duration of onset of the disease is short. Here only pacification of the abnormal components is required. It includes the use of various kinds of internal medication especially medicinal preparations that enhance digestion (deepana and pachana), Fasting (Upavasa), exercises (Vyayama), etc.

Shodhana

Shodhana Chikitsa or elimination therapy is employed when the vitiation of body constituents is extensive to such an amount that the elimination of these toxins from the body is inevitable for the smooth functioning of the body. Depending upon the site of localization of vitiated components and the type of component vitiated, the route of elimination is selected.

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Poorvakarmas

Sodhana chikitsa is supported by certain pre treatment procedures called as poorva karmas. They are essential for the successful outcome of elimination therapy. They are:

Snehana: External application and internal administration of oil, ghee and other fatty substances.
Swedana: Fomentation therapy where patient is made to sweat by the application of heat

Snehana and Swedana can be achieved in a number of ways. In Keraleeya Ayurveda Chikitsa or specific Ayurvedic treatment modalities of Kerala, different methods of poorvakarmas have been in use.

Njavarakkizhi

Njavara or shashtika is a special variety of rice. It is boiled and made to poultice. This procedure is known for rejuvenating nerves and tone muscles. It is a nourishing therapy.

Udvarthanam

This procedure is appreciated for its ability to remove underlying inflammation. It also reduces excess fat and bestows pleasantness to skin.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is a unique therapy of Kerala in which a steady stream of medicated oil poured on the forehead in a peculiar pattern. This therapy preceded by 30 minutes of massage for the whole body. It is effective in relaxing the mind. Very useful for mental relaxation, sleep disturbance, headache, hair problems and skin diseases.

Pizhichil

Pizhichil or Kaaya seka (pouring of medicinal oil from a short height all over body in a systematic pattern for a fixed duration along with light massage): It is a highly effective and widely applied procedure that can reduce pain and improve mobility. Depending upon the oil selected, the outcome differs. The vitiated body components become loose and detached from the body so that they can be quickly eliminated by cleansing or sodhana

Dhara

Dhaara (pouring of liquid or oil either all over body or localized to any area): According to disease, liquid or oil for dhaara The common types of dhaara employed are Dhanyamla dhaara, Takra dhaara, Taila dhaara, Kashaya dhaara, Ksheeradhara etc.

Shiro Abhyanga

This is the application of oil to head with gentle massage. It is a curative as well as preventive procedure. Regular oiling of head is good to prevent aggravation of vaatha dosha, enhances circulation and is relaxing. In diseases, oil prepared with drugs suitable to the condition is used. Shiro abhyanga has special effect in insomnia, depression, cervical spondylosis etc.

Abhyanga

This procedure is very relaxing and soothing to the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It improves flexibility of joints.

Elakkizhi

It is a fomentation therapy where medicinal leaves are made to poultice and the mode of application is same as above. Both are very effective poorvakarmas. They loosen and detach the excessively accumulated body components making their elimination from body easy.

Kateevasthi

Lukewarm oil is allowed to stay on the low back/ upper back or neck in a dam made with dough. This therapy relieves occupational tension build-ups, stiffness, spasm, pains and aches. The treatment is beneficial for sciatic pains and spondylosis.

Paadabhyangam

Mukha Abhyanga

Shodhana - Pancha Karma

Sodhana Chikitsa or elimination therapy is employed when the vitiation of body constituents is extensive to such an amount that the elimination of these toxins from the body is inevitable for the smooth functioning of the body. Depending upon the site of localization of vitiated components and the type of component vitiated, the route of elimination is selected. The various types are:

Vamana: Emesis, indicated when there is a predominance of Kapha dosha
Virechana: Purgation, especially done when pitta dosha is vitiated
Vasthi: Administration of medicine via rectum and elimination also via the rectal route. A very powerful therapy that is best to eliminate vitiated excess Vata dosha.
Nasya: Administration of medicine via nose and elimination via nasal route, employed for diseases of head and neck.
Raktha moksha: Elimination of vitiated blood or bloodletting