Ayurveda as a medical system understands, explains and treats all
diseases with available natural resources. All of Ayurveda’s guidelines,
philosophies and fundamental principles are concentrated around the
individual. Health therefore is a bio-physical and psychological state
of well-being and a contented state of consciousness. In Sodhana Chiktsa
this is achieved through the detoxification of the body.
Sodhana Chikitsa - Purificatory Treatment
This is the removal of all accumulated toxins from
the chronically diseased body-mind complex through the natural openings
of the human body. When these toxins are eliminated, the dynamic equilibrium
within the body is restored to normalcy. The process of purifying the
entire body is called as Panchakarma and is applicable to both the diseased
and the healthy alike. It is a five-fold therapy that is highly personalized
based on the individual’s body type (Prakrithi) and Imbalance
of Doshas ( Vikruthi). It involves a series of intensive treatment procedures,
which facilitate deep cleansing and nourishment of body tissues. Achieved
by repeated applications of oil and heat therapy, the aim
of this treatment is to loosen and liquefy the Doshas, which will move
to the alimentary canal from the peripheries and be eliminated. Usually
only parts of the therapies are required. The process is classified
into three stages:
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Purvakarma – Preparatory Phase
-
Pradhanakarma – Main Treatment Phase
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Paschathkarma – Post Treatment Phase
This is the process of inducing well-monitored emesis. Through this
method, the stomach is purified and vitiated Kapha is expelled. This
is especially effective for Asthma, Psoriasis, etc.
Virechanam - Purgation
This is prescribed for treatment of disorders relating to Pittha such
as skin disorders, diabetes, jaundice, ulcers and other rheumatic diseases.
Specific drugs are used on a programmed basis to eliminate the toxins
of the intestines.
Vasthi - Therapeutic Enema
Vasthi is another important form of treatment in Panchkarma and it
is very effective in curing disorders relating to Vatha such as arthritis,
paralysis, and gastric complaints. Medicinal fluids are administered
as Enemas. There are three types of Vasthis – Sneha Vasthi (Oil),
Kashaya Vasthi (Decoction) and Uthara Vasthi. Uthara Vasthi involves
administering enemas for the reproductive organs and is prescribed for
urinary disorders, impotency and infertility, etc.
Nasyam - Nasal Medication
Nasyam is the administration of medication through the nostrils, inhalation
of medicated herbal preparations, etc. According to Ayurveda, the nasal
passage is the gateway for the head and is the easiest access thereby
being the most convenient method for delivering the full potency of
the medicine administered. This is indicated as curative for diseases
of the head, neck, thorax, etc. Nasyam is said to reduce hair fall,
improve vision and enhance complexion.
Rakthamoksha - Blood Letting
Rakthamoksha refers to the removal of vitiated elements from blood
by blood letting. This is practiced in diseases of blood, skin, etc.
Before doing Purificatory Treatments, the body is subjected to internal
and external oleation - called Snehana and Swedana - a dual effect to
make the body perspire. The time period for this depends on the chronicity
of the ailment. There are some specialized and unique treatment methods
for the same called Kerala Specialty Ayurvedic Treatments. These highly
effective curative treatments include the following procedures:
This is a therapeutic procedure, which involves the application of
medicated oil all over the body. In Abhyanga, the patient is made to
lie prone on a wooden treatment table called Droni. Medicated Oil is
then applied all over the body and the patient is given a therapeutic
massage. Abhyanga promotes strength, firmness of musculature, complexion
and vigor. It eases the premature effects of old age and provides relief
from strain and exertion.
In this procedure, the patient is made to lie on the treatment table
and linen dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed over his body. While
the Oil spreads and flows, the patient is simultaneously given a gentle
rhythmic massage. Kaya seka has wonderful effects in curing disorders
of the nervous system. Kaya seka has been found effective in the cure
of diseases such as Spondylosis, Arthritis, Paralysis, Muscular Dystrophy
and other allied disorders. This is also designed in response to specific
complaints and is performed as rejuvenative therapy to maintain good
health.
The head is considered to be the prominent command center of the human
body. Dhara means pouring of a liquid in a nonstop flow. Dhara is another
specialized treatment found to be effective for diseases of the head,
insomnia, impaired memory and fatigue. In the Dhara process, the patient
is made to lie supine on the treatment table. Medicated Oil is then
liberally applied over his head and body. Then a continuous stream of
prescribed medication (Oil, Decoction, etc) is made to drip steadily
on his forehead from a specific height through a specialized apparatus.
Dhara when done on the head alone is called Urdhwanga Dhara
and when the process is done throughout the body, it is called Sarvanga
Dhara. Takra Dhara is another variation of
Urdhwanga Dhara.
The multiple effects of this special treatment make it the most important
and also the most sought after. In Navarakkizhi, medicated oil is applied
liberally to the body. Bags of Navara rice, specially cooked with milk
and other herbal decoctions are then used to massage the body. (These
bags are kept dipped in the same decoction kept lukewarm over a flame.)
The body is then wiped dry and the same process is repeated. This treatment
is prescribed for paralysis, muscular dystrophy, poliomyelitis, etc.
This form of treatment may also be prescribed for healthy persons as
it promotes health, prevents premature aging, enhances complexion and
improves digestion.
This treatment again is associated with the head and disorders pertaining
to the nervous system. It comprises of keeping prescribed medicated
oil at bearable temperatures on the head through a fitted leather cap.
It is effective in curing Optic Dystrophy, Bells Palsy, Migraine, Facial
Paralysis, etc.
In this procedure, a piece of cloth is tied on the forehead above the
eyebrows and medicated paste is applied profusely all over the head.
The head is then covered with a plantain or lotus leaf. The period of
treatment may range between one to one and a half hours. This is indicated
as the cure for mental disorders.
Paschathkarma is also known as Samsarjan Karma. This is the post treatment phase and is a regimen involving specific diet aimed at improving the digestive efficiency of the patient. It is prescribed along with health promoting and calming therapies.
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