Panchakarma is the purifying therapy for maintaining mental peace, spiritual equilibrium, and physical health. The therapies are usually administered over a course of few days to few weeks depending on the disease/health condition being addressed. It strengthens the immune system and restores well-being. Panchakarma is highly personalized, based on the needs of an individual depending on constitutional type, dosha status, age, digestive ability and immune conditions. They may be in the form of external treatments to the body or medications administered to the body through oral/ nasal/ anal routes.It is advised not to undergo a Panchakarma Therapy without consulting a qualified Ayurveda Physician.
Panchakarma not only cleanses the system, but also clears the illness and helps in better absorption of medicaments. Panchakarma procedures can be preparatory procedure (purvakarma) to prepare the body for the therapy and also post treatment care (paschatkarma) to allow the body to recuperate from the therapy. Periodically undergoing Panchakarma therapies ensure prophylaxis against seasonal diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis etc., and also lifestyle related diseases like obesity, early diabetes etc
Vamana – emesis – induced vomiting
Vamana is a treatment in panchakarma for treating kapha predominating disorders. After proper preparation of the individual through purvakarmas for about 5-7 days, therapeutic induced vomiting is carried out by giving emetic drugs orally along with a large quantity of medicinal liquids. The subject is allowed to vomit all the contents of the stomach. This treatment is very good for treating bronchial asthma, sinusitis, cough, psoriasis, eczema, epilepsy, and insanity etc.
Virechana – purgation – induced laxation
Virechana is a Panchakarma procedure for treating pita predominating disorders. After proper preparation of the individual through purvakarmas for about 5 to 7 days, Virechana is done by oral administration of Laxative herbs. This treatment is very effective for treating skin diseases, Acne, Hyperacidity, High Blood pressure, Depression, insanity, dermatitis etc.
Vasti – medicated enemas of decoctions or oils
Vasti means enema therapy, Vasti is one of the treatments in Panchakarma used for treating vata predominating disorders. It is of 2 types:
Sneha vasti: This is medicated oil enema; it is beneficial for constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache and dryness. The treatment nourishes and rebuilds the body tissues (Dhatus), restores and fortifies the body’s immunity. This promotes better nutrition while removing accumulated toxins (Malas) from the colon. Prior to this procedure the individual’s body is prepared by massage and steam bath especially for the stomach and lower back.
Niruha vasti: This treatment is normally done after a course of Sneha vasti. This is a cleansing enema where combinations of honey, salt, oil, herbal paste, and herbal decoction are administered as per the patient’s diagnosis and health condition. This procedure is effective for treating arthritis, constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis, flatulence, lower backache, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatism, sciatica etc.
Nasya – nasal medication
Advancements in technology and increased pollution is inducing major damage to our sense organs. Although our bodies have a wonderful filtrations system we can still suffer from congestion leading to ailments such as sinus and headaches. Nasya is a traditional treatment for relieving the discomfort associated with head and sinus problems. Mainly it is used in the elimination of vata & kapha related toxins above the clavicle.
Procedure:
In the purvakarma, the forehead and neck regions of the patient are gently massaged with suitable oil and fomentation given to induce sweating. During the pradhanakarma warm oil is dripped into the patient’s nostrils. After the treatment the throat, cheeks & forehead are massaged softly.
Rakta-mokshana – Bloodletting
This procedure is mainly used in the diseases resulting from aggravation of toxins in the blood. It is done with needles, leeches or suction cups. This treatment is very good for treating eczema, psoriasis, infections, gout, sciatica and in cases of stagnant blood causing local inflammation etc.
Rasayan therapy, lifestyle management, diet management, intake of herbal supplements etc.
Procedures to enhance immunity :
Our hospital also provides a variety of other procedures under panchakarma therapy apart from the above mentioned procedures:
1. Snehana (oleation)
Abhyanga is a Sanskrit word which means oil application. Ayurveda recommend daily Abhyanga and it should be practiced by everyone. When practiced daily bestows one with long life span, energy, complexion healthy joints and youthful skin. Abhyanga can be done as part of the steps of panchakarma therapy, especially in the first stage: Purvakarma (pre-treatment), or as its own therapy.
Abhyanga is used as a therapy provides cure for various disorders including stroke, Arthritis, Lumbar Spondylitis, Cervical Spondylitis, Sport Injuries, Parkinsonism and many other muscle, joint and nerve related disorders. This type of therapeutic massage should be performed by a trained therapist. Using specific oils with specialized strokes ensures maximum benefit to patient. Abhyanga however is not advised for people suffering from fever, obesity, indigestion and diarrhea
Procedure:
Abhyanga is performed over a specially designed wooden table (Droni) by trained masseurs. Oil processed with various herbs is selected based on person’s prakruthi.Our well trained Ayurvedic physician assesses this and decides the appropriate oils and exact way of massage. The massage begins after offering prayers. A lukewarm oil is applied followed by a body massage in 7 different postures listed below:
1. Sitting
2. Supine
3. Right lateral
4. Lying face down
5. Left lateral
6. Supine
7. Sitting
After the procedure, the person is directed to take herbal steam bath followed by a hot shower.
Benefits of Abhyanga:
• Reduces the aggravated Vata
• Calms the mind and gives relaxation thus induces sleep
• Tones up the blood vessel and nerves therefore prevents nervous disorders
• Strengthens all the sensory (skin, eyes…) and motor organs (hands, legs…)
• Relieves fatigue and feeling of exhaustion and tiredness.
• Maintains complexion of skin, prevents the signs of aging, dryness and itching of skin.
• Reduces hair fall.
• Improves the muscle tone and builds the immunity.
Padabhyanga
This ritual begins with bathing and cleansing the feet. Gentle pressure is applied to restore vital energy using anti-inflammatory oil on the feet and ankles to reduce swelling and relieve tiredness.
Shiroabhyanga
The focus of this treatment is on the head, neck, and shoulders. Using Ayurvedic oils this massage is performed in a seated position using gentle pressure to ease muscle tension. It is perfect for stressed tired shoulders, those who suffer from headaches and very beneficial for aiding a good night’s sleep.
Kativasti
The central portion of the body is called ‘Kati’. Vasti implies a retainer. Kativasti is an effective therapy for lower backache or stiffness or pain felt along the back.
A small well of black gram dough is made on the lower back. After ensuring that well is leak-proof, lukewarm herbal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the bone tissues, is slowly poured into it. The oil and dough well are removed after about half an hour. The affected area may be gently massaged with same oil. The patient is then advised to take rest for a short while.
In conditions such as gridrasi (sciatica) and osteo-arthritis of the hip, this gives better relief. In cases characterized by severe pain radiating down the leg, a combination of shamana (palliative) and shodhana (eliminatory) measures is necessary if a relapse is to be avoided.
Mukha Lepa
A specialised herbal lepa (paste) or mask is used to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and hydrate the facial skin and bring out the beauty within. The type of material is chosen according to the person's prakruti by the well trained physician.
Shirovasti
In Shirovasti, a leather sleeve, six to eight inches high is fastened with a varti (headband) to the head of the patient. The inside of the sleeve is lined with kneaded dough so that the oil does not leak. The patient is asked to sit in an upright position after abhyanga and swedana and oil is poured into this sleeve & allowed to remain on the head for a specifc duration. The length of time the oil should be kept there is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually it is up to fifty minutes for diseases caused by severe Vata disorders.
This treatment is indicated for disorders like facial paralysis, cataract, deafness, earache, insomnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves.
Shirovasti
In Shirovasti, a leather sleeve, six to eight inches high is fastened with a varti (headband) to the head of the patient. The inside of the sleeve is lined with kneaded dough so that the oil does not leak. The patient is asked to sit in an upright position after abhyanga and sweda and oil is poured into this sleeve & allowed to remain on the head for a while. The length of time the oil should be kept there is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually it is up to fifty minutes for diseases caused by severe Vata disorders.
This treatment is indicated for disorders like facial paralysis, cataract, deafness, earache, insomnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves.
Shirodhara
‘Shiro’ in Sanskrit means ‘head’ and ‘dhara’ means to ‘flow’. So, according to Ayurveda, the flow of oil on the head is known as Shirodhara. Here the medicated liquids are poured in streams over the head of the patient (healthy people can also undergo this treatment) for a stipulated period of time. The treatment is carried out for 2-3 weeks (depending on the condition of the disease and diseased).
Shirodhara has ability to make person undergoing it strong and immune, physically and mentally such that he or she can tolerate the extremes of life including diseases, stress etc; can overcome their health related issues; remain ageless; feel-good; look-good; and obtain the armour of prevention to many psycho-somatic illnesses.Thus it is used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hair loss, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Meniere’s disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. Shirodhara is thought to work by relaxing the hypothalamus in the brain. It can also normalize the functions of hormones that regulate sleep and emotions. Thus Shirodhara is a safe option to improve sleep quality among people who have sleep problems. Shirodhara is also effective in treating mental conditions such as anxiety, and mental stress. The calming effect produced by Shirodhara is similar to that obtained through meditation.
There are specialized forms of Shirodhara called Ksheeradhara, Thakradhara, Taildhara and Jaladhara.
Bashpa Sweda
It is a detoxifying steam therapy using private steam chambers bestowed with steam from handpicked herbs. It assists in purifying and releasing toxins. It thus leaves you with a glowing complexion, eased muscle tension and a sense of wellbeing.
An oil application and massage will precede the steam treatment to aid in the release of toxins and is highly beneficial for those looking for a cleansing therapy.
Patra Pinda Sweda
‘Patram’ means ‘leaf’. ‘PINDA’ means bundle ‘ Patrasweda’ is a kind of sudation therapy using herbal leaves. Herbal leaves are chopped and mixed with grated coconut, lemon, mustard and rock salt. The mixture is warmed in a pan and then tied up in a bolus made of thick cloth and used for fomentation. Prior to fomentation, Oil is applied to the patient's crown. As sudation is the primary aim of fomentation, a constant high temperature is maintained in the bolus by warming them every now and then.
It is best advised in rheumatic pains and associated swelling of the joints.
Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda
This involves fomentation of the body with a bolus of cooked rice. Shastika, a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional value, is cooked in milk and a herbal decoction. Four boluses are made of this cooked rice and tied up in linen bags.
The fomentation begins with the patients sitting upright on the droni with legs outstretched. The masseurs on either side perform the fomentation process in an identical manner. The movement of the hands during both fomentation and massage should always be downward.
In some cases, one of the three supine position may be avoided and the patient is made to lie face down. After the specified duration of treatment, the paste is wiped off with palm leaf scrapers, and a suitable type of oil is applied all over the body before the bath.
Udwartana means to elevate or to promote. The name can be attributed either to the treatment’s ability to improve the body condition or to the upward strokes used in massage here, unlike in other Ayurvedic treatments.
Udvartana is a special therapeutic deep tissue massage using herbal powders. This massage involves upward stroking, where the powder is rubbed forcibly on the body. The main benefit of the Udvartana is to remove toxins through the skin. However, Ayurveda doctors mainly recommend it for reducing excess cellulite and fat accumulated under the skin. It also tones the skin and provides strength to the body. The herbal powder is warmed by heating. The massage is done in the opposite direction to hair follicles by two therapists. The procedure is performed in seven postures. After completion the person is advised to take rest for 30 minutes, followed by a shower with warm water. Udvartana tones and exfoliate the skin, reduces fat tissue and weight, makes skin radiant and glowing, improves skin complexion, removes bad body odor, removes toxins and cleanses the skin.
Obesity
Udvarthana (Udvartana) is very effective in reducing fat accumulation. Overweight people can also get benefits from this technique to control their body weight. Rubbing herbal powder helps breaking down the cellulite and increases the burning accumulated fat.
Abdominal Fat Accumulation
You have a loose skin on arms, thighs or buttocks or if you are suffering from abdominal fat accumulation, then Ayurvedic powder massage is very efficacious in this situation. It helps to reduce subcutaneous fatty tissue and cellulite. It reduces body weight and assists other weight loss therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Udvartana (powder massage) reduces KAPHA and AMA. In rheumatoid arthritis, AMA is a main factor, so it is beneficial for reducing symptoms and inflammation of the joints. In some cases, rubbing the herbal powder with pressure can increase pain, so rubbing should be gentle and perform under the supervision of Ayurvedic physician. Ruksha Udvartana is more beneficial when stiffness with feeling of heaviness is the main symptom as compared to joint tenderness. If joint tenderness with redness is main symptom, then Snigadh Udvartana is more beneficial.
Body Stiffness
It removes body stiffness and helps to open blocked pores of skins. It facilitates absorption of beneficial oils in skin.
Increases Skin Glow
If you are a woman suffering from some nutritional problems and their effects appear on your skin or you have lost skin glow, then Ayurvedic powder massage will help to improve skin glow and complexion.
Opposite direction stokes that are performed in Udvarthanam help to soften and exfoliate the skin and remove the dead cells from the skin. It gives you a beautiful and
lustrous glow on the skin.
Removes Toxins
It is one of detoxification ayurvedic therapies, which cleanses the body and removes bad body odor. Udvarthana removes AMA or toxins from the body. It helps to prevent various diseases, which are caused by accumulation of toxins.
Exfoliates the skin
Ayurvedic powder massage tones and exfoliates the skin, removes the toxins and prevents skin diseases.
Improves Blood Circulation
Ayurvedic powder massage improves peripheral blood circulation.
Revitalizes the Touch Sense
Herbal powder massage, Udvarthanam revitalizes the touch sense.
Stress Reduction & Rejuvenation
It can be used for stress reduction and rejuvenation. The dry powder massage is useful in the following conditions:
• Motor Neuron Disorders
• Parkinsonism
• Muscular dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hemiplegia
• Sciatica
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cerebral palsy
• Skin diseases
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
Shalakyatantra (Ophthalmology & ENT)
Shalakyatantra is the branch of Ayurveda which deals with the management of diseases of structures above the clavicle viz. ear, nose, throat, mouth, eyes and head. Elaborate descriptions of aetiopathogenesis and treatment for such diseases as enunciated in Ayurveda treatises can be applied for effective management of these diseases. The department has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for eye and ear examination and offers unique Ayurveda treatments for:
Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
Kayachikitsa is the foremost of the eight disciplines in Ayurveda (Ashtanga-Ayurveda). It caters to diseases encompassing both body and mind. It is interesting to note that the word ‘Kaya’ implies the entire metabolism that takes place in the human body, and as Ayurveda considers most diseases as an offshoot of errant metabolism, Kayachikitsa literally aims at correcting this aberration. It is essential to note that the basic tenet of Ayurveda focuses not only on curing/managing a disease but also gives equal emphasis to maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. Therapeutics in Ayurveda is a judicious combination of interventions like Panchakarma, medications like churna (powder), vati (tablet), kashaya (decoctive), asava-arishta (fermented preparation), avalehya (concoction) etc., diet in consonance with the individual’s constitution (Prakriti) and lifestyle modifications. These are tailored to suit the individual and thus Ayurveda is a more personalised system of medicine. It is also very important in Ayurveda medicine to focus on enhancing the host factors for defence rather than merely targeting the disease mechanisms.
The Kayachikitsa department at our institution offers service in the following areas amongst others:
Prasutitantra and Streeroga (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
This speciality is the equivalent of Obstetrics and Gynecology of modern medicine. Ayurveda has elaborate explanations of women’s health across age groups. The details of Pre-conception care, Pregnancy care, Post-natal care are very intricately detailed. In addition, various gynaecological issues that cause much distress to women can be safely and effectively alleviated with the aid of Ayurveda treatments. Highly unique procedures like Yoniprakshalana (vagina douche), Yonipichu (medicated tampon), Uttarabasti (intra-uterine enema) are recommended to ensure optimal drug delivery and quick relief.
We offer special services including Garbhādhāna (pre-conception care) and Garbhiṇi and Sūtikāparicarya (care for mother during pregnancy and postnatal period). A well-equipped procedure room is made available to perform the unique Ayurveda procedures under hygienic conditions.
Some of the conditions catered to are:
Swastavritta
Svasthasya svasthyarakshana is one of the reasons the science of Ayurveda was developed. The core theories of Ayurveda applied on a day to day basis effectively keeps the body healthy and diseases at bay. A judicious combination of dietary and lifestyle advice and certain prescriptive herbs to boost general health helps the ‘milieu interior’ to face the ever changing ‘milieu exterior’. In addition, Ayurveda also prescribes certain behavioural modifications that can help for a positive psyche. The saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’, and MSR-ICAIM emphasizes on this by offering the following: