AYURVEDA - "A gateway to Indian Medical Heritage."

Ayurveda in Sanskrit means "the science of Life". It is an ancient, unfailing system of treatment based on medicines prepared from herbal plants found in abundance in India. Ayurveda is an integral part of the people of India. In the recent years this ancient knowledge system of medicine has gained global acceptance especially for alternative ways of preventive, curative and rejuvenative processes making life a more pleasurable experience.

We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that.

We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.

Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: Ayu which means life and Veda which means the knowledge of.

To know about life is Ayurveda. However, to fully comprehend the vast scope of Ayurveda let us first define "Ayu" or life. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" is comprised of four essential parts. The combination of mind, body, senses and the soul.

Mind, Body and Senses

We tend to identify most with our physical bodies; yet, in actuality, there is more to us then what meets the eye. We can see that underlying our physical structure is the mind, which not only controls our thought processes but helps assist us in carrying out day-to-day activities such as respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination. The mind and the body work in conjunction with one another to regulate our physiology. In order for the mind to act appropriately to assist the physical body, we must use our senses as information gatherers.

We can think of the mind as a computer and the senses as the data which gets entered into the computer. Smell and taste are two important senses that aid in the digestive process. When the mind registers that a particular food is entering the gastrointestinal tract, it directs the body to act accordingly by releasing various digestive enzymes. However, if we overindulge the taste buds with too much of a certain taste, such as sweet, we may find that the ability of the mind to perceive the sweet taste is impaired; and thereby the body becomes challenged in its ability to process sweet foods. Maintaining the clarity of our senses is an essential part in allowing the mind and body to integrate their functions and help in keeping us healthy and happy individuals.

Soul

Ayurveda also sees that before we exist in physical form with the help of the mind and senses that we exist in a more subtle form known as the soul. The ancient seers of India believed that we were comprised of a certain energetic essence that precluded the inhabitance of our physical entity. In fact, they hypothesized that we may indeed occupy many physical bodies throughout the course of time but that our underlying self or soul remains unchanged.

What we see to help illustrate this concept is what transpires at the time of death. When the individual nears the time to leave the physical body, many of his/her desires will cease to be present. As the soul no longer identifies with the body, the desire to eat food or indulge in a particular activity that used to be a great source of satisfaction for that person drops by the wayside. In fact, many individuals have been documented to experience the sensation of being "out of their bodies."

Principles

There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:

1. Its recommendations are often different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to it's use of a constitutional model.
2. Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
3. It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
4. Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.

 In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.

Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination.

Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism.

Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues.

We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Ka pha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.

Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a persons health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplemen ts to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

What is Pancha Karma? And what is the rational behind the therapy?

The therapeutic management involved with Pancha Karma covers many aspects and is designed to achieve increased efficiency of medicines, foods and rasayanas (tonics). Before medicine, food or rejuvenative tonics are taken, it is essential that the body become receptive so that it is capable of absorbing and assimilating what is being taken and that the accumulated wastes and toxins are eliminated. An analogy of this would be if one tries to dye cloth that is heavily soiled and dirty the dye will not take very well; however, if the same cloth was properly cleaned then dyed the dye would work beautifully. In addition this therapy greatly enhances one's natural immunity thereby providing additional protection from many diseases and disorders.

This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another. We hope that you will continue to explore Ayurveda to enhance your health and to gain further insights into this miracle we call life.

Ayurveda where and How ?

Ayurvedic colleges, Hospitals, Health farms & Resorts and Nature cure Federations provide Ayurvedic treatments and recreational holidays all over India.

In addition Beauty parlours, at all major hotels, once catered exclusively to women, now have men’s section offering hair cuts and shaves. Today, there is a comprehensive range of skin and hair treatments for both men and women – hair massages with herbal oil, herbal face packs, manicures and pedicures.

Herbal cosmetic products, tonics and oils are widely used in India and a massage with herbal oils after a hectic day of activity is marvellously relaxing. Many of these are now available in department stores in the West.  

Mentioned below are some of the ayurvedic therapies offered  

PRIME BODY CARE IN AYURVEDA

Rejuvenation therapy (rasayan chikilsa)-14 Days- 

This treatment includes body massage with hand and foot with medicated oil, head-massage with oil and cream internal rejuvenated medicines and medicated steam bath. This therapy lasts 90 to 120 minutes per day for 7 to 14 days. It rejuvenates the mind, body and soul, tones up the skin, strengthens all systems so as to achieve ideal health and longevity.

Body purification therapy (Shodan Chikilsa) -15 days - 

It is a process of purifying the whole body to attain proper balance of vata, pitta, and kapha, based on Panchakarma and Swetakarma treatments. This 15 days package process includes body massage, Snehapanam, Nasyam, Verechanam, Sneha vasti, Pizhichil, Tharpanam, Sirovasts Steam bath. Herbal drinks, Herbal bath with medicated water.

Body immunization / longevity treatment -28 days -

(Kayakalpa Chikilsa)

This is the primer treatment in Ayurveda for reducing ageing process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system. Giving rasayana (A very special Ayurvedic Medicine internally is the main part of this programme based on Panchakarma and Swetakarma treatment. The 28 day package process includes body massage, snehapanam, virechanam, nasyam, snehavasti, kashaya vasti, pizhichal, njavarakizhi, tharpanam, sirovasti karnapooranam, medicated steam bath, yoga and medication. This treatment is best effective if taken before the age of 60, for either sex.

Body, mind and soul - 14 Days - 

An absolute stress reliever with a combination of yoga, medication, ayurvedic and holistic touches. Through this 14 days programme your body and mind is purified and more important, attains the temperance of mind.

Slimming programme -28 Days - 

In this two types of massages (1) Medicated herbal powder massage (2) Medicated herbal oil massage. Intake of herbal Juice, herbal preparations and ayurvedic diet is advised during this period.

Beauty care programme - 10 Days - 

In this programme herbal face pack, herbal cream massage, herbal oil massage and intake of herbal tea is included. The benefit of this programme is as follows : (1) It increases skin complexion (2) Beautifies body figure.

Karnapooranam - - 

In this process medicated fumes are applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps to clean the ear and avoid ailments associated with the ear.

Tharpanam - 

It is a cleaning process of the eyes which gives cooling effect, prevents cataract and strengthens the optic nerve.

Rejuvenation Massage - 1 Time - 

This massage includes whole body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand and foot for about 90 minutes. This is good for rejuvenating the body, improving the vitality and reducing mental tension and sexual weakness.

General Massage - 1 Time - 

Body massage with herbal oils or herbal powder for I hour by hand to tone up the body and to improve blood circulation etc.

Medicated Steam Bath - 1 Time - 

Certain precious herbal leaves and herbs are boiled and the steam is passed to the whole body for 10-20 minutes. This is good for certain skin diseases to eliminate impurities from the body to reduce fat etc.

Yoga and meditation 

Duration-The treatment may vary according to the direction of the Doctor and the rates proportionately.
Processes may change depending upon the patients body conditions.
For a single pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Dhara

PRIME TREATMENTS IN AYURVED 

Pizhichil 14 Days - 

In this treatment luke warm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained technicians in a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness and disorders.

Najavarakizhi 14 Days - 

It is a process in which the whole body or any specific part is made to persire by the application of certain medicinal puddings externally in the from of boluses tied up in a Muslim bag. This is done by two or four technicians for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is very effective for all types of Rheumatism, joint pains, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol, cholesterol, and certain kind of skin diseases.

Dhara 14 Days Thakra Dhara
Thyla Dhara 

In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated Butter Milk, etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, vata predominant diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi 14 Days Matra Vasthi
Sneha Vasth 
Kashya Vasthi 

Certain Herbal oils, herbal extract etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 - 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.

Sirovasthi 14 Days 

Specially prepared herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15-60 minutes per day, according to the condition of the patient for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly affective for facial paralysis; dryness of the mouth, nostrils and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of the head and other vata oriented diseases.

Udhvarthanam 14 Days 

This is typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 minutes, daily for period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like paralysis, obesity (excess fat), and certain rheumatic ailments.

Abhyangam 14 Days 

Special types of oil massage in which strokes are given, according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, gangrene (lack of blood circulation in the extremities of the body) etc.

Nasyam 14 Days 

Herbal juices, medicated oils, etc. are applied through the nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of head aches, paralysis, mental disorders, some types of skin diseases, etc.

Shenapanam 14 Days

Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoarthritis, skin diseases, etc.

Kizhi 14 Days 

Herbal leaves, herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is effective for all types of arthritis, spondylitis, sports injuries, etc.

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ayurvedic centres in India and Sry Lanka

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