There are several unique procedures for performing Kerala panchakarma, which is implemented depending upon the type of the disease.
Abhyanga( Massage); it’s an individually prepared herbal-oil Ayurveda body massage. Designed to penetrate oil deeply into the skin, relax the mind-body, break up impurities, enhance the ability of nutrients to reach cells, and allow for the removal of stagnant waste. It is a technical adaptation of touch, which is an absolutely primal and a basic instinctive need for the living being. It relies upon the power and magic of touch for efficacy. It heals, it comforts and it brings a warm glow of security that encircles both the giver and receiver in a peculiar kind of bonding. It is beneficial for stress, muscular tension, stiffness, pain and swelling, excessive scar tissue formation, muscular spasm, tension headache, and eye strain.
Swedana (Sudation): is an individually herbalized fomentation in different methods. Medicated steam bath commonly administered with a steam box. Depending on the patient we are adding different herbs to the steam generator. Sudation therapy is beneficial in arthralgia, OA, low back pain, dyspnoea, cough, hiccup, heaviness, stiffness, and rigidity of body parts, headache, pain on neck, Bell’s palsy, paralysis, loss of sensation, and sciatica.
Shirodhara: (Pouring oil on head) is administered by mildly and methodically pouring warm medicated oil over the forehead. Medicated oil, medicated buttermilk – decoctions may use for the same purpose depends upon the patient’s need.
Synchronizing brain waves and profoundly coordinating and calming the mind, body, and spirit. Every human being is considered to be like a tree with an inverted position. The roots of the tree carry all mineral substances and water for nourishment. Likewise, all ayurvedic treatments are done on the head like Shirodhara, shirovasti, etc relaxes and revitalizes all sensory organs including the Central Nervous System, regulates hormonal balance, and improves mental alertness. Shirodhara is good for autoimmune diseases, stress and strain, insomnia, chronic headache, anxiety, paralysis, depression, Alzheimer’s disorder, and various diseases related to the central nervous system.
Takahara is a variant form of Shirodhara, which involves a continuous and steady flow of medicated buttermilk over the forehead. Takahara is especially good for psychosomatic problems, like psoriasis, stress, and insomnia.
Pizhichil is one of the special Ayurveda treatments in Kerala developed by Kerala scholars, in which a continuous stream of warm medicated oil poured over the whole body followed by Ayurveda massage in perfect unison. It is extremely soothing and relaxing. It acts as a free radical scavenger, toning, strengthening and deeply rejuvenating the whole body. This also increases vitality and immunity. It is prescribed in clinical conditions like paraplegia, hemiplegia, and other Vata predominant ailments.
Udwartana is a deeply penetrating powder massage for reducing body weight and the removal of stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body. The powder massage is usually done upward direction. As the massage promotes active blood flow, it revitalizes and reconditions the body, thus preserving its strength, skin texture, and natural elasticity.
SSPS- Shashtika Shali panda Sweda = Njavarakkizhi is a tissue-nourishing treatment, using highly nutritious rice called ‘Njavara’. Hence, its benefits in treating paralysis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis, diabetic neuropathy, intervertebral disc prolapse, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. are superior. Njavarakizhi is also an excellent rejuvenating therapy to keep the body young and healthy. It nourishes the muscles, improves their tone, and imparts longevity.
PPS (Patra Pinda Sweda) = Elakkizhi is an innovative classical Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala with medicated leaves. Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs; the poultices are heated to moderate warmth in medicated oils and used to treat. It is used to tackle joint pain, muscle cramps, stress, and arthritis; it rejuvenates the musculoskeletal system and is good in post-traumatic cases.
Tarpanam is a highly powerful procedure that rejuvenates the eyes. The paste of black gram is applied around the eyes and the medicated ghee is then poured in the eyes for a time described according to the diseased condition. The active ingredients of the ghee medicine start the regeneration process and the vision is restored. Tarpanam is said to improve eyesight, strengthen the optic nerve and prevent different eye diseases.
Kativasti is done by retaining a certain amount of warm medicated oil on the low back of the body. This is one of the most effective treatments for many degenerative disorders in that area. Diseases like chronic backache, sciatica, lumbago, weakness of lower limbs, etc. are treated using Kativasti.
Januvasti is done by making a reservoir with black gram paste around the knee joints and filled with warm medicated oil. This is followed by a brief massage of the area. It is very beneficial in knee joint pain due to different diseases and it strengthens the knee joints.
