Ayurveda Treatments

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Ayurclinic

• Ayurveda Therapies
• Therapies for Whole Body
• Abhyanga
• Herbal Steam Bath
• Pizhichil
• Kaadi Dhara
• Njavarakkizhi
• Podikkizhi
• Udwarthanam
• Lepam

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• Regional Treatments
• Head Massage
• Shirodhara
• Ksheera Dhara
• Takradhara
• Netratarpanam
• Gandoosha
• Kavala
• Ksheera Dhoomam
• Pichu
• Upanaham
• Kativasthi
• Greeva Vasti
• Urovasti

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• Wound Healing
• Pre Post Operative Care

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Ayurveda Therapies AYURVEDA, the most ancient
and traditional Indian holistic system of
medicine which is considered as the mother of all
healing systems, offers a range of and natural
therapies and herbal medicines to balance the
bodily principles and to integrate body, mind and
spirit. These therapies can be used, both to
treat various ailments (curative palliative),
as well as to improve general health (disease
prevention Rejuvenation). The effect of these
therapies differs with the oil, herbs and other
ingredients used.
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Therapies for Whole Body

• Abhyanga

Abhyanga (whole body oil massage) is one of the
most popular Ayurvedic therapies for the
preservation of health. It involves full body
warm oil massage. The type of oil used is
individual specific depending on their body
constitution. It can also vary according to the
seasons. Few of the oils used for Abhyanga
include sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard and
almond. Sometimes oil medicated with herbs are
used for specific conditions.Charaka Samhita
mentions about Abhyanga that the body of one who
uses oil massage regularly does not become
affected much even if subjected to accidental
injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage
daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch,
trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming
and least affected by old age. A daily Abhyanga
practice restores the balance of the doshas and
enhances well-being and longevity. Abhyanga is
relaxing, comforting and gears up your body and
mind. It is a powerful recharger and rejuvenator
of mind and body.There are two inputs in an
Ayurvedic massage The Medication and The
Technique
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The type of medication used can be oil, powder or
paste.The technique is the specific pattern and
pressure of the strokes employed while giving the
massage.For example, in a rejuvenating massage
the oils selected shall be with properties of
tissue nourishing, toning up the muscles,
stimulating the nerve endings and the pattern of
strokes will be in the direction of hair
follicles and from the origin of muscles to the
insertion. In a therapeutic powder massage for
obesity, the purpose is to cleanse and burn out
the excess adipose fat and hence the strokes will
be in the direction opposite to the hair
follicles. Having identified the body
constitution (Prakruti) and type of ailment
(Vikruti), a suitable type of massage can be
carried out.Benefits Abhyanga has a positive
impact on the whole body physically, mentally and
emotionally while balancing the individual
doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve
joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all
body movements free. This stimulating treatment
increases blood circulation, which in turn
encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes,
while providing relief to diseases such as
anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders,
rheumatic and arthritic problems, backaches and
injuries. Synchronized massage is also beneficial
in preventing wrinkles and scales, improving skin
texture and complexion, curing spondylitis, sleep
disorders, paralysis, improving physical
consistency, inducing sound sleep, increasing
general sense of well-being and life span.
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• Herbal Steam Bath

Method  Herbal Steam Bath treatment starts with
a gentle application of warm herbal oil all over
the body. Next the individual is made to rest
inside a steam chamber that lets out herbal steam
from medicinal herbs, making the individual
perspire profusely this promotes cohesion
between cells. The steam helps open up the very
small pores of the skin thereby removing all
wastes and pacifying the three doshas Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha.Benefits Herbal Steam Bath is
a perfect therapy for toning the skin and giving
it a special glow. It helps reduce skin acne by
cleansing and dilating the pores and washing out
toxin accumulation. A steam bath also eliminates
toxins from the body, clearing the respiratory
system and has an overall calming effect that
relaxes your mind. It helps to slow down aging
process and drooping of the skin by stimulating
it.
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• Pizhichil

The word Pizhichil means to squeeze. During
Pizhichil, oil is squeezed from a cloth dipped in
warm medicated oil on the whole body and hence
the name. Pizhichil, also known as kayaseka,
forms a part of Purvakarma in the panchakarma
therapy. It is an ayurvedic whole body therapy
using lukewarm medicated oil and accompanied with
co-ordinated massage therapy. It rejuvenates the
nervous and muscular system of the body and
stimulates blood circulation. Pizhichil therapy
is an ideal combination of two classical
Ayurvedic treatments Snehana (oleation) and
Swedana (sudation). Oleation is the oil therapy
and is subdivided as external oleation and
internal oleation. Sudation is the heat therapy.
The combination of snehana and swedana combines
the goodness of both oils and heat. In ancient
times it was only prescribed to the rich and
hence referred to as the treatments for kings.
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Procedure- In this treatment, the whole body is
bathed in streams of lukewarm medicated oil with
simultaneous soft massage. Copious amount of
medicated oil (almost 3 litres) is used for this
treatment. The oil or the medicated oil as
prescribed is warmed and kept in two or three
bowls depending on the number of masseurs.
Usually, there are two masseurs present on both
the sides. Cloth dipped in lukewarm medicated oil
is squeezed over the patients body and gently
massaged all over. The duration of Pizhichil
therapy is decided by the doctor after the body
constitution of the individual has been
determined. Normally the treatment may last from
fourteen to twenty-eight days. Benefits-
Pizhichil therapy protects the body from
illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthier
life. From relaxation and health point of view,
it helps in relieving anxiety, combating
depression, regulating blood pressure and
relieving body pains. It is especially beneficial
for ailments like rheumatic diseases, alleviating
arthritis symptoms overcoming paralysis, curing
sexual weakness and reducing neurological
disorders. From a beautification perspective, it
is excellent for keeping skin young and also
prevents aging.
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• Kaadi Dhara

Method Kaadi Dhara begins with the application
of suitable medicated oil to the entire body. A
special self-fermented, warm, medicinal
preparation made of different kinds of grains,
lemon, horse gram, etc. is poured continuously on
to the whole body.Benefits Kaadi Dhara is very
effective for Kapha Vata predominant conditions
of arthritis, paralysis, obesity, and muscular
pains and widely used in inflammatory
disorders, insomnia, mental disorders,
neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin
diseases.
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• Njavarakkizhi

Method Njavarakizhi therapy involves a generous
amount of medicated oil being applied to the
whole body. The body is then massaged with small
cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara
rice. The boluses are dipped in this regenerating
mixture of cows milk and a brewed herbal
decoction, and then applied all over the body to
induce sudation (sweat). Njavara in Malayalam
stands for the rice that grows in 60
days Kizhi stands for bolus.  Njavara is an
indigenous variety of rice grown in Kerala,
having medicinal properties.Benefits
Njavarakizhi treatment is highly rejuvenating,
nourishing and prepares the individual to bear
the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle. It
enhances physical consistency, strengthens the
nervous system and improves the overall
appearance of the skin. This is a strengthening
treatment employed in neurological disorders,
rheumatism, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.
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• Podikkizhi

Method Podikizhi is a Ayurveda treatment in
which the whole body or certain parts of the body
are fomented and made to sweat, by the
application of medicinal powders. Specific herbs
(black gram, horse gram, gingely seeds, and
herbs) are tied in muslin pouches and the warmed
herbal formula is gently pounded and pressed
into the skin by the therapists in a
synchronized, rhythmic motion. These boluses are
re-heated frequently and gently massaged over the
body. The treatment ends with a warm
bath.Benefits Podikizhi helps in curing
Kapha-Vata predominant conditions of arthritis,
back pain, paralysis, and muscular pains. This
treatment is useful for relieving deep seated
tension, increasing circulation, loosening built
up toxins, strengthening muscle tissue and
ridding the body of excess Kapha. It is
prescribed for diseases where there is vitiation
of kapha, heaviness of body, extremities and
obesity.
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• Udwarthanam

Method Udwarthanam is typically a deep tissue
and dry massage using herbal powders. This
massage stimulates hair follicles and
subcutaneous fat tissue to break down
subcutaneous fat storage. The treatment involves
upward stroking, where the powder is rubbed with
gentle force on the body.Benefits Udwarthanam
reduces blood cholesterol, obesity, skin
problems, imparts mobility to the joints,
strengthens muscles and refreshes the body. The
most promising effect is the slimming of the
body. This treatment softens and exfoliates the
skin, improves muscle tone, and is a favoured
treatment for those with sensitive skin. In
addition, Udwarthanam improves blood circulation
and is also known to be effective against certain
skin diseases.
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• Lepam

Method Lepam involves the application of herbal
paste externally over the affected area. The
herbal powder and the liquid to make the paste
are selected as per the individuals
condition.Benefits Lepam has a wide range of
usage from cosmetic purpose to severe skin
conditions. It proves very effective in
psoriasis, pimples, marks on skin, pigmentation,
arthritis with swelling and pain, injuries and
skin infections.
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Regional Treatments
Head Massage Method Head Massage is a
concentrated massage on head and face, using
Ayurveda techniques and special medicated oil
suited to individual needs.Benefits Head
Massage relieves stress and strain related
problems, improves memory and is known to have a
curative effect for insomnia, depression,
anxiety, etc. It bestows better vision, better
hearing and clears the nasal problems.
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Shirodhara Shirodhara is usually the usage of
specific oils poured continuously on the centre
of the forehead, and can be one of the steps
involved in panchakarma. In Sanskrit, shiras
means head and dhaara means stream. This steady
rhythmic pouring of oil allows the body to enter
into a state of deep relaxation. Shirodhara can
also be further classified based on the liquid
used for pouring. If oil is used for pouring, it
is called tailadhara. Herbal or medicinal oils
are used in tailadhara depending on the condition
of the person. If buttermilk is used, then it is
called as takradhara. Buttermilk can be combined
with herbs too. If milk is used, it is called
Kheeradhara. Here again, the milk can be combined
with herbs. When coconut water or plain water is
used, it is called jaladhara. Each of these have
their own effect depending on the type of dhara
and the medicinal herbs used.
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Method The person who has to undergo the
Shirodhara treatment lies on a table. The
Shirodhara vessel is a wide mouthed bowl with a
small hole at the bottom and a wick is inserted
through the hole. This vessel is hung over the
head of the person such that the wick is about
two inches above the forehead of the person. The
vessel is filled with the required liquid and is
made to flow in a continuous stream through the
wick on to the upper part of the forehead. A
cloth or cotton pad is placed above the forehead
to prevent the liquid flowing to the eyes. The
warm oil or other liquid used, is collected,
re-circulated, and the process continues for a
certain duration as suggested by the
practitioner. On completion of the flow of oil,
the client is allowed to rest for a few minutes,
before the residual liquid is wiped from the
hair. It is recommended to rest quietly for at
least a few hours after this treatment. Benefits
Shirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body
and mind, and relieves stress and strain related
problems, slows the aging process, improves
memory and is known to have a curative effect for
paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety,
hypertension and other neurological malfunctions.
It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears
nasal problems and calms the body and mind.
Shirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical
constitution of the individual
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Ksheera Dhara Method Ksheera dhara is a
relaxing treatment similar to Shirodhara but
instead of herbal oil, herbal milk infused with
special herbs such as cleansing turmeric powder
and fragrant sandalwood powder, is continuously
poured over the forehead or all over the body.
The gentle milk bath is followed by a relaxing
massage.Benefits Ksheera dhara is a great
therapy for people suffering from Vata and Pitta
predominance, headaches, insomnia and mental
stress. This moisturizing treatment relieves
anxiety and tension, and leaves the skin with a
healthy glow.
Takradhara Method Takra (buttermilk) and
Dhara (pouring) Takradhara is a form of
Shirodhara where medicated buttermilk, which has
tremendous cooling properties, is used as the
main ingredients for the treatment. It is poured
onto the forehead in a constant stream. This is
preceded by a head massage.Benefits Takradhara
prevents greying of hair, dandruff, hair-fall,
reduces headaches, increases digestive power, and
alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis,
Takradhara is administered on the affected area
to have a curative effect. This treatment helps
to calm the individual down, relieves insomnia,
depression and other stress related problems.
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Netratarpanam Method Ayurveda has some
special strengthening and purifying eye
treatments. Though the treatment varies for each
problem, Netra tarpana treatment aims at
providing optimum rejuvenation for the eyes and
acts as an antidote for tired and burning
eyes. Medicated ghee is retained in a reservoir
made over the eyes with black gram paste in the
procedure.Benefits Netra tarpana will have a
cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes,
relieve eyestrain, Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma,
improve eyesight, helps in preventing early
formation of Cataract, improper co-ordination and
loss of movement of the eye balls, and other eye
related problems. Gandoosha Method
Gandusha or oil pulling involves retention of
medicated oil or decoction in the mouth cavity
for several minutes. The Ayurvedic text Charaka
Samhita mentions Kavala gandusha  Kavala refers
to retaining oil in the mouth for a specific time
and gandusha is retaining oil while making
specific movements of oral cavityGandusha
assists in the process of pulling out oral
toxins. Just as the skin excretes body waste and
toxins, the tongue eliminates toxins and harmful
microbes from the body. The treatment involves
putting 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth and
swishing it for about 15- 20 minutes. It is
ideally done on an empty stomach, which is best
to pull out all kinds of built-up toxins from the
mouth and the body.
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Kavala Method Kavala  is one of the daily
morning routines practiced in Ayurveda, usually
after brushing teeth to maintain good oral
hygiene. The traditional choice is sesame oil,
which has to be swirled gently inside the mouth
for a specified period of time after which it is
spat out when the oil becomes thicker in
consistency. Each part of the tongue is mapped
with meridians representing different internal
organs. Kavala soothes and stimulates these
meridians that benefits the corresponding
organ.Benefits Kavala improves the voice and
brings a glow to the face. It is beneficial to
ear, nose and throat, strengthens teeth, gums and
jaws, and removes wrinkles. This therapy is
highly effective for diseases of jaw, allergies,
respiratory problems, indigestion, constipation,
heart disease, hypertension and
diabetes. Ksheera Dhoomam Method Ksheera
Dhoomam begins with the application of suitable
medicated oil on the face, neck and chest. The
face and neck are then subjected profuse
perspiration through steam generated from a
combination of cows milk and herbal
decoctions.Benefits Ksheera Dhoomam is
effective for facial paralysis, trigeminal
neuralgia, speech disorders, pimples and other
skin problems and nervous disorders of the face.
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Pichu Method Pichu is a palliative treatment
for ailments of the head and spine. During this
treatment, a long, thick layer of cotton wool
soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over
the affected area. The oil is replaced
periodically to keep it warm and therapeutic. The
warmth of the oil-soaked pads seeps into the body
and induces a deep sense of relief. Short, gentle
and rhythmic massage strokes further alleviate
stress and enhance the healing process. This can
be also done on other major joints in case of
swellings, injury or pain.Benefits Pichu as a
therapy is very effective for degenerative and
painful problems like backache, osteo-arthritis,
spondylitis, injuries, etc. Upanaham Method
It is done by application of  a warm, medicated,
herbal paste over the affected area, covering the
applied paste with medicinal herbal leaves and
bandaging over that with a cotton cloth bandage.
This application is removed after few hours as
per the requirement. Care is taken to avoid any
burn injury.Benefits Upanaham is well-known
for its ability to relieve pain, swelling and to
nourish the tissues. It is a very effective
treatment in Osteo-arthritis, joint injuries and
localized pain and swelling.
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Kativasthi Method Kati vasti involves
specially prepared warm herbal oil being poured
over the lower back and retained inside the black
gram paste boundary for the required
duration.Benefits The healing properties of
herbal oils used for Kati vasti deeply cleans and
enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong
muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the
joints keeping them flexible and pain free. This
therapy alleviates lower back conditions like
lumbar spondylitis, inter vertebral disc
prolapses, lumbago (low back ache), and
sciatica. Greeva Vasti Method Specially
prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck
and retained inside the black gram paste boundary
for the required duration in Greeva
vasti.Benefits The healing properties of
herbal oils used for Greeva vasti therapy deeply
cleans and enriches the blood, builds and
maintains strong muscle and connective tissues
and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible
and pain free. Greeva vasti alleviates neck and
upper back conditions like cervical spondylitis,
stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc.
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Urovasti Method Urovasti is a treatment
where a specially prepared mixture of warm herbal
oil is poured over the chest and retained inside
a herbal paste boundary.Benefits The healing
properties of herbal oils used for Urovasti,
enrich the blood and build and maintain strong
muscles and connective tissues. It is a
stimulating and therapeutic treatment for
muscular chest pain and asthma. Shirovasthi
Method In a Shirovasti treatment, a bandage
is tied and a cylindrical cap is secured around
the head. The medicated oil, warmed to body
temperature, is poured into the cap and allowed
to soak into the scalp. This oil is a mixture of
gingely oil, castor oil, ghee, common milk, and
various herb extracts these are boiled in order
to extract their full medicinal
propertiesBenefits Shirovasti is a great
therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia, and
depression. It is also useful for dryness of
nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches,
burning sensation of head, eye diseases, diseases
of cranial nerves and hair fall. It is also
helpful to improve memory and vision.
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Thalapothichil Thalapothichil is a special
procedure of application of medicated paste on
the head.  Thalapothichil is also called as
Shirolepa (head pack).  Thalapothichil is from
Malayalam where thala refers to head and
pothichil is covering. It is the traditional
Ayurveda treatment of Kerala which is very
effective in various psychosomatic disorders.
Basically Thalapothichil is cooling
treatment. Procedure The person is made to sit
in an easy position. A gentle oil massage is
given to head with specific medicated oil. An
herbal paste is freshly prepared by cooking it
with the buttermilk after carefully assessing the
condition of the person. The paste is applied
over the scalp in a layer of thickness of about
0.5 to 1 centimetre, leaving a small central
portion. A medicated oil is filled in this
groove. The paste is then covered with leaves
(plantain or lotus leaf) and cloth leaving the
groove open. At the end of the procedure the
paste is removed a gentle head massage is
given.Duration of the treatment 30 minutes to
45 minutes depending on the condition.
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Benefits Corrects imbalance of pitta
dosha Relaxes and calms down the mind has a
soothing effect on the body Stabilizes the
nervous system Activates the Marma (vital areas)
points Relieves stress, tension, heaviness of the
head Improves quality of sleep Improves lustre
and smoothness of hair Improves memory Relaxes,
rejuvenates and nourishes the head and neck
region. Thalapothichil is indicated in Insomnia
and sleep disorders Hypertension Chronic
headaches like migraines Burning sensation of the
body Certain skin diseases of scalp like
dermatitis of scalp, dandruff, hair
loss Premature greying of hair Certain types of
Insanity Epilepsy Chronic sinusitis Anxiety,
depression Some stages of mental retardation
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Avagahaswedam In this procedure, the person is
made to sit in a bathtub filled with a medicated
decoction for about 20 40minutes. The level of
the decoction in the tub can be up to navel
region or the neck, depending upon the condition
of the patient. This therapy is useful in
treating many vata disorders, body aches and
pains, stiffness in the joints loser back pain
etc. and is also very relaxing and
invigorating.
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Wound Healing Wound healing is a very natural
process. It is only when this natural process
fail to do the job, we need a therapeutic
intervention. Chronic non healing wounds and
ulcers can pose a big problem to ones health and
living. Weakened immunity and rebuilding power
can be a reason for the wound to become
non-healing. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive way
to rebuild not just the wound but also the vigour
and vitality of the body. The best part of it is
that it doesnt put any load on other systems of
the body. With 60 modalities dedicated to treat
wounds, Ayurveda can help body heal itself in a
most natural way possible. The treatment can
include external wound healing therapies,
internal medications and panchakarma. The wounds
can be anything but not limited to chronic
non-healing wounds, varicose ulcers, diabetic
ulcers, calloused and hypertrophic ulcers. In
clinic treatment Cleaning, treatment with herbal
decoctions, herbal pack bandages.
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Pre Post Operative Care Surgery can be
stressful both for the mind and the body. It is
important that the body is in optimum functioning
capacity before undergoing surgery for a
successful outcome and also that the body is
supported to regain its composure and functioning
after the surgery. Certain herbs and herbal
preparations help the body immensely to overcome
this shock. They also help in wound healing,
reducing pain, inflammation and infection,
regaining normal digestive functions and
regularizing bowel movements naturally. They
boost the immunity and blood quality so that the
chemical drug interventions can be minimized and
holistic health can be promoted.
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For ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga and meditation
treatments, therapies and massage services,
consult specialist ayurveda doctors at ayurveda
Melbourne clinic Book your Appointment    Call
us 61 3 9078 2940 Website
www.ayurclinic.com.au E-mail
info_at_ayurclinic.com.au