Sampoorna Ayurveda Clinic

Abhyangam is a popular body Ayurvedic treatment. The word abhyangam means application of medicated oil all over the body.

In Ayurveda, the Abhyangam treatment has become popular because of its effective way of conditioning the body. Abhyangam can be used therapeutically. The treatment is designed around each individual, to suit his or her disease or condition. An ayurvedic physician can assess this and will then decide on the appropriate oils and the exact way of execution.

Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defence mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way abhyangam treatment is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power. To massage is to exercise the nervous system.

In Ayurveda the Abhyangam treatment is described as:

1. Jarahar (anti-aging) - If done daily to the spine, feet and head with medicated Ayurvedic oils abhyangam increases vitality. The body is made up of seven tissue ingredients that are called as Dhatu. Because abhyangam is one practice, which provides energy, vitality, and nourishment to all seven Dhatus and old age approaches late, one remains young and energetic for longer duration. In this way, abhyangam is anti-aging.

2. Shram Har (fatigue reliever) - Fatigue is actually caused by physical and mental strain. It affects the muscles and causes tensions. Rubbing, patting and squeezing muscles gently removes fatigue.

3. Vata Har (pacifies the Vata) - Constant strain on the nervous system from Vata producing foods and anxieties disturb the Vata and one starts having pain in the muscle and joints. Regular abhyangam with Mahanarayana oil or Dhanvantharam oil help the troubles created by Vata.

4. Drishti Prasad Kar (Improve sight) - Daily practice of abhyangam can improve sight and reduces the risk of blindness. Those who have weak sight or who suffer from diseases of the eyes should apply oil on the feet, especially under the big toe. They should also apply oil on the spine, neck and head regularly. This will remove eye troubles and improve vision.

5. Pushti Kar (make one strong) - By increasing the circulation of vital life fluids, and because of rubbing, pressing and kneading movements makes the body strong, increases stamina, vitality andvirility.

6. Ayu Kar (provides longevity) - By creating an electrochemical balance, abhyangam helps in achieving longevity.

7. Swapna Kar (induces sleep) - Abhyangam relaxes the body and removes tensions. Those suffering from sleeplessness, insomnia or those who are unable to enjoy sound sleep should massage the body (especially the head and feet) before sleeping. The use of oil in this case, especially oil from pumpkin seeds, massaged on the head is very helpful. Brahmi oil is also advised.

8. Twak Dridh Kar (strengthens the skin) - Dryness of the skin is caused due to dry climate, excess mental work, anxieties and constant worrying. People who live in cold climates get dry skin by constantly facing the chilled air, which creates dryness. Vata, by nature, is cold and dry and its cold property is more active when there is a cold wave or cold wind. The skin directly comes into contact with the external atmosphere, and the skin also reflects like a mirror to the inner state of the physical body. There are so many other factors that make skin unhealthy like cosmetics of chemical origin, pollution etc. Applying oil remove dryness, which is first sign of disturbed Vata in the body. It also makes the skin smooth and makes it shine. Regular application of the oil makes it strong.

Pizhichil is an ayurvedic massage with lukewarm herbal oils.

Pizhichil is a gentle and synchronized Ayurvedic treatment, which is done with constant flow of warm medicated oil. This Ayurvedic treatment involves an oil application over body by a cloth soaked in oil. Patient is made to sit on a chair specially made for this Pizhichil therapy and medicinal oils are then applied over the body and head.

Shirodhara is also performed as required during the treatment. Through squeezing a clean cloth dipped in oil, the warm medicinal oil is poured over the body in a continually flowing single stream.

The Ayurvedic treatment of pizhichil has been given importance as it gives good results in curing various body ailments like joint problems, muscle tension, increases blood circulation,

It is also effective in treatment of -

• Hemiplegia – a condition in which limbs of one side become severely weak.
• Paraplegia – a condition that signifies complete paralysis of lower half of the body.
• General debility – it is the loss of body's strength

• Sirodhara is a luxuriant and easy way to achieve instant calm and rejuvenation.
• It derives from two Sanskrit words: shiro and dhara. Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. It involves the consistent flow of medicated oils on the forehead, specifically on the 'third eye'. This is the chakra point just above the eyes and between the eyebrows. It is said to be the seat of human consciousness.
• As the oil strokes the third eye, it has a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain, stimulating the endocrine system, the pituitary and pineal glands (for hormonal upsets) and pleasure neurotransmitters (for depression or emotional insecurity). The lukewarm, medicated oils are allowed to flow over the scalp and through the hair for a defined period of time, creating a blissful sensation. A gentle relaxing siroabhyangam accompanies this.
• Sirodhara is an effective therapy for mental relaxation and cures insomnia, stress, depression, and decreased mental agility. The procedure is also said to synchronize alpha brain waves, enhance blood circulation to the brain, and improve mental clarity and generally releasing deeply trapped, or toxins. This is a tantalizing yet tranquil form of Ayurvedic oil treatment.

Njavarakizhi is an Ayurvedic treatment that strengthens and rejuvenates.

• Njavarakizhi is a special treatment to make your body perspire by the external application of certain njavara (Ayurvedic term) or cooked rice in the shape of boluses tied in cotton or muslin bag, immersed in a mixture of warm milk and decoctions. This therapy takes about 60 to 90 minutes and involves two to four therapists. The duration of this treatment may be from one day and to 14 days according to the conditions of the patient and as decided by the expert.
• The whole process starts with application of oil to the whole body and then massaged with cotton cloth boluses filled with rice dipped in herbal decoctions and sweat is induced. The movement is from upwards to downwards and the temperature of the kizhi has to be maintained. The procedure is carried out on the patient in seven positions. It starts with the position of the person sitting in the upright position and some positions would be avoided in certain cases.
• Njavarakizhi therapy strengthens nerves, calms the minds and reduces stress. It cures Rheumatic troubles and reduces arthritis. Rejuvenates skin, treats neurological disorders, acts against blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.

ElaKizhi is a popular therapy using herbal leaves.

Elakizhi treatments can be done on a perfectly healthy person in order to improve his/her immune system, vitality and longevity of life. This therapy can be offered in different combinations depending on the direction of the physician. Each of these combinations gives a curative and rejuvenating effect after being treated for a given period and repeated at specified intervals.

Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various medicinal powders and herbs. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and the entire body is massaged, particularly shoulders, neck, hands and back, changing the position of person from side to side. The treatment promotes better circulation in the affected area thereby causing increased perspiration, which helps the skin to remove debris. It also helps tone up the skin and is extremely relaxing.

Elakizhi is also called "ilakizhi" is a bolos bag massage with medicinal leaves and herbs.It is very effective in improving muscle strength, relieve pain and cure diseases of the body such as arthritis and paralysis. In this treatment, herbal leaves are applied to the entire body in warm medicated oils.The treatment is also known by the name of Patraswedam.

• Udwarthanam is an invigorating Ayurvedic treatment using herbal powder.
• Udwarthanam is an Ayurvedic body scrub that details the specific use of a herbal paste called lepam, which is made from dry grain, medicated milk and a variety of oils. (Another less common method is through the application of steam)
• In this therapy, the body is massaged after an application of the above mentioned herbal paste to the skin. A warm bath that accompanies Udwarthanam then washes away the paste, all the while emitting a lovely scent of leaves.
• There are many different types of Udwarthanam, and they are categorized with reference to their purposes, whether it is medical or for relaxation. One of the most distinctive features of this treatment, as we have observed and which concurs with what our clients have reported to us: it leaves the skin glowing a "lustrous" colour.
• Udwarthanam 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 eases joint pains, and is also known to be effective against certain skin diseases.

Podikizhi is a method of therapeutic fomentation.

Podikizhi belongs to a group of Ayurvedic treatments of high repute called Swedanakarma. Here small linen bags filled with medicated powder are heated and applied all over the body to induce sweating. The medicines, the medicated powder is made into two bundles and applied by two therapists simultaneously on different parts of the body. Abhyangam is followed by application of the heat with the warm packs of medicated powder.

Podikizhi is effective in the treatment of many diseases caused by disrupted Vata and Kapha doshas like rheumatic disorder, Arthritis, Spondylosis and Paralysis. Muscular sprain and stiffness can also be prevented using Swedanakarma and the treatment is found to tone up the musculature.

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. Pichu, one of the Purvakarma therapies, is considered an effective treatment for diseases of the cranial nerves arising from Vata disorder. This therapy is very effective for degenerative and painful spinal problems.

It is beneficial for Mental Wellness - Combating chronic headache, reduces insomnia, treats hysteria, Counteracts hallucinations.

Also beneficial for Spinal and Nervous problems - alleviating back pain, treating Osteo-arthritis, relieving Spondylitis, curing degenerative injuries.