 Ayurvedic
system, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health
care system has been recognized the world
over as the most perfected body-mind rejuvenation
system. Kerala, the tropical paradise on the
southwest seaboard, is well known as the heart
land of Ayurvedic sciences. Kerala, the confluence
of different natural herbal systems, enriched
and fine-tuned Ayurveda. While the Ayurvedic
system was enriched by Siddha and Marma systems
in southern Kerala, it joined hands with Kalaripayattu
and Kalari Therapy in northern Kerala. This
resulted in the emergence of a new stream
of medicine in Kerala, noted for its special
procedures and formulations.
 Shiro
Dhara
Pouring of medicated oil over the forehead
is called Shiro Dhara. This is highly beneficial
in headache, mental tension, insomnia, stress
and disorders of central nervous system. Dhara
to the body is pouring of medicated oil on
the body and it is beneficial for many neuromuscular
conditions and rheumatism and general debility.
Pizhichil
Here lukewarm oil is poured in the body by
squeezing cotton cloth soaked in oil. This
is highly effective for Spondylosis, Hemiplegia,
and Arthritis. It immensely helps in body
and mind rejuvenation.
Navarakkizhi
Navarkkizhi is the massage using cooked Navara
rice in a cotton cloth bundle. It assures
health rejuvenation and is especially useful
in emaciated conditions like muscular degeneration
associated with neuromuscular disorders, rheumatism,
burning sensation of body etc.
Shirovasthi
 Medicated
oil is poured over a leather cap kept on the
head. This is effective for headache, hair
falling, burning sensation and treatments
of other diseases of ear, nose and throat.
Kizhi
The massage done with medicinal leaves or
powdered medicines kept in a cloth bag. This
is useful in many musculo-skeletal disorders,
degenerative conditions and neurological problems.
It improves circulation and restores energy
and vigour in health.
It is very much essential to do preparatory
health treatments before doing Pancha Karmam.
Snehanam - Here medicated
fat materials are taken internally and externally
in a systematic way.
Swedanam - Inducing sweating
in the whole body by different methods.
Instructions
to be followed during treatments
During the period of treatments or
the existence of disease, Ayurvedic scholars
in Kerala advise total physical and mental
health rest to enable quick recovery. This
is described in the form of several restrictions
and a very strict diet along with a regimented
lifestyle. It is very important that this
is followed strictly as instructed by the
physician in the resort.
The Ayurvedic texts say that
the patient who has undergone Pancha karma
(purification therapies) will be physically
weak with a poor appetite. Hence one should
be given proper health care with due precautions
against hazards.
-
Usage of warm water
for all activities (washing, ablution,
bath, drinking etc.)
- Maintenance of celibacy
-
Keeping the senses
under control and avoiding desires, reading,
writing and any activity, which strains
the sense organs and mind.
-
Allowing the natural
urges of the body like passage of flatus,
urine, bowel movement, sneezing etc.
- No exercise
- Resisting anger, gloom and depression
- Remaining away from cold, sun or wind
- Restricted movement of the body
- Minimum and mild speech
- Avoiding prolonged static posture
-
Not keeping a very
low or a very high pillow under the head
- Abstaining from sleep during daytime
-
Using footwear at
all times so that the feet do not come
in direct contact with the bare ground
- (Ref: Ashtanga Hrudayam Sootrasthanam
Ch 16 Verse 25-27)
This regimen is the same
generally for all therapies in Kerala and also
for all those who are afflicted with disease.
You can check with the health physician in the
resort whether all the above restrictions are
required for you or whether some of them can
be relaxed for you, based on your health condition.
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