Other Treatments

Avagaha is a method of sweating for which the patient is seated in a tub full of hot herbal decoction. According to the condition of the disease suitable medicated oil can be applied to the body before this. This treatment aims to sweat the body and thereby to make the vata moving in its own root.

Mode of action

It is a method of preparation for the cleansing treatment or the Panchakarma. The oil application and the thorough sweating of the body help for the expulsion of the toxins from their bonded sites very easily. Because of the sweating, it gives relief from pain and stiffness of the joints and the back.

Indications

For pain in the lower back, upper back and hips

All the diseases of the urino-genital system

Choornapinda is a bolus/potali with dry medicated powder. Sudation with this bolus is called Choornapindasweda

Choornapindaswedam is a type of bundle massage in which the bags are filled with herbal powders. The type of powders can be different depending on the condition. The herbs are transformed into a coarse powder and warmed in a dry pan and tied to bags in 4 cotton cloth pieces. These are usually heated in medicated oil throughout the massage.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering from all types of inflammatory arthritis, degenerative diseases, diseases of the spine and vertebral column.

Pouring of warm medicated liquid herbal decoction called Dhanyamla all over the body from head to neck is called Dhanyamladhara. In some cases of extreme inflammation, even body massage and application of oil on the body and head may be avoided. Then the warm liquid will be poured all over the body with gentle strokes on the body. The liquid is again collected and warmed for further use. Then the patient can take rest for a few minutes.

Mode of action

Because of the acidic nature of the liquid, it helps for the absorption of the inflammation. The herbs present in the liquid are also having anti-inflammatory action, so it relieves the pain and inflammation.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory conditions, Muscular sprain, Obesity, Thyroidism, Chrome fever

Jambheera Pinda Sweda is a medicated bolus prepared with lemon and herbal medicines also with some other ingredients. This massage is rather intense as the bundles are applied or pounded on the body. Few lemons are cut into pieces and fried with other ingredients like turmeric powder, coconut scrapings, fenugreek seeds, sesame seeds, rock salt, horse gram etc. till the lemon becomes tender. These are made into bags in two pieces of cotton clothes. These bags are warmed in medicated oil or castor oil throughout the process.

Mode of action

The application of warm bundles on the body improves the peripheral circulation and thereby enables easy absorption of the medicaments through the blood and lymphatic circulation. The pain relieving and anti-inflammatory herbs present in the bundles relieves the pain and stiffness of the affected parts.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering from Sciatica, Spondylosis, Low backache, Acute inflammatory arthritis etc.,

A specialised treatment in which warm medicated oil is kept on the affected part inside a boundary made of herbal paste over the lower back. This is usually done in the back region.

Mode of action

The warm oil over the affected part improves the blood circulation, and the medicaments get absorbed into the effector organs. The oil relieves pain and stiffness through its localised action. It nourishes the degenerated joints also.

Indications

This is a unique herbal treatment for Spinal related disorders, back pain, lumbar spondylosis, degenerative intervertebral disc prolapse, sciatica etc.

Shirodhara using medicated herbal decoction is called Kashayadhara. For this purpose, different types of herbal decoctions can be used depending on the condition. At first, suitable oil for the head and body are applied, and a gentle massage is done on the body. Then the patient is laid on his back to get the flow of the oil on the forehead. After finishing the dhara the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes.

Mode of action

The medicaments applied on the head get absorbed through the scalp and hair follicles. These medicines will act on the body and head according to the disease condition. The gentle movement of the flow on the forehead helps for relaxation and provides good sleep.

Indications

For all types of nervous degenerations

For different types of headaches.

For diseases due to old age etc.

Shirodhara using medicated milk is called Ksheeradhara. Pure cow’s milk is medicated with herbs like sandalwood, camphor, vetiver roots etc. The temperature of the milk is made lukewarm in the beginning and then maintained at room temperature throughout the process. After that, the head of the person is wiped well, and the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes.

Mode of action

The medicaments applied on the head get absorbed through the scalp and hair follicles. These medicines will act on the body and head according to the disease condition. The gentle movement of the flow on the forehead helps for relaxation and imparts good sleep.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering from all types of Pitha diseases, headaches, insomnia, mental stress, anxiety, to improve memory and concentration

This is a unique treatment procedure where the patient is treated with dhooma or steam emerging from heating medicated milk. This is the best method of sweating for the head and face. Under this process, a herbal decoction is prepared, mixed with milk and boiled in a closed vessel. From this vessel, steam will be released through a tube. Usually, a decoction of bala roots (Sidarettusa) is used, mixed with pure cow’s milk for most of the vata diseases. Care should be taken to protect the eyes from the hot steam.

Mode of action

With the warm milk steam, the body part sweats and opens the skin pores. This will help to relieve the inflammation and stiffness of the organs and also enables the proper movements of the elements through the channels.

Indications

It is indicated in Facial palsies, speech disorders, ptoris or leavatorpulpebral muscle palsy etc.

Application of a suitable medicated herbal paste on the affected body part is called Lepa. This can be used for many conditions according to which the herbs can be selected. This is usually done only during daytime and kept until it dries. The thickness of the paste depends on the need of a particular condition. It has to be removed before the paste dries. Lepa should be avoided in patients sensitive to heat and having sensitive skin. The temperature of the paste can be warm or at room temperature as per requirement.

Mode of action

The pack on the body part improves the blood circulation of that part and thereby helps the absorption of the medicaments.

Indications

It is very effective in inflammatory conditions and is also good for skin diseases. Lepanam is used for improving skin complexion, in pain management.

This is an eye treatment to nourish and correct the diseases of the eyes. The procedure includes collecting well melted and strained medicated ghee over the eyes. For this purpose a boundary is made around the eyes using herbal paste. This is a compelling treatment to rejuvenate the eyes and also for the cure of the diseases of the eyes.

Mode of action

The ghee, in general, has a specific property to carry the qualities of the herbs used for medicating the ghee to the corresponding organs easily. Because of the pitha dominance of the eyes, ghee will be the best medicine for the eye diseases. The active ingredients of the ghee will be absorbed through the structures of the eyes, and it stimulates the ophthalmic area of the brain and the optic nerve.

Indications

Refractive errors of the eyes

Degenerative diseases of the eyes and the optic nerve

Diseases due to over use of the eyes

Damages of the eyes

Patra Pinda Sweda is a type of massage done by bundles or cloth bags filled with herbal leaves and some other ingredients. Compared to Abhyanga (oil massage) this one is h4er as the packets are applied or pounded on the body. The type of leaves or the other ingredients can be variable depending on the condition of the disease. The leaves are cut into small pieces and fried in neem oil or any other suitable oil with the other ingredients and tied in 4 cotton cloth pieces to make the bags. These are usually warmed in medicated oil throughout the massage. This massage is generally done by 2 persons. After the massage the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes and later a hot water bath is given.

After the gentle body massage, the warm bundles are applied all over the body from neck to the legs. Special care should be given on the joints and muscles where ever pain and inflammations are present. As the herbs present in the bundles are anti-inflammatory, they have an affinity towards the weak muscles and joints. With the warmth of the packets and the pounding of them on the affected part, peripheral circulation will be increased, and it will help to enhance the absorption of the active ingredients.

Indications

It is highly effective in diseases related to bones, joints and nervous system. Improves blood circulation, relieves stiffness and pain, improve muscle strength, improves skin complexion. Indications: Arthritis, Myalgia, Spondylosis, Neurological, Sports injuries, Neurological disorders.

Pichu means soaking a piece of cloth or cotton in specific liquids like oils, herbal juices, decoctions etc. In this treatment, the cloth or cotton piece soaked in the liquid will be kept on the affected parts. The temperature of the liquid can be cold or warm according to the disease condition. If it is warm its temperature should be kept uniform by warming it in between. According to the body part, the name of the pichu can be different, for eg. Pichu on the lower back is called Katipichu and pichu on the head is called Shiropichu.

Mode of action

The warmth of the oil improves the blood circulation on that body part and stimulates the peripheral nerve endings. This will help for quick absorption of the medicaments to the effector organs. This makes the lubrication of the joints and relieves joint stiffness.

Indications

It is a very effective method to treat the ailments of head, spine and disease of cranial nerves.

This is an after treatment of nethratharpana. This should be done after the course of tharpana to clean the eyes off the ghee and to relieve tiredness caused by excessive absorption of ghee. This will clear the vision and relieve the heaviness and haziness of the eyes.

Mode of action

The herbal juice clears the sticky ghee particles from the eyes and the channels of the tear glands will be freed from the clogging due to washing. This helps to clear the vision and make the eyes feel light and fresh.

Indications

All the conditions in which nethratharpanam is indicated

Shashtikashali Pinda Sweda is one of the ayurvedic treatments. The treatment is termed so as njavara rice is the main ingredient in the preparation. Cleaned njavara rice is boiled in a mixture of milk and herbal decoction throughout the treatment. It is then tied in a suitable cloth and made into a bolus. This is a rather soft massage, and the bags are applied in a circular motion and long strokes on the body, especially on the joints.

Mode of action

The application of the nourishing and warm bags on the body improves the blood circulation and thereby enables the absorption of the medicaments through the blood and lymphatic circulation. The warmth of the bundles relieves the joint pain and stiffness. The mixture of herbs and milk nourishes the skin and underlying structures.

Indications

All types of nervous degeneration

Numbness and burning sensation on the body

General weakness

Muscle wasting

Stroke etc.

This is a type of oil application on the head, where medicated oil is collected on the head inside a leather cap. This is the best method of oil application on the head. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other diseases of the head. The temperature of the oil should be kept uniform throughout the process.

Mode of action

The warmth of the oil of the head will increase the peripheral blood circulation on the scalp and thereby promote the absorption of the medicaments through the hair follicles and vessels. By stimulating the nerve endings below the scalp, it will act on the effector organ on the head and body.

Indications

Diseases of the brain and nervous system

Degenerative diseases of the nervous system

Chronic headaches

Stroke and facial paralysis

Diseases of the spine and vertebrae etc.

It is a specialized Ayurveda therapy, where a piece of cloth or cotton soaked with medicated oil is applied to the head. It is one of the methods of oil application on the head.

Mode of action

The warmth of the oil increases the blood circulation on the scalp and stimulates the peripheral nerves. This will help for the absorption of the medicaments through the scalp.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering with facial palsy, headache, insomnia, dermatisis of scalp, dandruff, neurological diseases, paralysis and psychosomatic illnesses.

Snehapana is one of the best curing methods of Ayurveda, and it’s exceptional in every aspect. As a curative way Snehapana gives relaxation for specific body ailments, and besides, it’s a nourishing treatment. It is the process in which suitably medicated ghee in larger doses is used. The idea is to ‘saturate’ the body with ghee prepared with medicines suited for the condition. This is one of the preparations for the panchakarma therapy. The dose of the oil or ghee will be increased daily depending on the digestive capacity of the person. During this treatment, the food and daily routine of the patient will be highly restricted.

Mode of action

Depending on the herbs present in the ghee or oil, it will be absorbed to the specific body parts for its action. The oil or ghee will get penetrated into every tissue, and the toxins in those tissues will be united with the fat molecule. This will release the bonds of toxins with the tissues. With the help of proper sweating after the snehapanam the toxins will be liquified and lead to the nearest channels.

Indications

In all chronic diseases like skin diseases, digestive disorders, nervous and muscular disorders, degenerative diseases etc.

As a preparation for every panchakarma.

Shirodhara using medicated oil is called Tailadhara. For this different types of medicated oils can be used depending on the condition of the patient. Shirodhara is carried out by using a vessel having a yarn wick fitted into the hole. This vessel would be hanged over the wooden table in which the patient is lying. The medications would be poured into the pot and the liquid would be gradually trickled onto the head. The herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc. form the portions of medications. Then the patient is laid on his back to get the flow of the oil on the forehead.

Indications

This treatment is very effective for people suffering from insomnia, loss of memory, headaches, migraine, mental tension and certain skin diseases.

The word ‘Takra’ means buttermilk. Dhara with medicated buttermilk is called as Takradhara. The medicated buttermilk is made by mixing equal quantities of herbal decoction and buttermilk. The buttermilk itself is medicated with some herbs depending on the condition. The dhara starts with lukewarm buttermilk flowing on the forehead in a continuous stream. The commonly used buttermilk is medicated using herbs like dried gooseberry pulp and Cyperusrotundus tubers. After the treatment, the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes.

Mode of action

The herbal medicines in the buttermilk will be absorbed through the scalp and hair follicles. These will be effective both for body and head diseases. In ayurveda there is a concept about the human body, which can be compared as an upside down tree. Nutrients or medicaments given to the root of the tree will spread to the whole plant. Likewise, for the human body, any medicament applied on the head will reach all other body parts.

Indications

For all types of diseases of the head and nervous system.

For good sleep and relaxation

For diseases of the sense organs

For diseases of the hair and scalp

A method of oil application in the head in which the suitable oil or paste is kept on the middle of the head in smaller quantities.

Mode of action

The medicines applied in the middle of the head get absorbed through the smaller openings on the middle part of the head. This will stimulate the peripheral nerves and thereby do the specific action.

Indications

Insomnia

High blood pressure

Facial paralysis

Stroke

Cervical spondylosis

Stress and mental disorders

Udwarthana or Powder massage: This massage is done with dry herbal powder from the limbs towards the heart. This is meant for better lymphatic drainage and thereby reduces the water collection in the body. The warm, dry coarse powder massaged upward which imparts friction on the skin and helps to dissolve the fatty layer below the skin.

Mode of action

This is mainly useful for reducing the amount of fat just under the skin layer. The warmth and the upward movements with rubbing help to dissolve the fatty layer and also to clean the skin. This tones up the muscles and relieves joint stiffness.

Indications

This is found very effective in obesity hemiplegia, paralysis, impaired circulation etc. and similar kapha predominant diseases.

Upanaha is a herbal poultice. In this process, herbal pastes are mixed with proper acidic liquids and other ingredients and tied on the painful and inflamed joints. Usually, this is kept at least for 12 hours day or night on position. Over the paste, herbal leaves having anti-inflammatory properties like calotropis, castor, datura etc. are tied with a cotton cloth on the top.

Mode of action

The bandage produces some heat inside and it helps to increase the peripheral blood circulation on that part. It induces sweating and the properties of the herbs used will absorb inflammation from the joints.

Indications

Osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Other inflammations on the joints

To relieve stiffness of the joints

For wasting of muscles, with nourishing herbs

Beauty is the reflection of our mind. Similarly, the concept of beauty care in Ayurveda is not just the superficial glow. Along with cosmetic treatments for improving the skin health, Ayurvedic therapies help in revitalising all the body tissues and rejuvenating the body and mind.

The Ayurveda Beauty Clinic at JSS Ayurveda Hospital offers you beauty care procedures using various medicinal herbs, herbal extracts, fresh fruits and natural products. Every beauty treatment provided here uses only natural ingredients and has been formulated with a thorough understanding of the therapeutic effects of Indian herbs.

This is a method of packing the body using a mixture of termite mud, a paste of neem and turmeric. In this, the whole body and the scalp will be well covered by the paste, and the patient has to sit in the moderate sun until it dries. After drying the patient will have a shower. This is an ancient method of diagnosis for diseases of the bones and joints.

Mode of action

Application of the paste gives some heat to the skin and thereby increases blood circulation. This will help for absorption of the medicaments easily. The herbs mixed with mud will have skin refreshing properties and so it will be good to improve the health of the skin.

Indications

Skin diseases like eczema, scabies etc.

To improve the skin texture and soften the skin

It can be used as a beauty treatment by using other herbs with the mud.

3. Acupuncture & Acupressure

This is a treatment modality of Chinese origin dating back 5,000 years. The treatment of various diseases by inserting very fine needles in to the specific points of the body is termed acupuncture. In Latin “acus” means needles and “punge” means pricking. In the treatment of acupuncture, it is not only essential to select and locate the points precisely but also to use appropriate manipulations of the needles in accordance with the nature of the diseases and the chosen point. Acupuncture and acupressure are included in our treatment courses depending on the condition of the patient and its compatibility with various Ayurvedic treatments.

Application of herbal kajal for cleaning and cooling the eyes and to clear the vision.

Application of eye drops for various eye diseases, to clear the vision.

Massaging the upper or lower back with suitable medicated oils to relieve aches and pains and eases the tensed muscles.

Inhalation of medicinal fumes in sinusitis, chronic headache etc.

Packing the hair and scalp with flowers for fragrance and against head louse and knits.

Filling the mouth with suitable decoctions or oil to clear the mouth, strengthen the teeth and gums, relieves tooth ache.

Filling the ears with suitable medicated oil and gentle massage around the ears in ear aches, dryness of ears, itching in the ears etc.

Ayurvedic face and neck massage using medicated oils or other liquids for cleansing and refreshing the skin. It gives special glow to the skin.

Steaming a specific body part using medicated vapor in cold, heaviness of the head, sinusitis, before nasyam etc.

Cleaning the eyes with herbal decoction for cleaning, cooling and refreshing the eyes.

Application of herbal packs around the eyes for dark circles around the eyes and cooling to the eyes.

Massaging feet with medicated oils or other liquids for cleansing, softening and removing cracks.

Application of herbal pastes on hands and feet for cleansing, softening and against cracks.

Hand and foot bath with gentle massage using herbal liquids for cleansing, moisturizing and softening.

Massaging the neck and shoulders using medicated oils to relieve aches and pains, eases the tensed muscles.

Ayurvedic head massage using medicated oils in sleeplessness, hair fall, dandruff, headache and for relaxation.

Application of herbal paste over the scalp and hair against hair fall, dandruff, sinusitis and for conditioning and coloring the hair.

Application of heat on the affected parts using warm bricks etc. for localized pain and inflammation in calcaneal spur etc.