Panchakarma
- (The full program takes minimum 14
days)
Pancha means five, Karma means therapy. This
five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting
the imbalance of the body's bio energies (the
Doshas:
Vata,
Pitta,
Kapha)
in order to maintain their inherent equilibrium.
Like the earth these bio-energies also have
their own seasons. When one of the doshas accumulate,
the body becomes imbalanced and prone to illness.
Ayurveda
recommends a thorough internal cleansing therapy
to clear and balance the bio-energies. The clusters
of five cleansing procedures or shodhanakarmas,
comprise of emesis (therapeutic vomiting), laxatives,
enemas, nasal cleansing and blood purification.
This
therapy also combats neurological ailments like
paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism, dermatological
problems and mental disorders.
Abhyanga
(45 minutes)
A synchronized whole body massage performed
by two therapists using a specific herbal oil
selected according to the body type. The
massage is followed by a steam bath and a hot
shower. The treatment brings about improved
physical consistency, induces deep relaxation
and is very beneficial for vigor and vitality.
In Ayurvedic classical texts, massage is mentioned
as a preparatory measure which stimulates various
body systems, thus increasing the efficacy of
any other treatment undertaken as part of an
overall program. It has been known to greatly
assist in improving the symptoms of rheumatism,
improving eyesight, promoting sleep and creating
a glowing appearance to the skin. Abhyanga
has a rejuvenating effect on the whole body.
Udwarthana
(30 minutes)
This is a typical deep and dry massage using
herbal powders. This massage stimulates hair
follicles and subcutaneous fat tissue to break
down subcutaneous fat storage. The dry
powder massage 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.
Choornaswedan
(30 minutes)
This therapy begins with the application of
Dosha specific massage oil to the entire body.
The body is then subjected to exude profusely
after a thorough massage of herbal powders made
into a bundle. This relieves neurological disorders,
rheumatism, arthritis and sports injuries.
Njavarakizhi
(45 minutes)
A massage to the body with small linen bags
filled with cooked Njavara rice after a liberal
application of medicated oil over the whole
body. The rice is cooked in cow's milk and mixed
with an herbal decoction. The bags are dipped
in the same mixture and applied all over the
body to induce sudation (sweat). This procedure
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 fomentation employed
in neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis
and malnutrition of limbs.
Pizhichil
(60 minutes)
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two
classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation)
and Swedana (sudation). In this highly
sought after rejuvenation treatment, lukewarm
herbal oils are applied all over the body by
two Ayurvedic therapists in a special rhythmic
movement. The massage is very slow and light
without exerting much pressure. Pizhichil
is considered as the most natural way to purify
the body systems. This massage protects
the body from illnesses and builds up immunity
for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic
diseases, sexual weakness, blood pressure, nervous
weakness and helps to arrest the aging process.
Sirodhara
(45 minutes)
Luke warm herbal oil is poured in a continuous
stream onto the forehead, while receiving a
gentle massage on the forehead. Sirodhara
rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind.
This therapy relieves stress and strain related
problems, slows the aging process, improves
memory and is known to have a curative effect
for paralysis and other neurological malfunctions.
Sirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical
constitution of the individual.
Takradahara
(45minutes)
Takra means buttermilk and Dhara means pouring.
This therapy calms the individual down by using
medicated buttermilk, which is poured onto the
forehead to relieve insomnia, depression and
other stress related problems. It prevents
greying of the hair, reduces headaches, increases
digestive power and alleviates anorexia.
In cases of psoriasis, Dhara is performed on
the affected area to have a curative effect.
Tarpana
(30 minutes)
Medicated ghee is retained in a reservoir made
over the eyes with black gram powder.
This therapy will have a cooling effect on irritated
and stressed eyes. This relieves eyestrain,
improves eyesight and other eye related problems.
Gandusa
(20 minutes)
This therapy involves the retention of medicated
oil or decoction in the mouth for several minutes.
The benefits of this therapy will bring a glow
to the face, improve lines and wrinkles, tone
the skin and assist with any kind of mouth,
voice or teeth disorders while cleansing the
ear, nose and throat pathways.
Kaval
(20 minutes)
This therapy requires the retention, movement
and gargling of medicated oil or decoction in
the mouth. This process is highly beneficial
for ear, nose, throat disorders and improving
the voice while bringing a glow to the face.
Vamana
(30 minutes)
Ananda's gentle version of Vamana, is performed
by administering herbal decoction. This
process will induce therapeutic vomiting. This
is a very beneficial therapy for Kapha predominating
disorders such as asthma, cough, psoriasis and
skin disorders.
Virechana
(30 minutes)
This therapy alleviates excess Pitta from the
body. Ananda's version of Virechana is
performed by administering Virechak Aushdhi
(purgative medicine) in milk or warm water preparation.
This therapy alleviates excess Pitta in the
body and is extremely beneficial in Pitta disorders
such as dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn
and jaundice.
Sneha
Vasti (30 minutes)
The main seat of the Vata Dosha is Pakwashaya
(large intestine); therefore Vasti, an oil enema,
is the main therapy for all Vata disorders such
as constipation, neurological ailments, paralysis,
flatulence, lower backache, gout and rheumatism.
Kashaya
Vasti (30 minutes)
This therapy is normally done after a course
of Sneha Vasti. This is a cleansing enema
where honey, oil and an herbal decoction are
administered. The results nourish and
rebuild the Dhatus (body tissues), strengthen
their activities, restore and strengthen the
body's immunity. This is very nutritive
while removing accumulated Malas (toxins) from
the colon.
Nasya (30 minutes)
The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with
a specific herbal oil and made to perspire.
The medicine in exact doze is measured and poured
into the nostrils, while inhaling. After
this process, the area around the nose, chest,
palms and foot are massaged vigorously. This
treatment is highly effective for headaches,
sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis.