EXPLANATION OF AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
AND THEIR BENEFITS
* Ayurvedic herbal oil massage (Abhyangam)
Massage is the art of touch therapy. Touch has its own importance and healing effect if it is done in a particular manner and with intention. There are lots of ways of doing massage but Ayurvedic herbal oil massage is one of the best massages for the body. If taken regularly, it gives energy and strength to all of the body, internally and externally. It cures various kinds of disease and problems.
Herbal oil massage is done with herbal oil made from many different natural herbs. For most effective results, oils are chosen according to the weather and the season. In winter, mustard oil is best for the body because it has a warming effect. In summer, jasmine or rose oil are the best option. It makes you feel relaxed. For skin problems, coconut oil massage can be very beneficial.
Benefit:
Herbal oil massage cures various kinds of diseases. It is good for treating weakness, low energy, hypertension, joint and muscle pain, obesity, poor digestion, low blood circulation, stress, stiffness, insomnia, constipation, gastric problems and more.
* Shirodhara (oil drip)
Shirodhara is made of two words: “shiro+dhara” shiro means head and dhara means flow. Shirodhara is an oil treatment particularly for head. The whole body is connected to the mind and the mind controls the whole body. If we have any kind of disturbance to the mind or we are not mentally relaxed, the rest of our body cannot relax. If we have a headache or if we have stress, it is very hard to concentrate in our work.
Shirodhara is a very effective treatment for this kind of problem. In Shirodhara, warm oil pours through the clay pot continuously onto the middle of your forehead between the eyebrows also called the third eye.
For Shirodhara, we use a warm oil which is made from a special kind of seed. You can use ghee or milk for the treatment but seed oil is the best for curing the problems.
Benefit:
Shirodhara is very good for all kind of problems and diseases belonging to the mind. It is very useful in the case of insomnia, migraine, stress, hypertension, low energy and many other problems.
*Herbal steam bath (Swedan)
Swedan means taking bath with the steam like a sauna. It is a very traditional way to give steam bath in Ayurveda.
Steam is a very strong energy and has a powerful eliminating effect. Steam pulls all the toxins from the skin and internal organs thereby purifying them and giving them renewed energy and power.
In Ayurveda, traditionally we use a wooden box for steam bath. The patient sits inside the box with his or her head outside the box while steam is injected into the box through a pipe.
In this way, steam can affect the whole body and regenerate the cells and tissues.
Benefit:
As above we said that steam has eliminating power, so it is very useful for all kinds of skin diseases including dryness, allergies, poor digestion, obesity, and constipation among others.
Note- Do NOT take steam bath if you have hypertension
*Mudbath
Mud bath is a medicated bath with herbal mud. We apply it and then sit in the sun to dry and then wash it off. It is good in the summertime as it has a cooling effect.
According to Ayurveda, mud has lots of curing qualities. From ancient times in Ayurveda, mud has been used for treatment. In villages in India whenever people get wounded, they still apply mud sometimes as a primary treatment for healing the wound quickly.
Benefit:
Mud bath is very effective in the treatment of skin diseases. It helps to remove toxins and gives new youth to your body and skin. Using mud pack regularily on the face brings back a natural glow and makes your skin soft and smooth. It also improves digestive power and normalizes blood pressure.
*Kati Basti/Griva Basti
Basti is a process of applying warm oil to localized areas on the body. Kati is on the low to mid back area, and Griva is on the back of the neck. A ring of black gram paste or wheat paste is made on the back or neck and warm medicated oil is poured in and maintained at a prescribed temperature.
Benefit:
Heals back pain caused due to stress, spasms, slipped and degenerated discs and sciatica. Quick relief from pain, stiffness and inflammation in the lumbar region. Ideal for those suffering from back pain.
*Paadaahbhyangam (hand and foot massage)
Our whole nervous system is connected to the feet and palms. All of our organs are represented in the feet and palms. A therapeutic massage is very good for the feet and the whole body. A gentle massage on the feet relaxes the whole body quickly and has many benefits.
Benefit:
The foot massage makes the whole body relax and remove stress from the body and the mind and its helps to make you very comfortable and sleep peacefully.
*Herbal face pack
This face pack is made with natural herbs which we can find e
asily. This face pack anyone can apply on the face and benefit.
Benefit:
Its good for the skin of the face. It restores a healthy glow to the face and removes wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes.
*Shiroabhaynga
This is head massage with herbal oils massaged gently with both hands.
Benefit:
It is very good for if you have headaches or stress. Gives good strength to the roots of your hair and helps hair to grow. It removes the dry skin from the head and moisturizes the scalp. Helps to make you a sleep better.
