Doing less, being more
Treatments
Sreedhary concentrates the treatment for all major ailments, especially for chronic Rheumatic disorders, Arthritis, Psoriasis and Infertility. There is a constant attempt to reinforcing the curative potential treatment of Panchakarma and Yoga. Relaxation treatments or Sukha Chikitsa and Detoxification treatments are the other major areas focussed here, in Sreedhary.
Swedhana/Steam Bath
Swedana is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment which usually follows the Abhyanga treatment. In Ayurvedic medicine, the term ‘Swedana’ refers to the treatment which involves sweating. This treatment is used to relieve the excess doshas or toxin from the body. This helps the person to establish a state of balance and also promote general health and well being.
Procedure
Swedana is a glowing therapy wherein a person sits inside a box keeping their head out. This box contains a mixture of herbs and medicinal leaves. The person sits in the steam box which is filled with herb-infused steam for about ten minutes to half hour. The herbs are added to the steam therapy according to the individual’s state of imbalance. This therapy helps to drive the herbal oil deeper into the layers of the person’s skin.
Benefits
- Detaches toxins; expels them through the tiny pores of the skin along with sweat.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin and helps in anti ageing.
- It helps in cleaning respiratory system with medicated steam.
- Reduces numbness, stiffness, rigidity, heaviness; improves mobility.
Benefits
Abhyanga helps in body rejuvenation and peace of mind. It helps in removing metabolic waste from the body and prevens paralysis.
- Weight loss and eliminates impurities through herbal medicines.
- Better sleep by calming nerves.
- Prevention of paralysis through medicated massages.
- Helps in removing metabolic wastes.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga, one of the most popular and ancient Ayurvedic therapies for the preservation of health. It involves full body warm oil massage. The type of oil used is specific to the individuals depending on their body constitution. It can also vary according to the seasons. Abhyanga has a positive impact on the whole body physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the individual doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free.
Procedure
This treatment includes body massage with herbal oils of different types in accordance with the ailment and the need of the client, designed around each patient, to suit his/her condition or disease. Two therapists synchronize their strokes and simultaneously massage in circular motion on Marma points for sixty minutes in tandem. Few of the oils used for Abhyanga include sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard and almond. Sometimes oil medicated with herbs are used for specific conditions. Abhyangam will help to attain a normal sleep and stress free mind.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a purifying and rejuvenating therapy designed to eliminate toxins and mental exhaustion as well as relieve stress and any ill effects on the central nervous system. Shirodhara helps in the relief of mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, headache, excessive thinking etc, which are all common problems in today’s hectic lives. It is also highly beneficial for general relaxation, in which case, non medicated oils are used to help revitalize the nervous system and give mental peace. Shirodhara is also very useful in ailments such as nervous disorders, insomnia, blood pressure, general weakness, sinusitis, eye & skin diseases, greying hair, memory loss, paralysis etc.
Procedure
Shirodhara is a unique form of ancient therapy of pouring oil on the forehead from a specific height and for a specific period continuously and rhythmically allowing the oil to run through the scalp and into the hair. The Person lies down upon a massage table with their eyes covered. Next, specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured in a thin steady stream directly onto the forehead and sixth chakra. The oils used in shirodhara are specific to the dosha that needs balancing. Shirodhara is mainly concerned with the application of oil though the other liquids are also used for the therapy but they are associated with specific clinical conditions.
Benefits
The benefits of shirodhara kick off as an ideal treatment for reducing high levels of mental stress. It induces calmness, promotes tranquility, and facilitates relaxation.
- Improving the power of all sense organs.
- Counteracts the Effects of Stress.
- Reduces anxiety and helps in metal calmness.
- Shirodhara helps in awakening Intuition.
- Improves sleep quality.
- Pacifies Vata Dosha.
Benefits
- Gives cooling effect and helps in reducing dryness of scalp.
- Enhances vision by stimulating nerve endings.
- Helps in reducing burning sensation on the head
- This treatment helps in treating paralysis, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
- It improves texture of hair and promotes its growth.
Shirovasthi
Shiro vasti is a part of panchakarma treatment in ayurveda. ‘Shira’referse to head, thus shiro vasti is the procedure where medicated oil is retained on the head for a particular period of time. Sirovasti is the most intensive, potent external oil application. In a Shirovasti treatment, a bandage is tied and a cylindrical cap is secured around the head. The medicated oil, warmed to body temperature, is poured into the cap and allowed to soak into the scalp.
Procedure
The patient is made to sit upright on a wooden stool and medicated oil is applied on body and head. Then a cap made of flexible leather, open on both sides, is fitted on the head and the prescribed medicated oil, slightly warm, is poured onto the cap. The oil is allowed to remain inside the cap for about 45 minutes or till the manifestation of proper signs of efficient treatment, whichever is earlier, and drained out. Afterwards the head is wiped with a clean dry cotton cloth. Again medicated oil is applied on the body and head and the patient is given body bath in warm water. This treatment is done for maximum seven days and requires equal number of days for preparation and for having the post intensive treatments.
Kati Vasthi
Kativasti is a special type of low back therapy or lumbar therapy. The word Kati stands for low back or waist and Vasti ,for containing or retaining something inside. Kativasthi is an Ayurvedic lumbo-sacral rejuvenation therapy using hot oil or herbal decoctions. One can achieve both local oleation and sudation by this procedure.
Procedure
A dough is prepared out of black gram flour or whole wheat flour and water and medicated oil or herbs for decoction is selected depending on the bodily constitution and the state of the humors (Doshas) of the person. The person is made to lie face down on the Massage Table. The dough is made into a ring of four to five inches in diameter which is placed over the lumbo-sacral area of spine. After it is glued with some water to make it leakproof, lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with more warm one and at the end of the procedure the dough is removed and a gentle massage is given over the area.
Benefits
- Reduces pain and inflammation in spines.
- Deeply purifies and improves blood circulation around lumbosacral area.
- Removes rigidity and spasm of muscles around lumbosacral region.
- Nourishes and strengthens the bones, connective tissues, ligaments, nerves, muscles of the lumbo - sacral region.
- It helps in alleviating neuronal complaints, lumbago and sciatica.
Benefits
- Improves blood circulation and helps in increased oxygen flow.
- Improves skin complexion and helps in anti ageing.
- Relieves body pain and stiffness with medicated massages.
- Increases muscle and bone strength.
- It improves texture of hair and promotes its growth.
Ela kizhi
Small bags containing Herbal leaves are applied to the whole body in boluses heated with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day. This treatment is for Osteo arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Spondylosis, sports injuries etc. Elakizhi or Patrapotala Sweda is a sudation practice in Ayurveda treatments. It is a highly rejuvenating treatment similar to Navarkizhi, except herbs are used in place of rice.
Procedure
The leaves of tamarind, Calatropis gigentica, Ricinus communis, drumstick, Vitex nigundo, Adatoda vasica etc are chopped and mixed with grated coconut, lemon, turmeric rock salt etc. The mixture is fried in plain sesame oil or other medicated oil as per the requirement. They are divided into four equal parts and tied in a linen cloth in the form of boluses. These are kept in a vessel containing the oil used to fry the ingredients and the vessel is then heated. An Abhyangam (a gentle oil massage) is given for about 10 to 15 minutes.Then the massage is given with warm boluses. The boluses are applied over the body in seven different postures.
Njavara Kizhi
This is one of the most popular therapies used for the purpose of rejuvenation of the body. It is a procedure by which the whole body or any specific part is made to perspire, by the application of certain medicinal drugs with Njavara rice puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. This treatment is very useful in rheumatism, joint and muscle pains, back pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and sexual problems.
Procedure
A generous amount of medicated oil is applied over the head and body. Then the body is massaged with warm muslin bag bolus containing njavara rice puddings cooked in the herbal decoction. The boluses are dipped in the mixture of warm milk and herbal decoctions when they cool down thus inducing sudation. The procedure is done in seven different postures. At the end of the procedure , the rice paste sticking over the body is removed using coconut leaves. A gentle massage is given with warm medicated oil once again. The person is made to rest for 30 minutes.
Benefits
- Calms the mind and reduces the stress.
- Boosts immune system and slows the aging process.
- It is ideal for arthritis and arthritis related problems.
- Strengthens and nourishes the nervous system
- Makes the body supple and removes stiffness.
- Improves lustre and texture of the skin.
Benefits
- It is proven to be effective in cases of sexual weakness, anxiety and body aches.
- It helps in promoting proper circulation and hence clearing the channels.
- Helps in nourishing the skin and keeps it young, regulating blood pressure, combating depression and preventing aging.
- Eliminates nervous weaknesses and disorders
- Strengthens the immunity syste, reduces acne and increasing youthful and radiant skin.
Pizhichil
Pizhichil is a special form of treatment in kerala ayurveda which is famously known as a treatment for aristocrats. This Therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is bathed in streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. Pizhichil actually helps in initiating diaphoresis (heavy sweating) and hence is highly effective in rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitans (parkinson’s disease), sexual weakness, nervous weakness, nervous disorders etc.
Procedure
The patient should lay on the treatment table and two or four trained therapists perform the massage under the supervision of a physician. A cloth dipped in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body uniformly and then the oil rubbed smoothly over the body of the patient by masseurs on either side. The session may take 1 hour including continuous oil pouring over the body, then be rubbing and stimulating the skin using hands and special cotton cloths. Special caution has to be taken for the patient’s head should not get sweat during the treatment. A cloth is tied over the forehead of the therapy taker to prevent oil from getting into the eyes.
Lepana
Lepanam Treatment is an ayurvedic therapy recommended for people suffering from the pain associated with inflammatory conditions. The lepanam treatment acts as a body scrub used to smooth the skin, rejuvenate blood circulation, relieve aches, remove skin disorders, pain management etc. It activates the natural purifying and healing abilities of the body. This also relieves inflammatory diseases.
Procedure
Lepam has a wide range of usage from cosmetic purpose to severe skin conditions. Lepanam Treatment is an ayurvedic therapy recommended for people suffering from the pain associated with inflammatory conditions. Lepanam is spreading of thick herbal paste on any afflicted area of the body. The paste is a blend of many potential herbs, spices, juice of leaves and buttermilk. A Thick Paste of various hers is made by mizing and grinding, this paste is then applied on the affected area of the skin and kept for sometime.
Benefits
- Lepanam helps in treating pimples, wrinkles and dark scars.
- Lepanam is helpful in skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
- Lepanam, by applying over head, is being used as an Ayurvedic Treatment for mental disorders.
- The lepanam treatment acts as a body scrub used to smooth the skin, rejuvenate blood circulation.
- It activates the natural purifying and healing abilities of the body.
Benefits
- It nourishes the tissues and improves the sense organ perceptions.
- This Ayurvedic therapy can provide a miraculous body, relieving it of stress and toxins.
- his extended therapy will cleanse, purify and strengthen the nasal passages allowing you to breathe fully and easily again.
- Nasyam is extensively use to cure sinusitis and nasal related illness.
- It improves vision, helpful in diseases like facial paralysis, migraine, sinusitis etc
Nasyam
Nasya is a treatment procedure mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for cleansing. Nasya can prove to be an effective remedy for congestion, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, migraine, rhinitis and other nasal infections. This therapy will cleanse, purify and strengthen the nasal passages allowing you to breathe fully and easily again. It is highly effective for headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis. This extended therapy will cleanse, purify and strengthen the nasal passages allowing you to breathe fully and easily again.
Procedure
It is a process by which oil is administered through the nostrils.Patient is asked to lie down on his/her back on a wooden cot placed in a room devoid of breeze. Head should be placed slightly down and legs higher. The body, especially head, neck and chest, should be massaged with oil and fomentation is given. The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with herbal oils that induce perspiration (sudation); an exact dose of herbal extracts/oil is gently poured into the nostrils, while inhaling. After this process, the area around the nose, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously.
Nellikka Talam
Nellika thalam is a very famous form of thalam in kerala. Nellika is a Malayalam term for amalaki (Indian gooseberry) which is one of the main ingredients of this thalam. Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is boiled along with other medicines and made in to a bolus. It is then applied over and around the bregma region. The main benefits of talam is highly effective for ENT problems, insomnia and migraine. It helps in relaxing the mind, imparts coolness to the body and mind, improves vision. The duration of this treatment depends up on the condition of the individual. Nellikka Thalam is one of the effective treatment for mental disorders, it give cooling effect to brain and theirby reduce the tension and stress.
Procedure
Nellika thalam is a very famous form of thalam in kerala. Nellika is a Malayalam term for amalaki (Indian gooseberry) which is one of the main ingredients of this thalam. Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is boiled along with other medicines and made in to a bolus. It is then applied over and around the bregma region. The main benefits of talam is highly effective for ENT problems, insomnia and migraine. The duration of this treatment depends up on the condition of the individual. Generally it takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Rasnadi choornam, kachooradi choornam etc. are some of the choornas used in the treatment.
Benefits
- This therapy is useful for relieving from anxiety, disorders related to eyes nose and throat.
- It is highly effective for insomnia, mental disorders, migraine.
- It is effective in alleviating hyper tension and improves memory and concentration.
- It clears the nasal passage, smoothens the throat and imparts coolness to the body and calms mind.
- The depression related with modern lifestyle has created many problems and talam is resigned as an ayurveda therapy.