10 Most Popular Therapies in Ayurveda
Ayurveda therapies we provide can be broadly categorized into sodhana (purification) and shamana (pacification) therapies.
Sodhana treatment includes those therapies which are natural and holistic technique of rejuvenating and purifying the body. Here, the therapies are focused upon to cleanse the system and get rid of the toxins and waste materials that gradually are deposited in the body over time.
Before the therapies are initiated, we give preparatory therapies. It is important to prepare the body in a way to make it receptive to the benefits of the therapies that follow.
Preparatory Therapies
1. Snehana (Oleation)
Administration of medicated ghee or oil orally, or through a light massage with herbal mixture is called snehana. This technique lubricates all the internal and external organs of the body thus enhancing the body’s circulation.
2. Swedana (Sudation)
The patient is made to sweat, by introducing medicated water or steam. This activates the body’s pores and sweat glands, collecting the toxins and bringing it to the major channels so that they can be evacuated by panchakarma treatments.
Major Therapies in Ayurveda
3. Vamana (Medically induced vomiting)
Vamana is a technique of inducing vomiting in a person using natural products and herbs to clear out the toxins in the respiratory system, head, sinuses and upper gastrointestinal tract. A major therapy for the treatment of Kapha in the body.
Beneficial in:
I. All Kapha diseases like sinusitis, cold, fever, etc.
II. Asthma and related respiratory conditions.
III. Skin diseases like leucoderma.
IV. Depression
4. Virechana (Medically induced purgation)
Virechana is a medically induced purgation procedure specially used to purify the digestive tract, the liver and the pancreas. Focusing upon the ‘Pitta’ dosha, the therapy works to cure any digestive disorders and digestion related skin disorders and eye diseases.
Beneficial in:
I. All Pitta diseases.
II. All digestive disorders.
III. All types of skin diseases.
IV. Diseases of the eyes.
V. Stress.
VI. Chronic rheumatisms.
5. Nasya (Nasally administered treatments)
Nasya is a method by which the medicated oil droplets are gently introduced into the nose, which is then absorbed by the body’s circulatory system. It nourishes all the organs above the neck. Among many therapies in Ayurveda, Nasya is also very 0
Beneficial in:
I. Nose disorders and Para-nasal sinuses.
II. Hair and scalp diseases.
III. Head and neck disorders.
IV. Brain and spinal cord disorders.
6. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Abhyanga refers to the deep massage. The benefits of the herbs are spreaded throughout the body during the massage and are absorbed by the skin. The rhythmic and powerful strokes stimulate the body’s blood and lymphatic circulation.
Used in:
I. Relieves general weakness and tiredness.
II. Stimulates good sleep.
III. Improves blood circulation.
IV. Improves digestion and appetite.
V. Prevents dryness of the skin.
7. Tarpana
Tarpana is one of the popular therapies in Ayurveda in which the medicated ghee, which has been infused with specific herbs, is poured over the eyes of the person. It is then absorbed by the eyes and the surrounding skin which improves eye-sight and repairs damage to the eyes.
Beneficial in:
I. Eye diseases.
II. Overstressed eyes.
III. Optic nerve degeneration.
8. Pichu
Pichu is a therapy in which a cloth is soaked in medicated oils or juices, infused with herbs that target the specific medical condition, and then placed upon the affected area of the body of the person. The temperature of the medicated liquid can be warm or cool, depending on the condition.
Beneficial for:
I. Pain and stiffness of the joints.
II. Muscle cramps.
III. Headaches. (Siro Pichu)
IV. Diseases of the eyes and eyes. (Siro Pichu)
V. Degenerative diseases of the joints.
9. Sirovasti
It is a procedure where specially prepared oil with chosen herbs, is allowed to accumulate over the receiver’s head in a leather cap. The receiver is made to wear the cap filled with the warmed oil for a period of time, for the ingredients to begin working on the scalp.
Used in:
I. Diseases of the brain and nervous system.
II. Diseases of the spine and vertebrae.
III. Degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
IV. Sirovasti Ayurveda therapy reduces Chronic headaches.
V. Stroke and facial paralysis.
10. Kativasti
Last but not least, Kativasti comes in one of the most popular therapies in Ayurveda treatment. This is a procedure where a boundary made of soft black gram dough around the back and medicated oil is poured into it. The warmth of the oil stimulates the circulation in the back area, encouraging effective absorption of the medicated oil. Beneficial in:
I. Pain on the back.
II. Osteoporosis and other degenerations.
III. Restricted movements of the joints.