Abhyangam is a popular body massage in Ayurveda. Abhyangam massage has become popular because of its effective way of conditioning the body. Abhyangam can be used therapeutically. The massage is designed around each individual, to suit his or her disease or condition. An Ayurvedic physician can assess this and will then decide on the appropriate oils and the exact way of massage. This may or may not involve steam (Swedana).
Abhyangam increases the blood and lymph circulation and general body metabolism, strengthens bones and joints and relieves aches and stress. In this way, Abhyangam massage is a protector, preserver, and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and willpower.
This is one of the most famed Ayurvedic therapies. The relaxing and soothing effect of this Therapy has taken this therapy to many spas around the world. Medicated Oil, buttermilk, milk, or decoction may be used for Shirodhara depending upon the patient’s disease and body constitution. Besides the relaxation effect, Shirodhara is very helpful in treating cases of Insomnia, Migraine, hair-fall, Psycho-somatic disorders, Anxiety, Stress, Epilepsy, etc. This therapy involves a light full-body massage with a head massage and then pouring medicated oil over the forehead in a thin stream. This therapy soothes and relaxes a person so much that it’s very common to see a patient falling asleep before the end of the therapy.
Pizhichil involves fomentation of the body with hot medicated oil. The whole body is bathed in streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. Pizhichil strengthens the body and helps build up immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for Rheumatic diseases, Arthritis, Paralysis, Neurological disorders and helps to slow down the aging process.
Choorna Kizhi is a sudation or hot fomentation therapy with a bolus of herbs. The bolus contains herbal powder (Podi kizhi) or medicated leaves (Elakizhi), which is heated either directly or in medicated oil or medicated decoction and applied on the body.
Choorna Kizhi application reduces pain and improves sheen, rigidity, and restores elasticity of the skin. This is more beneficial for anyone who is stressed, anxious, depleted, and feeling tired all the time.
Njavara Kizhi is a hot fomentation therapy with a bolus of hot medicated rice pudding. The bolus is heated either directly or in medicated oil or medicated decoction and applied to the body.
Njavara Kizhi application reduces pain and inflammation of muscles and joints, pacifies vata, strengthens and soothes nerves, and is specially effective in most bone and joint disorders. This is also very effective in Paralysis, Diabetic neuropathy, and other nervous disorders. This is a boon for sports enthusiasts, as it treats pains related to the joints and sore muscles.
Nasya is a therapy involving head and face massage, steam, and then instilling herbal medicines in the nostrils. Nasya helps cleanse the vitiated body humors from the head/sinuses and also stimulate the nervous system. This therapy is very effective in treating most diseases of the head region like Migraine, Sinusitis, Epilepsy, Stroke, Nasal Polyp, Allergy, Vertigo, etc.
Kati Basti is a therapy in which thick dough made from black gram paste is shaped into a ring and placed on the back. Medicated oil is warmed and poured into this ring, and the therapeutic properties of the oil penetrate the tissues to alleviate pain and nourish the muscles. This therapy helps treat lower back conditions like lumbar spondylitis, intervertebral disc prolapses, lumbago, and sciatica, and strengthens the spine.
Shirodhara involves retaining warm herbal oil on the head using a special leather cap. This therapy tunes the central nervous system, nourishes the nerves, and helps treat disorders such as facial paralysis, acute headaches, and mental stress. It is also beneficial for improving memory and vision.
Udvartana involves applying medicated powder, paste, or oil to the body in a direction towards the heart. This therapy helps reduce obesity, improves circulation, stimulates nerve endings, and enhances skin texture. It is particularly effective for improving joint mobility and cleansing the skin.