Utsadanam
Fine herbal paste is massaged all over the body. Helpful for sensitive and dry skin
Udwarthanam
Body massage using medicated dried herbal powders or paste, which are applied to the body using upward strokes
Dhara
Body is first massaged and then made to perspire by pouring a constant stream of extracts depending on body conditions from a special vessel placed at a certain height.
• Kashayadhara - Herbal water extracts are used.
• Dhanyamladhara - Dhanyamla (lukewarm fermented herbal liquids)
• Shirodhara/ Takradara- Milk or buttermilk is gently poured on the forehead
• Pizhchil / Thailadhara - Continuous streams of warm medicated herbal oils are soothingly poured over the body by two Ayurvedic therapists as they gently massage the body in perfect unison.
Sveda (steam)
• Bashpa sveda - Medicated steam bath using herbal decoctions in a unique bashpa sveda yantra, or steam bath chamber, which induces profuse sweating
• Nadi sveda - Local application of hot steam using an instrument called nadisveda yantra, which induces profuse sweating
Pindasvedam
Nourishing deep massage treatment in which heated bolus bags are applied either locally or to the entire body. Depending on the nature of the medical condition, the bolus bags may contain choorna (herbal powders), patra (assorted fried herbal leaves), jambeera (lemon) or shashtika (njavara rice, a type of Indian herbal rice). For some conditions, a medicated oil massage may be done prior to the application of bolus bags.
External Vasthi
Localized application and retention of warm medicated liquids within a sealed-wall frame on the affected area
• Greeva Vasthi - Localized external vasthi for neck region
• Janu Vasthi - Localized external vasthi for knees
• Kati Vasthi - Localized external vasthi for lower back
• Uro Vasthi - Localized external vasthi for heart region
• Shiro Vasthi - Localized external vasthi for the head
Avagaham
Sweating is triggered by seating the patient in a large tub filled with warm medicated liquid, maintained at a constant temperature.
Lepam
Gentle application of warm, thick herbal paste (blend of many potent herbs, spices, juices of leaves) on any afflicted area.
Pichu
Long, thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is replaced periodically to keep it warm and therapeutic. It can be applied on different parts of the body, such as the head, neck, limbs, etc.
Thalapodichil
Herbal paste is applied evenly all over the head and covered first with plantain leaf and then with a cloth. A small hole is made in the center of the covering and medicated oil is kept there. Oil and paste are removed after a specific period and a mild head massage is administered.
Bandhanam
Ancient bandaging technique using healing herbal pastes or oils
Vasthi
Medicated herbal or oil-based enemas specially prepared and administered.
Nasyam
Nasal orifices are believed to be the gateway to the head. In this treatment, herbal powders, juices and medicated oils are administered through the nostrils.
Eye Care
• Netra Lepam - Paste made of different cooling herbs is applied to the eyes after washing with herbal decoction. Not only treats eye conditions, but also cools the eyes.
• Akshitharpanam - Localized application and retention of medicated ghee or oil within a sealed-wall frame on the eyes
• Bidalakam - Application of herbal paste over eyelids
• Akshidhara -Eyes are cleansed by pouring a liquid herbal preparation in a continuous stream over the eyes
Ear Care
• Karnapoornam - Warm medicated oil and fumes are applied to the ears, followed by massage around the ears and jaw area
• Karna Dhoobanam - Smoke from medicated herbs is directed into the ears which alleviates loss of hearing, infections of the ear and painful conditions of the ear
Agni karma or dahan karma
Intensive treatment in which a unique instrument called shalaka yantra is heated and applied to the affected area