|
Panchakarma,
a branch of ayurveda, prescribes body massage with medicated oil for
restoration of youth and vigour. These oil massages practiced in
accordance with great works of Caraka, Sushruta and Vaghbhata tone up
the circulatory system rejuvenating the body and reinjecting
virility.
Prescribed
in Carak Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita and Ashtangahrudaya, the special
treatment of oil massages are being brought to many all over the
country. The state of Kerala has imbibed the ayurvedic spirit to the
hilt. Kerala has many Arya Vaidyasalas. Panchakarma Centre at Arya
Vaidyasala, Kotakkal, Kerala is one besides many health centres,
hotels and even backyards offering ayurvedic massages to suit every
pocket.
Although
the panchakarma treatment is especially practiced in Kerala, there
are other panchakarma centres in Poddar Hospital, Mumbai and the
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University.
Panchakarma
Treatment
This
is the age old practice prescribed in Ayurveda to restore youth. This
treatment has been supported through intensive research and has
received wide public acceptance. The process arrests degeneration of
body cells, nerve debility and assures smooth flow of blood, reaching
oxygen down to the very pores of the skin. A stream bath after the
refreshing massage is said to open body pores, easing out toxins
through the skin leaving one's skin tingling with joy.
Diagnosis
in ayurvedic therapy is just by a look at the skin and a feel of the
pulse known in ayurvedic jargon as technique of darshan, sparsha and
prashna. According to the system, chronic ailments like arthritis,
spondylitis, sinus, migraine are the illnesses of mind and body
system combined so the treatment lies in ridding toxins from the
system, soothing the nerves and relaxing tense muscles.
Administered
by masseurs and masseuses who are specially trained in the technique,
the herbal oil massages cast almost a hypnotic spell as one undergoes
the treatment lying on the hard wooden beds made silky smooth with
constant contact with oil. The wood itself is 200 years old. The
contours of these beds are so designed to conform to body curvatures
for complete harmony of body with the surface.
For
those with nervous problems, the traditional methods of Dhara and
Sirovasti are prescribed. In Dhara, even as the body is massaged,
medicated oil is poured in a gentle stream like flow on the forehead
and the head in a prone position.
Sirovasti
is effective for sinus, migraine, deafness, facial paralysis and
also to improve the eyesight. In this a leather cap is fitted on the
patient's head with the prescribed medicated oil at a bearable
temperature for 15 to 40 minutes, depending upon the severity of the
attack. Administration of the treatment is closely monitored by the
doctor.
Pizhichil
is author type of special treatment for paralysis and polio. In this
pieces of soft cloth dipped in warm medicated oil are squeezed all
over the body by one masseur, while the other one gently massages the
poured oil.
For
improper muscle formation and hemiplegia a special treatment Navara
Kizhi is administered. It is particularly beneficial for children
suffering from polio with resultant deformities. In this a special
type of navara rice, cultivated for medicinal applications, is used.
Navara rice, cooked in cow's milk and a mixture of herbs is put in
small linen bags, which are applied all over the body. The body is
then wiped dry and a gentle oil massage is given. The course is of 14
to 21 days and is repeated, consecutively for another two years
during the same period. Up to 50 per cent recovery is claimed during
the first sitting of 14 days in children with leg deformities due to
polio. Many children have been up on their toes after the full course
of three sittings.
Slim
and Beautiful
One
can also avail of a unique "health and fitness programme"
to get rid of excess weight without exercises and dieting at Kairali.
"Herbal oil massages and ayurvedic medicines help in losing
excess weight and streamlining the body in matter of a few weeks"
says Gita. What is striking is the most natural, scientific and
healthy method to shed off excess weight. The resident physician, Dr.
Chandra Shekharan explains that reduction therapy eliminates
accumulated toxins and aggravated humors from the body. In fact the
aim is to eliminate factors that cause disease. During the herbal oil
massage treatments for obesity for a minimum period of 14 days at
Kairali, detoxification and toning of the skin go hand in hand, adds
on the attending physician. The herbal oils help to liquefy toxins,
so that these can be eliminated more easily. In tonification therapy
oils are applied to nourish the body through the skin. The effects of
such nutrients extend to the bones and nerve tissue for a direct
penetration into the deeper tissues.
The
weight loss treatment also aids in reducing cholesterol levels,
prevents and maintains years of healthy, active and vigorous life.
Thus, as the weight is being reduced by burning out fat, making the
figure more proportionate, the tonification therapy imparts lustre to
the skin, giving a young wrinkle free glow. A trial well worth the
ayurvedic way.
| 
