(a) A great way for emotional relaxation. (b) De-stresses the nervous system. (c) Very beneficial for insomnia. (d) Strengthens the neck and head.

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1 Ayurveda Therapy Ayurveda has specific treatments for medical conditions such as respiratory problems, rheumatism, cholesterol, paralysis etc. One thing Ayurveda professes is that every disease is curable with the right kind of treatment. A disease becomes incurable because of lack of knowledge about it. Our center in Rishikesh provides different kinds of therapies for those with physical problems and also has preventive therapies for healthy people. Well trained staff work under the guidance of experienced doctors to give the best treatment. Every person who comes to us for treatment is given personal care and a customized regime of therapy is made after consultation. Some of the popular Ayurveda therapies are: Shiro Basti The literal meaning of "Shiro" is Head and "Basti" means Retain. This is a process of retaining warm medicated herbal oil on the head region for 30 minutes to one hour. This is a different kind of retention and is done in the seated position. A cap made of leak proof material is used to retain the oil. In Ayurveda two types of treatments are done - the detoxification and cleansing treatment is known as Shodhana Chikitsa and the medicinal treatment is called Shaman Chikitsa. Ayurveda stresses the importance of detoxification and cleansing before medicinal treatment. This is because the basic principle of Ayurveda is that disease is caused due to imbalances in the body and most of them can be cured just by restoring the order through cleansing and detoxification. After cleansing, the body gets in sync with nature and corrects the diseases and disorders by itself. Shiro Basti is one of the external cleansing processes applied in Ayurveda. The head is the most sensitive part of the body and is the controlling authority. Hence utmost care should be taken while undergoing Shiro Basti process. Only hot medicated oil is being retained on the head and the medical condition of the person undergoing the therapy becomes extremely important. In normal cases six to seven seatings are required for the full course treatment. Some of the main benefits of Shiro Basti is relief in case of neurological disorders, stress, hypertension and blood pressure and also relief from feeling of insensitivity. Shiro Basti basically rejuvenates the nervous system thereby quickening the message response system of the body.

2 Shiro Dhara "Shiro" in Sanskrit means Head and "Dhara" means flow. The continuous pouring of medicated oil or other herbal preparation directed on the forehead of the person between the brows is the Shiro Dhara Chikitsa. Depending on the disease being treated, buttermilk or milk may also be used for pouring. The place of pouring the oil (between the brows) is also known as the Third Eye. It stimulates the pituitary gland which is the master of all glands and controls the body. The therapy is done in a lying position and the eyes are supposed to be closed. Then a vessel is placed above the head which has a hole through which the oil slowly flows. The flow is then directed between the brows. The therapy can take from 30 minutes to one hour. Shiro Dhara is a therapy which is both detoxifying and rejuvenating. Shiro Dhara has many forms like Tail Dhara (using oil), Ksheera Dhara (Using Milk), Takra Dhara (Using Butter milk) and Jala Dhara (Using water). This therapy works on the membrane around the brain called the myelin sheath. It calms the nerves, balances Vata, releases emotions from the sub-conscious thus purifying the mind and freeing the nerves of stress. This is very important if you want to pursue the higher conscious level through meditation. The therapy is helpful in case of nervousness, anxiety, headache, insomnia, fatigue and some mental disorders. Some of the main benefits of Shiro Dhara are: (a) A great way for emotional relaxation. (b) De-stresses the nervous system. (c) Very beneficial for insomnia. (d) Strengthens the neck and head. (e) Removes all hair related issues like graying cracking and falling. (f) Improves skin quality. (g) Activates the Pituitary gland which increases the conscious level. (h) Improves concentration and confidence.

3 Pizhichil Pizhichil means squeezing and comprises of squeezing warm oil on the body. It is a type of whole body massage which is known as Sarvangdhara in Ayurveda. It is a combination of two Ayurveda techniques of massage using oil and heat treatment. In ancient times this therapy was mostly used by Kings and ministers and hence is popular as a luxury treatment. In Pizhichil a gentle rhythmic massage of the whole body except the head is done. The massage is directed down towards the lower part of the body from up and vice versa. The process is done by two or four masseurs and is done under the supervision of a physician. It covers the seven standard points of the body leaving no part. A cotton or linen cloth dipped in warm medicated oil is taken and then the oil is squeezed from the cloth on the body. The oil is then rubbed gently all over the body. Special cotton cloth and hands are used for rubbing and stimulating the skin. Due to the heated oil, sweating occurs all over the body, exterminating toxins through sweat. The eyes are covered by a cloth to avoid sweat getting in them as a precautionary measure because the sweat contains expelled toxins. The process takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and the whole treatment can vary from 14 to 30 days. It depends on the body constitution of each individual. This therapy is very rejuvenating and tones the skin and muscles, removes stress, improves blood circulation and has an anti-ageing effect on the whole body. It is also beneficial in case of sexual disorders, nervous weakness and arthritis, and is very beneficial for diabetics. This therapy is specifically useful for patients suffering from muscle and nerve strain. Snehana Snehana is a pre-panchakarma therapy to loosen the toxins in the body which are later removed with Panchakarma. It involves oleation of the body internally and externally. It means lubrication of the body

4 by using fatty substance which includes medicated oils, Ghrita (Ghee/ Clarified Butter), Fat (Vasa) and Bone marrow (Majja). This oleation therapy (Snehana) is of two major types: (1) Internal Oleation therapy (Abhyathara Snehana) and (2) External oleation therapy (Bahya Snehana). Internal Oleation is also of two types. (i) It is oral intake of medicated Ghrita (Ghee/Clarified Butter) without mixing with food and is known as Achapana Snehana. It is for the purpose of softening the tissues before Panchakarma or Shodhana therapy. (ii) Intake of oil with food and other Ayurvedic medication. This is generally done after the main therapy of Panchakarma or Shodhana has been completed. It is for continual detoxification to keep the body healthy. Oleation can also be done with Nasal therapy (Nasyam) or rectal therapy (Basti). External oleation is done using various methods like (i) Gargling with oil known as oil pulling in modern terminology. (ii) Head Massage. (iii) Oil Massage and (iv) Spreading oil and medication on the body gently (Lepa). This is a rough classification of Snehana. Snehana is also done by mixing the different substances together. In Oleation therapy in Ayurveda, only four classes of substances are used: Ghrita (Ghee/Clarified Butter), Oil (Talia), Fat (Vasa) and Bone Marrow (Majja). Combination therapy can be done by mixing two, three and all four together. The one in which oil and Ghrita are mixed is known as Yamala Snehana. When oil, Ghee and Fat is mixed together the Snehana is called Trivrit (Tri) Snehana and when all are mixed together it is known as Maha Snehana. The mixing is done by specialists according to the needs of the specific individual. Kkizhi The meaning of Kkizhi is bundle, and the use of bundles in massage in Ayurveda is given this name. It is sudation therapy in Ayurveda which induces sweating. Kkizhi can be of three types (i) Ilakkizhi also known as Patraswedana (ii) Podikkizhi also known as Choornaswedana and (iii) Navarakkizhi also known as rice Swedana. Let us try and understand the three Kkizhi: Patraswedana (Ilakkizhi) It is Swedana induced by making bundle of leaves with medicated elements. Leaves of special plants like Dhatura, Arka, and Karanja etc. are chopped and mixed with finely grated coconut and salt (Rock Salt). The ratio of mixing the ingredients varies with the individual treatments. Then the mixture is rolled in Pan Leaves with coconut oil and warmed. These rolls are then tied up in linen cloth. This bundle is used to gently press various points on the body and induce sweating. The temperature of the bundles needs

5 to be maintained by regular heating. This technique is extremely useful for treating rheumatic joint pain and also pain in the back and muscles. It also helps the mind to relax and brings sense of relief. Choornaswedana (Podikkizhi) In this kind of Kkizhi, linen bags are filled with substances in powder form, hence the name Choornaswedana (powder sweating). It also induces sweating. Black gram, sesame seeds, Ayurvedic herbs and Horse gram are ground to a fine powder from. This powder is then tied up in small bundles of linen cloth. In some cases finely chopped coconut is also included. Then the Kkizhi (bundles) are heated in a pan which is coated with Neem or castor oil. This is done from the linen burning. Two people do the massage with bundles where one assists by supplying freshly heated bundles. At least four bundles are used at one time for effective therapy. The temperature of the bundles should not be too high or too low but moderate and tolerable. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour. After profuse sweating the body is wiped clean with a towel. After that, the body is given time to cool off before having a bath. Applying medicated oil on body and head before bath is recommended. Lukewarm water should be used for bathing. This method of Kkizhi massage helps balance Vata and Kapha in the body and cures many ailments related to nerves, bones and muscle and also gives immense relief. It is also good for relaxation after a hectic week of work. Rice Swedana (Navarakkizhi) This kind of making bundles is the contribution of Kerala to Ayurveda. This is a unique kind of Swedana. The bundles contain a specially cooked rice variety called Shastika. The rice is cooked in milk with some herbs which contain Sida rhombifolia commonly known as kurumthotti in Kerala. Four bundles are made of the cooked rice and used for gentle massage. The individual undergoing the treatment should sit straight with outstretched legs on the ground or massage table. Two masseurs will massage the two parts of body standing on either side following the same movements. The massage continues with the

6 patient lying on the back. At all times the temperature of the bundles should be maintained. For achieving this, bundles are kept dipped in warm milk. After one hour a small film of rice starch forms on the whole body. After sweating is done the starch is removed using palm leaves. Then herbal oil is applied on the body. After cooling off the body for some time, bathing with lukewarm water is recommended. All these three techniques of making bundles has its own benefits and is done as per the needs of the patient. At our center, this kind of therapies are done after consulting the Ayurvedic specialists on our team of professionals. The specialists will listen to your issues, conduct some checks and then recommend the specific type of treatment. All our staff follow the Ayurvedic principles very diligently, after all, Ayurveda is all about believing in its principles and following them. Some other Ayurvedic therapies are as follows: Greeva Basti Greeva basti is a Sanskrit word meaning hot oil therapy for the neck region. It involves bathing the neck region with herbal preparations like hot oil or hot milk mixed with herbs. This therapy works wonders for people with back and neck pain due to prolonged sitting. It relaxes the nerves and muscles of the neck and shoulder region which helps in many ailments like back pain and spondylitis and brings flexibility to the body. Nasyam Nasyam is the Ayurvedic treatment for sinusitis and other ailments of the head region. Medicated oil or medicated herbal powder is administered through the nose cavity. Nostrils are the gateway to the brain and this therapy is helpful in many ailments due to humor fluids.

7 Mukh Lepanam Smearing the face with herbal preparations is called Mukh Lepanam. This is a special therapy done for removing toxic substances from the face and improving the colour and complexion. The therapy opens up pores and lets the skin breathe freely, which helps in the skin becoming supple and also helps in removing wrinkles and dark circles. Netra Tarpanam This is a rejuvenation therapy for the eyes. The eyes are bathed in pure medicated Ghrita (Ghee) for 10 minutes. The therapy helps to strengthen the nerves and helps in removing strain on eyes. It has also been found to be useful in correcting eye problems like myopia, cataract and ocular muscle weakening. Kati Basti Kati Basti is a treatment of the lower back using retention of warm medicated oil in the area. Dough made of flour and water is used to make compartments for retaining the oil in specific areas of the lower back. It is a kind of external oleation.

8 Karnapoornam Karnapoornam is the Ayurvedic way of treating ailment pertaining to the ears. First a vibrant massage of the head and neck is done and then medicated oil is filled in the ears. After retaining for five minutes, the oils are removed. This therapy detoxifies the ear passage removing any kind of problems in the process. Kashaya Dhara Kashaya Dhara is a special therapy involving pouring of medicated fluid on the body and then massaging. It involves continuous flow of fluids on the body and forehead. This therapy is extremely beneficial for skin and hair problems. Pichu Pichu is a specialized treatment for the head and spinal cord. A thick layer of cotton wool is first soaked in warm medicated oils and applied over the area. The oil is kept warm by replacing the cotton wool. It is one of the poorva karma therapies in Panchakarma. It is very effective in treating pain in the spinal region. Upanaham The Ayurvedic therapy to treat localized pain or swelling is known as Upanaham. It is done by applying warm medicated herbal paste over the affected area of the body. The area is then covered with cotton bandage or leaves. It is not done for burn injuries. Netra Prakshalanam A herbal preparation of oil is made to enter the eye and then washed using special eye drops. This removes all the toxins that are present due to exposure to polluted air. This process is called Netra Prakshalanam. Herbal steam bath In Ayurvedic texts herbal steam bath is known as Swedana. It involves massage with specific oils and then seating in the steam bath to remove toxins from the body via sweating.

9 Anjana Anjana is a method of treatment of the eye as expressly written in Charka Samhita and Shushruta Samhita. The material used to treat the eye can be powder (Choorna) or Fluid (Rasa). Uro Basti Uro Basti is the treatment of the heart using warm oil retention technique. It is an oil bath of the heart region. The left side of the chest is bathed with warm medicated Ghrita (Ghee) or herbal oil. It is also known as Hrid basti. Yoni Prakshalanam The Ayurvedic way of cleansing the vaginal area with medicated oils is called Yoni Prakshalanam. The therapy helps in getting rid of many gynecological disorders and infertility and provides strength to the muscles of the vagina.