Ayurveda

Rejuvenation Therapy
and panchakarma

Panchakarma

Panchakarma is a rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. The Pancha (Five) Karma (Action) approach to disease prevention is a combination of five tried-and-tested treatment techniques that revitalizes patients by restoring their physical and mental equilibrium. Panchakarma's value lies in the herbal and organic medicines used, which exempts it from the risks of side effects, common to many modern-day drugs. The concept behind it is that a majority of sicknesses are caused by consumed foods and environmental toxins. Panchakarma treatment is unique since it ensures both short-term and long-term well-being of the individual. It scrupulously avoids the instant gratification approach. Shamana and Shodhana are the two categories of rejuvenation therapies practised.

Ayurvedic medicines

Keras, Raskriyas and Avarthis

Keras, Raskriyas [Lambatives] and Avarthis [Medicated Oil] are widely used across God's Own Country as daily remedies for a number of ailments. Keras Murivenna is a popular oil-based herbal concoction applied externally for treating superficial injuries, fractures and sprains. It also acts as an antiseptic. Neelibhringadi oil helps patients recover from hair loss. Karpooradi oil relieves arthritis-related fluid build-up and body pain. Rasakriyas Ilaneer Kuzhambu is given to patients suffering from acute cataract and conjunctivitis. It keeps the eyes healthy in general, and protects them from contaminants. Avarthis Ksheerabala Avarthi relieves rheumatic pains.The potency of this medicine can be increased as the treatment progresses.

Kashayas

Kashayas are water-based extracts of medicinal herbs, often mixed with other medicines as well. Ashtavarga Kashaya is a medicine recommended for patients suffering from joint pains, anxiety, and stress. Chiruvilwadi Kashaya is used to treat constipation, haemorrhoids and other rectal issues. Dasamoolakaduthraya Kashaya is given to patients suffering from respiratory and digestive issues, chest pain, fevers, and headaches. Dhanwantharam Kashaya is widely administered for post-natal care, and for the treatment of rheumatic complaints, digestion issues, and partial paralysis. Elakanadi Kashaya is given to patients with cough and asthma. Gandharvahasthadi Kashaya is a natural laxative, and it also helps treat rheumatic complaints. Indukantha Kashaya revitalises the body, and aids in the treatment of tuberculosis, intestinal spasms and joint pains. Manjishtadi Kashaya helps manage rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders and anaemia (iron deficiency). Nadee Kashaya is used in post-natal care. It also helps treat joint pains and intestinal spasms. Nayopaya Kashaya is a remedy for all types of joint issues, asthma, and cough. Padolamooladi Kashaya is prescribed for curing skin ailments, inflammations, leprosy, and constipation.

Ghruthas

Ghrutha is essentially ghee, or clarified butter, heated with a herbal mixture and prepared in the consistency of a Thaila. It is given to the patient to cure issues ranging from joint pains to nervous disorders, epilepsy (involuntary movements and convulsions) and even poisoning. Brahmi Ghrutha is used in the treatment of epilepsy, aphasia (inability to comprehend or discern words), memory loss and brain damage. Gulgulu Thikthaka Ghrutha helps treat joint aches, skin disorders, sinus infections, diabetes and haemorrhoids. Indukantha Ghrutha improves stamina, and cures rheumatic pains, intermittent fevers and intestinal spasms. Jathyadi Ghrutha is applied externally on wounds to heal them. Sukumara Ghrutha is prescribed for the treatment of hernia, haemorrhoids, constipation and genital disorders. Thikthaka Ghrutha helps treat various types of poisoning, bleeding, ulcers, skin diseases, epilepsy and mental illnesses.

Gulikas

Gulikas are tablets dispensed to patients for their ease of consumption. They are made by rolling medicinal pastes into balls and drying them under the sun. Chandraprabha is a gulika recommended for the treatment of diabetics, spleen disorders, urinary issues and anaemia (iron deficiency). Dhanwantharam is prescribed for ante- and post-natal care. This gulika is also a remedy for asthma, digestive issues and joint aches. Hinguvachadi is a solution for all digestion-related issues including acidity, bile imbalance, obesity and lack of appetite as well as breathing-related problems and sinus infections. Kaisoragulgulu helps in the treatment of ulcers due to rheumatoid arthritis, ordinary wounds and skin problems. Karutha Vattu is ground with milk or oil and applied on swellings and inflammations to heal them, or on the forehead to cure high bouts of fever. Marma Gulika is also mixed with milk and butter and applied externally to heal wounds, bruises, cuts, aches and inflammations. Yogarajagulgulu is administered for curing skin, blood and joint-related ailments.

Churnas

Churnas are medicinal powders used for a wide range of treatments. They are prepared by the repeated crushing and sifting of herbs and minerals to achieve a specific consistency. Ashta Churna is administered to children worm who suffer from infections and stomach pains. It ensures the smooth functioning of the digestive tract and remedies indigestion issues. Avipathy Churna helps patients regain control over their bowel movements. It is also recommended for people suffering from anaemia (iron deficiency) and gastric disorders. Dadimashtaka Churna soothes acidic imbalance in the body, helps with digestion and regulates bowel movement. Eladigana Churna is used for treating skin ailments such as blemishes and irritations. Hinguvachadi Churna is effective in the treatment of a variety of gastric disorders, colon malfunctions, obesity problems, stomach bile issues, as well as urinary and sinus infections. Karpooradi Churna remedies mucus problems related to cough and common cold. Rajanyadi Churna cures gastric issues and revitalises the body.

Thailas

Thaila (Thailam), or sesame oil medicated with herbal mixes, is an extremely useful category of Ayurvedic medicine. Its potency can be increased during preparation through the addition of specific ingredients. Amruthadi Thaila is recommended for the treatment of conditions ranging from the common cold to rheumatic pains and jaundice. Asanavilwadi Thaila helps cure oedema (fluid retention), and all ear, nose and throat disorders. Chandanadi Thaila has a cooling effect and is given for the treatment of neural disorders, haemorrhoids, rheumatoid arthritis and burning sensations in the body. Karpasasthyadi Thaila is used to alleviate joint aches, pains and the effects of hemiplegia (total or partial paralysis). Nagaradi Thaila is used for curing mouth and nose related disorders, and oedema. Sahacharadi Thaila relieves pain and numbness, especially in the lower limbs afflicted by rheumatic ailments.

Disease (causes, diagnosis and ayurvedic pharmacology)

Causes of Disease

Ayurveda classifies diseases broadly into the Sarira (physical) and the Manasa (mental). These are then further sub-divided into Nija " endogenous, and Agantu " exogenous diseases. In the same way as the three biochemical energies of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are termed as doshas of the body, Rajas [associated with desire and activity] and Tapas [associated with lethargy and laziness] are considered the bio-chemical forces affecting the state of the mind. According to Ayurveda, all ailments,mental or physical, are caused by the imbalance of the doshas. Endogenous causes of the disease include internal variations of the doshas, and exogenous causes refer to injuries caused by factors from outside. Each of these invariably causes an imbalance in the doshas, and triggers ailments. It is up to the physician to systematically narrow down the search, and identify the path to equilibrium for the patient.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

The Great Sages of yore laid down specific guidelines on how to diagnose and approach ailments in patients. Their teachings as well as a comprehensive explanation of diseases are given by Madhava, in his renowned treatise called Madhava Nidana. Physicians are expected to focus on Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference) and Aptopadesha (authoritative instructions from classical texts). Madhava divides the different types of diagnostic methods into an examination of Purvarupa (prodromal symptoms), Rupa (manifested symptoms) and Samprapti (pathogenesis), and the conduct of Upasaya (therapeutic tests) and Ashtavidha Pareeksha (physical examination). These are done alongside Nidana, where the prior medical history of the patient and his/her family is enquired into. Diagnosis thus covers the complete physiological and mental spectra of the patient, as it involves an attempt to trace the steps and route that have led to the present state of illness.

Ayurvedic Pharmacology

Dravyavigjnan or the study of dravya lies at the root of Ayurvedic pharmacology. Dravyas are medicines or drugs that must be further purified to become the final medicine consumed by the patient. They contain traits of the Five Great Elements, and can be further sub-divided based on where they are sourced from. Each dravya takes its own time in healing, and has its own constituent properties that affect a patient in their own ways. The rasa of a dravya is an extremely important component here, as it represents the essential quality of a drug and its special effects on the three biochemical energies in the body. Finally, once the dravya has been isolated, vaidyans have a range of special preparations which can be administered to the patient. These different formulations of the dravya are finally consumed at varying levels of potency, based on the severity of the disease.

Philosophy
and human pathology

Human Pathology

Any sickness can be treated with a deeper understanding of our own self. Our body reacts to a large number of internal and external factors and any imbalance or impurity created by these causes illness. Equilibrium within our body is hence extremely essential. Ayurvedic texts talk about bhutas, or constituent elements of the human body, which trigger the mechanisms responsible for all bodily functions. This knowledge helps us understand the true causes of ailments, and how we can attempt to treat them. Ayurveda divides the governing systems of the human body into Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. It elaborates the various types of diseases, physical and mental. Finally, it also shows us how we can reverse the degradation and begin the process of healing.

Rejuvenation Therapy and panchakarma

Ayurvedic medicines

Disease (causes, diagnosis and ayurvedic pharmacology)

Philosophy and human pathology

Gallery

Rejuvenation Therapy
and panchakarma

Philosophy
and human pathology