Ayurvedic Treatments and Therapies In India

Ayurveda therapies have varied and evolved over more than two millennia. Therapies include herbal medicines, special diets, meditation, yoga, massage, laxatives, enemas, and medical oils. Ayurvedic preparations are typically based on complex herbal compounds, minerals, and metal substances (perhaps under the influence of early Indian alchemy or rasashastra). Ancient Ayurveda texts also taught surgical techniques, including rhinoplasty, kidney stone extractions, sutures, and the extraction of foreign objects.

Ayurvedic therapy or treatment is administered as a combination of herbal concoctions and lifestyle changes that help balance the three principal energies of the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These principle energies or doshas are present in every individual with varying strength and magnitude. The one dosha that is predominant among the rest determines the overall constitution of the individual, also known as Prakriti.

According to Ayurveda, diseases arise when these doshas become vitiated because of an external or internal stimulus linked to eating habits and the amount of physical exercise you get in a day.

Ayurvedic treatments ensure all three doshas are at their optimum levels. The duration and method of the treatment may vary depending on the Prakriti or inherent constitution of the individual.

Contrary to the modern medicine system, Ayurvedic treatments harness the power of nature and the body's inherent qualities to heal itself. The treatments are performed in a certified Ayurveda center under the supervision of experienced practitioners and nurses. As far as oral medications go, it is recommended to seek the advice of your Ayurveda practitioner to avoid major side effects and disappointment because of poor results.

• Abhyanga Massage : Abhyanga is a traditional full-body massage performed by oneself using medicated oil. The oil is slightly heated before applying to the entire body, from head to toe, followed by gentle strokes to release stress, improve circulation and relieve inflammation. The oil is infused with specific herbs, and the ingredients may vary depending on the target ailment.
• Kati Vasti Treatment : Traditional treatment for back pain and inflammation in the lumbosacral region, Kati Vasti, is performed by retaining warm medicated oil over the lower back for a specific duration. Think of it as a small frame or a well-made of gram dough to keep the oil—the heated oil puddles over the target region to provide external stimulation for a soothing effect.
• Elakizhi Treatment : Perspiration is good for you. It helps open up skin pores and eliminate toxins as sweat. If your day-to-day routine doesn't involve —physical activity, you might need this treatment to break a sweat. Elakizhi therapy induces perspiration by massaging the body with a bundle of herbs packed in a muslin cloth and soaked in warm oil. The treatment helps relieve stress, sore muscles, and body ache.
• Njavara Kizhi Treatment : It's a traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy using boluses of cooked rice, milk and herbal extracts to induce perspiration. This massage therapy benefits arthritis patients or anyone suffering from acute or chronic musculoskeletal discomfort.
• Panchkarma Treatment : It's a holistic treatment performed over a week to naturally send the body into overdrive to get rid of toxins. Panchakarma treatment has been around for centuries, designed and prescribed by ancient sages to nurture healthy living.
• Shirodhara Treatment : It's a restorative therapy administered by a certified practitioner in a purpose-built facility. The process involves pouring warm, medicated oil over the forehead. The treatment lasts 60-90 minutes and includes a gentle head massage to ease headaches, stress, and anxiety.

• Weight Management : Ayurveda helps maintain an ideal body-mass index, ensuring a healthy weight according to age and height. Whether overweight or underweight, Ayurveda's balanced approach promotes healthy metabolism to get your body weight back to normal.
• Healthy Skin and Hair : Chronic stress, poor eating habits, and irregular sleep patterns can take a toll on your skin and hair. Following Ayurveda-recommended dincharya can help you get in sync with nature. When you wake up at sunrise, go to bed before midnight, eat seasonal fruits and vegetables and manage everyday stress through yoga, the results will manifest in glowing skin and healthy hair. It's a common belief that planning your day, according to Ayurveda-recommended dincharya, can delay the signs of aging, helping you look 5 to 10 years younger than your age. You can also include herbal remedies in your routines, such as Nalpamaradi Keram , to reduce sun damage and tanning, and Kesini hair oil for increasing hair length.
• Stress Management : Ayurveda's holistic approach to stress management combines therapeutic massages, breathing exercises, and herbal remedies for improving the autonomic nervous system. As a result, you can divert your focus from 'stressing out' to 'figuring out.' Some popular stress management treatments include Shirodhara, Abhyanga treatment, Shiroabhyanga, and Padabhyangam.
• Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol : Fluctuating blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can be life-threatening after a certain age. Ayurveda's techniques and dietary recommendations can help prevent plaque build-up in the inner lining of the arteries, reducing the risk of cardiac arrest and strokes.
• Prevent Immunity Disorders : Because of poor eating habits and irregular sleep patterns, your immune system may lose critical ground against diseases. If you fall sick frequently and struggle to recover from an illness, taking Ayurveda's recommended immunity boosters can help. With various herbs, Ayurvedic immunity boosters can help fight immunity-related concerns when administered in the right dosage and duration.

• The Leela, Udaipur : The city of lakes and palaces, The Leela’s ESPA Spa is yet another hot spot for Ayurvedic retreat. The ‘haveli’ style architecture of spas, tents done up in shades of royalty and opulence and the welcoming gardens contribute to the development of a relaxed mind and soul of the human body. Tricia Bannister, Group Spa Manager, says, “Our clientele has grown from in-house guests to both in-house and local guests requesting for a wellness experience set amidst the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.” From hot stone massages, facials, yoga and meditation, The Leela also features private yoga studio for visitors. On being asked if Ayurveda treatment is a rich man’s pastime Bannister replies, “There is a range of Ayurvedic resorts available for spa travellers, from more relaxed, to 5-star properties. Ayurveda tourism is growing dramatically in India; both for pure Ayurvedic treatments as well as Ayurvedic-inspired experiences. Travellers from all income-levels are curious to experience new wellness treatments," adds Tricia.
• Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Resort : Situated near the banks of Punnamada Lake, it is one of the most pleasant places for Ayurveda in India located in Alappuzha in Kerala. The Keraleeyam Ayurvedic resort provides a great view of the backwaters and comfortable cottages away from all the chaotic struggles of the city. While a particular resort usually gives you a good room and service, this resort offers a soothing treatment of nature and amidst the natural environment along with the comfort of the great door to door facilities. One can find luxury and quality in tandem here.
• Devaaya : Enclosed by the waters of the Mandovi River, this centre is located on an islet off the coast of Goa. The Devaaya centre is quite famous in the state of beaches. Maintained by the Alcon-Victor Group, this healing centre is deeply rooted within the ancient Vedic philosophy and offers services and treatments for various ailments, thereby providing holistic healing & wellness. They work in all such as obesity, joint pain, paralysis, diabetes, stress, arthritis, and high BP etc. Also, the centre conducts programmes on preventive health care, women’s health, and post-chemotherapy etc. Thus, this centre in the state of Goa delivers quality with ambience and betterment towards one’s health.
• Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre : The Nagarjuna Ayurveda group was initially established in Kerala and slowly evolved its estate into various centres all over the country. The Nagarjuna Ayurvedic centre provides an overall round treatment with the use of their authentic herbs and procedures sanctioned by certified doctors. The name of the Nagarjuna group is particularly after the sage Nagarjuna, is also known as the ‘the medicine Buddha’ has a history of its own. This Ayurvedic centre, located in Kalady, Kerala specialises in the treatment of Panchakarma. The Nagarjuna groups primarily focus on detoxifying the body through the many slots of the human body and cleansing it from inside out.
• Dhathri Ayurveda : This centre is one of the popular places for Ayurvedic medicine. This Hospital and Panchakarma centre were inaugurated as a healing centre in a small town of Kayamkulam and possessed an ancient tradition of Ayurvedic heritage of more than 300 years. Today this centre stands as an epitome of the sacred methods of the Ayurveda in India combined with scientific research by Dr Sajikumar, who maintains his forefathers’ foundation has brought about a revolution in the execution of the Ayurvedic treatment authenticity. With quality deliverance, this place is an excellent pick for those who want to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul.

Ayurveda's holistic approach to health and well-being is premised on balancing three principal energies. All three principle energies must be at their optimum levels to live an active, disease-free life. Some popular Ayurvedic treatments used to treat various diseases are panchakarma treatment, Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Kati Vasti, Nasya treatment, Elakizhi, Njavara Kizhi, etc. These therapies are administered by a certified practitioner and may take a little longer to show positive effects. Ayurvedic therapies can help you with weight management, stress management, hair and skin, detoxification, and immunity building.