Ayurclinic

Ayurveda Therapies
Therapies for Whole Body
Abhyanga
Herbal Steam Bath
Pizhichil
Kaadi Dhara
Njavarakkizhi
Podikkizhi
Udwarthanam
Lepam

 Regional Treatments
Head Massage
Shirodhara
Ksheera Dhara
Takradhara
Netratarpanam
Gandoosha
Kavala
Ksheera Dhoomam

Pichu

 Wound Healing
Pre & Post Operative Care

Ayurveda Therapies
AYURVEDA, the most ancient and traditional Indian holistic
system of medicine which is considered as the mother of all
healing systems, offers a range of and natural therapies and
herbal medicines to balance the bodily principles and to
integrate body, mind and spirit. These therapies can be used,
both to treat various ailments (curative & palliative), as well as
to improve general health (disease prevention & Rejuvenation).
The effect of these therapies differs with the oil, herbs and
other ingredients used.

Therapies for Whole Body

Abhyanga
Abhyanga (whole body oil massage) is one of the most
popular Ayurvedic therapies for the preservation of health. It
involves full body warm oil massage. The type of oil used is
individual specific depending on their body constitution. It can
also vary according to the seasons. Few of the oils used for
Abhyanga include sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard and
almond. Sometimes oil medicated with herbs are used for
specific conditions.
Charaka Samhita mentions about Abhyanga that the body of
one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected
much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous
work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with
pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong,
charming and least affected by old age. A daily Abhyanga
practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances
well-being and longevity.Abhyanga is relaxing, comforting
and gears up your body and mind. It is a powerful recharger

The type of medication used can be oil, powder or paste.

The technique is the specific pattern and pressure of the strokes
employed while giving the massage.
For example, in a rejuvenating massage the oils selected shall be
with properties of tissue nourishing, toning up the muscles,
stimulating the nerve endings and the pattern of strokes will be
in the direction of hair follicles and from the origin of muscles to
the insertion. In a therapeutic powder massage for obesity, the
purpose is to cleanse and burn out the excess adipose fat and
hence the strokes will be in the direction opposite to the hair
follicles. Having identified the body constitution (Prakruti) and
type of ailment (Vikruti), a suitable type of massage can be
carried out.
Benefits Abhyanga has a positive impact on the whole body
physically, mentally and emotionally while balancing the
individual doshas. Its rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and
muscles from stiffness and makes all body movements free. This
stimulating treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn
encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes, while providing
relief to diseases such as anxiety, fatigue, circulatory disorders,
rheumatic and arthritic problems, backaches and injuries.
Synchronized massage is also beneficial in preventing wrinkles
and scales, improving skin texture and complexion, curing

Herbal Steam Bath

Method Herbal Steam Bathtreatment starts with a gentle
application of warm herbal oil all over the body. Next the
individual is made to rest inside a steam chamber that lets out
herbal steam from medicinal herbs, making the individual
perspire profusely; this promotes cohesion between cells. The
steam helps open up the very small pores of the skin thereby
removing all wastes and pacifying the three doshas Vata, Pitta,
and Kapha.
Benefits Herbal Steam Bath is a perfect therapy for toning the
skin and giving it a special glow. It helps reduceskin acne by
cleansing and dilating the pores and washing out toxin
accumulation. A steam bath also eliminates toxins from the
body, clearing the respiratory system and has an overall calming
effect that relaxes your mind. It helps to slow down aging

 Pizhichil
The word Pizhichil means to squeeze. During Pizhichil, oil is
squeezed from a cloth dipped in warm medicated oil on the
whole body and hence the name. Pizhichil, also known as
kayaseka, forms a part of Purvakarma in the panchakarma
therapy. It is an ayurvedic whole body therapy using lukewarm
medicated oil and accompanied with co-ordinated massage
therapy. It rejuvenates the nervous and muscular system of the
body and stimulates blood circulation. Pizhichil therapy is an
ideal combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments
Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). Oleation is the oil
therapy and is subdivided as external oleation and internal
oleation. Sudation is the heat therapy. The combination of
snehana and swedana combines the goodness of both oils and
heat. In ancient times it was only prescribed to the rich and
hence referred to as the treatments for kings.

Procedure- In this treatment, the whole body is bathed in streams of

lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage. Copious
amount of medicated oil (almost 3 litres) is used for this treatment.
The oil or the medicated oil as prescribed is warmed and kept in two or
three bowls depending on the number of masseurs. Usually, there are
two masseurs present on both the sides. Cloth dipped in lukewarm
medicated oil is squeezed over the patients body and gently
massaged all over. The duration of Pizhichil therapy is decided by the
doctor after the body constitution of the individual has been
determined. Normally the treatment may last from fourteen to twentyeight days.
Benefits- Pizhichil therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds
up immunity for a healthier life. From relaxation and health point of
view, it helps in relieving anxiety, combating depression, regulating
blood pressure and relieving body pains. It is especially beneficial for
ailments like rheumatic diseases, alleviating arthritis symptoms
overcoming paralysis, curing sexual weakness and reducing
neurological disorders. From a beautification perspective, it is
excellent for keeping skin young and also prevents aging.

 Kaadi
Dhara
Method
Kaadi Dhara begins with the application of suitable
medicated oil to the entire body. A special self-fermented, warm,
medicinal preparation made of different kinds of grains, lemon,
horse gram, etc. is poured continuously on to the whole body.
Benefits Kaadi Dhara is very effective for Kapha Vata
predominant conditions of arthritis, paralysis, obesity, and
muscular pains; and widely used in inflammatory
disorders,insomnia, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory
loss and certain skin diseases.

 Njavarakkiz
hi Njavarakizhitherapy involves agenerous amount of
Method
medicated oil being applied to the whole body. The body is then
massaged with small cotton cloth boluses filled with cooked Njavara
rice. The boluses are dipped in this regenerating mixture of cows milk
and a brewed herbal decoction, and then applied all over the body to
induce sudation (sweat).Njavarain Malayalam stands for the ricethat
grows in 60 days;Kizhistands for bolus. Njavara is an indigenous
variety of rice grown in Kerala, having medicinal properties.
Benefits Njavarakizhitreatment is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and
prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy
lifestyle. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous
system and improves the overall appearance of the skin. This is a
strengthening treatment employed in neurological disorders,
rheumatism, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.

 Podikkizhi
Method Podikizhiis a Ayurveda treatment in which the whole body or
certain parts of the body are fomented and made to sweat, by the
application of medicinal powders. Specific herbs (black gram, horse gram,
gingely seeds, and herbs) are tied in muslin pouches and the warmed
herbal formula is gently pounded and pressed into the skin by the
therapists in a synchronized, rhythmic motion. These boluses are reheated frequently and gently massaged over the body. The treatment
ends with a warm bath.
Benefits Podikizhi helps in curing Kapha-Vata predominant conditions
of arthritis, back pain, paralysis, and muscular pains. This treatment is
usefulfor relieving deep seated tension, increasing circulation, loosening
built up toxins, strengthening muscle tissue and ridding the body of
excess Kapha. It is prescribed for diseases where there is vitiation of
kapha, heaviness of body, extremities and obesity.

 Udwarthanam
Method Udwarthanam is typically a deep tissue and dry massage
using herbal powders. This massage stimulates hair follicles and
subcutaneous fat tissue to break down subcutaneous fat storage.The
treatment involves upward stroking, where the powder is rubbed with
gentle force on the body.
Benefits Udwarthanam reduces blood cholesterol, obesity, skin
problems, imparts mobility to the joints, strengthens muscles and
refreshes the body. The most promising effect is the slimming of the
body. This treatmentsoftens and exfoliates the skin, improves muscle
tone, and is a favoured treatment for those with sensitive skin. In
addition, Udwarthanam improves blood circulation and is also known to
be effective against certain skin diseases.

 Lepam
Method Lepam involves the application of herbal paste externally
over the affected area. The herbal powder and the liquid to make the
paste are selected as per the individuals condition.
Benefits Lepam has a wide range of usage from cosmetic purpose to
severe skin conditions. It proves very effective in psoriasis, pimples,
marks on skin, pigmentation, arthritis with swelling and pain, injuries
and skin infections.

egional Treatments
Head Massage
Method Head Massage is a concentrated massage on head and
face, using Ayurveda techniques and special medicated oil suited to
individual needs.
Benefits Head Massage relieves stress and strain related problems,
improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for
insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. It bestows better vision, better
hearing and clears the nasal problems.

Shirodhara :
Shirodhara is usually the usage of specific oils poured continuously
on the centre of the forehead, and can be one of the steps
involved in panchakarma. In Sanskrit, shiras means head and
dhaara means stream. This steady rhythmic pouring of oil allows
the body to enter into a state of deep relaxation. Shirodhara can
also be further classified based on the liquid used for pouring. If oil
is used for pouring, it is called tailadhara. Herbal or medicinal oils
are used in tailadhara depending on the condition of the person. If
buttermilk is used, then it is called as takradhara. Buttermilk can
be combined with herbs too. If milk is used, it is called
Kheeradhara. Here again, the milk can be combined with herbs.
When coconut water or plain water is used, it is called jaladhara.
Each of these have their own effect depending on the type of
dhara and the medicinal herbs used.

Method The person who has to undergo the Shirodhara treatment

lies on a table. The Shirodhara vessel is a wide mouthed bowl with
a small hole at the bottom and a wick is inserted through the hole.
This vessel is hung over the head of the person such that the wick
is about two inches above the forehead of the person. The vessel
is filled with the required liquid and is made to flow in a continuous
stream through the wick on to the upper part of the forehead. A
cloth or cotton pad is placed above the forehead to prevent the
liquid flowing to the eyes. The warm oil or other liquid used, is
collected, re-circulated, and the process continues for a certain
duration as suggested by the practitioner. On completion of the
flow of oil, the client is allowed to rest for a few minutes, before
the residual liquid is wiped from the hair. It is recommended to rest
quietly for at least a few hours after this treatment.
Benefits Shirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and
mind, and relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the
aging process, improves memory and is known to have a curative
effect for paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hypertension
and other neurological malfunctions. It bestows better vision,
better hearing, clears nasal problems and calms the body and
mind. Shirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical constitution
of the individual

Ksheera Dhara
Method Ksheera dhara is a relaxing treatment similar to Shirodhara
but instead of herbal oil, herbal milk infused with special herbs such as
cleansing turmeric powder and fragrant sandalwood powder, is
continuously poured over the forehead or all over the body. The gentle
milk bath is followed by a relaxing massage.
Benefits Ksheera dhara is a great therapy for people suffering from
Vata and Pitta predominance, headaches, insomnia and mental
stress.This moisturizing treatment relieves anxiety and tension, and
leaves the skin with a healthy glow.
Takradhara :
Method Takra (buttermilk) and Dhara (pouring); Takradharais a form
of Shirodhara where medicated buttermilk, which has tremendous
cooling properties, is used as the main ingredients for the treatment.It
is poured onto the forehead in a constant stream. This is preceded by
a head massage.
Benefits Takradhara prevents greying of hair, dandruff, hair-fall,
reduces headaches, increases digestive power, and alleviates
anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Takradhara is administered on the
affected area to have a curative effect.This treatment helps to calm
the individual down, relieves insomnia, depression and other stress
related problems.

Netratarpanam :
Method Ayurveda has some special strengthening and purifying eye
treatments. Though the treatment varies for each problem, Netra
tarpana treatment aims at providing optimum rejuvenation for the eyes
and acts as an antidote for tired and burning eyes.Medicated ghee is
retained in a reservoir made over the eyes with black gram paste in the
procedure.
Benefits Netra tarpana will have a cooling effect on irritated and
stressed eyes, relieve eyestrain,Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, improve
eyesight, helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, improper coordination and loss of movement of the eye balls, and other eye related
problems.
Gandoosha :
Method Gandushaor oil pulling involves retention of medicated oil or
decoction in the mouth cavity for several minutes.The Ayurvedic text
Charaka Samhita mentionsKavala gandushaKavalarefers to retaining
oil in the mouth for a specific time andgandushais retaining oil while
making specific movements of oral cavity
Gandusha assists in the process of pulling out oral toxins. Just as the
skin excretes body waste and toxins, the tongue eliminates toxins and

Kavala :
Method Kavala is one of the daily morning routines practiced in
Ayurveda, usually after brushing teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
The traditional choice is sesame oil, whichhas to be swirled gently inside
the mouth for a specified period of time after which it is spat out when
the oil becomes thicker in consistency. Each part of the tongue is
mapped with meridians representing different internal organs.
Kavalasoothes and stimulates these meridians that benefits the
corresponding organ.
Benefits Kavala improves the voice and brings a glow to the face. It is
beneficial to ear, nose and throat, strengthens teeth, gums and jaws, and
removes wrinkles. This therapy is highly effective for diseases of jaw,
allergies, respiratory problems, indigestion, constipation, heart disease,
hypertension and diabetes.
Ksheera Dhoomam :
Method Ksheera Dhoomambegins with the application of suitable
medicated oil on the face, neck and chest. The face and neck are then
subjected profuse perspiration through steam generated from a
combination of cows milk and herbal decoctions.
Benefits Ksheera Dhoomamis effective for facial paralysis, trigeminal

Pichu :
Method Pichuis a palliative treatment for ailments of the head and
spine. During this treatment, a 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.The warmth of the
oil-soaked pads seeps into the body and induces a deep sense of
relief.Short, gentle and rhythmic massage strokes further alleviate stress
and enhance the healing process.This can be also done on other major
joints in case of swellings, injury or pain.
Benefits Pichu as a therapy is very effective for degenerative and
painful problems like backache, osteo-arthritis, spondylitis, injuries, etc.
Upanaham :
Method It is done by application of a warm, medicated, herbal paste
over the affected area, covering the applied paste with medicinal herbal
leaves and bandaging over that with a cotton cloth bandage. This
application is removed after few hours as per the requirement.Care is
taken to avoid any burn injury.
Benefits Upanaham is well-known for its ability to relieve pain, swelling
and to nourish the tissues. It is a very effective treatment in Osteoarthritis, joint injuries and localized pain and swelling.

Kativasthi :
Method Kati vastiinvolves specially prepared warm herbal oil being
poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste
boundary for the required duration.
Benefits The healing properties of herbal oils used for Kati
vastideeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains
strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints
keeping them flexible and pain free. This therapy alleviates lower
back conditions like lumbar spondylitis, inter vertebral disc prolapses,
lumbago (low back ache), and sciatica.
Greeva Vasti :
Method Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck
and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required
duration in Greeva vasti.
Benefits The healing properties of herbal oils used for Greeva
vastitherapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and
maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the
joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Greeva vastialleviates
neck and upper back conditions like cervical spondylitis, stiff neck,
pain due to over strain, etc.

Urovasti :
Method Urovastiis a treatment where a specially prepared mixture of
warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside a herbal
paste boundary.
Benefits The healing properties of herbal oils used for Urovasti, enrich
the blood and build and maintain strong muscles and connective tissues.
It is a stimulating and therapeutic treatment for muscular chest pain and
asthma.
Shirovasthi :
Method In a Shirovasti treatment, abandage is tied and a cylindrical
cap is secured around the head. The medicated oil, warmed to body
temperature, is poured into the cap and allowed to soak into the
scalp.This oil is a mixture of gingely oil, castor oil, ghee, common milk,
and various herb extracts; these are boiled in order to extract their full
medicinal properties
Benefits Shirovastiis a great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia,
and depression. It is also useful fordryness of nostrils, mouth and
throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head, eye diseases,
diseases of cranial nerves and hair fall. It is also helpful to improve
memory and vision.

Thalapothichil :
Thalapothichil is a special procedure of application of medicated paste
on the head. Thalapothichil is also called as Shirolepa (head pack).
Thalapothichil is from Malayalam where thala refers to head and
pothichil is covering. It is the traditional Ayurveda treatment of Kerala
which is very effective in various psychosomatic disorders. Basically
Thalapothichil is cooling treatment.
Procedure:
The person is made to sit in an easy position. A gentle oil massage is
given to head with specific medicated oil. An herbal paste is freshly
prepared by cooking it with the buttermilk after carefully assessing the
condition of the person. The paste is applied over the scalp in a layer of
thickness of about 0.5 to 1 centimetre, leaving a small central portion.
A medicated oil is filled in this groove. The paste is then covered with
leaves (plantain or lotus leaf) and cloth leaving the groove open. At the
end of the procedure the paste is removed; a gentle head massage is
given.
Duration of the treatment: 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the
condition.

Benefits:
Corrects imbalance of pitta dosha
Relaxes and calms down the mind; has a soothing effect on the body
Stabilizes the nervous system
Activates the Marma (vital areas) points
Relieves stress, tension, heaviness of the head
Improves quality of sleep
Improves lustre and smoothness of hair
Improves memory
Relaxes, rejuvenates and nourishes the head and neck region.
Thalapothichil is indicated in:
Insomnia and sleep disorders
Hypertension
Chronic headaches like migraines
Burning sensation of the body
Certain skin diseases of scalp like dermatitis of scalp, dandruff, hair
loss
Premature greying of hair
Certain types of Insanity
Epilepsy
Chronic sinusitis
Anxiety, depression
Some stages of mental retardation

Avagahaswedam
In this procedure, the person is made to sit in a bathtub filled with a
medicated decoction for about 20 40minutes. The level of the
decoction in the tub can be up to navel region or the neck, depending
upon the condition of the patient. This therapy is useful in treating
many vata disorders, body aches and pains, stiffness in the joints
loser back pain etc. and is also very relaxing and invigorating.

Wound Healing
Wound healing is a very natural process. It is only when this natural
process fail to do the job, we need a therapeutic intervention.
Chronic non healing wounds and ulcers can pose a big problem to
ones health and living. Weakened immunity and rebuilding power
can be a reason for the wound to become non-healing.
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive way to rebuild not just the wound
but also the vigour and vitality of the body. The best part of it is that
it doesnt put any load on other systems of the body. With 60
modalities dedicated to treat wounds, Ayurveda can help body heal
itself in a most natural way possible. The treatment can include
external wound healing therapies, internal medications and
panchakarma.
The wounds can be anything but not limited to chronic non-healing
wounds, varicose ulcers, diabetic ulcers, calloused and hypertrophic
ulcers.
In clinic treatment: Cleaning, treatment with herbal decoctions,
herbal pack bandages.

Pre & Post Operative Care

Surgery can be stressful both for the mind and the body. It is important
that the body is in optimum functioning capacity before undergoing
surgery for a successful outcome and also that the body is supported to
regain its composure and functioning after the surgery. Certain herbs
and herbal preparations help the body immensely to overcome this
shock. They also help in wound healing, reducing pain, inflammation and
infection, regaining normal digestive functions and regularizing bowel
movements naturally. They boost the immunity and blood quality so that
the chemical drug interventions can be minimized and holistic health
can be promoted.

For ayurveda, homeopathy, yoga and meditation treatments,

therapies and massage services, consult specialist ayurveda
doctors atayurveda Melbourne clinic
Book your Appointment:
Call us : +61 3 9078 2940
Website : www.ayurclinic.com.au
E-mail : info@ayurclinic.com.au