Abhyanga Snehana is the application of viscous medicated oil all over the body. During the subsequent Snana (bath), this oil is washed away with a special herbal powder and shampoo. A routine in many households, this practice has been passed down through generations as a panacea in order to slow the ageing process, improve skin quality and eye-sight, and achieve peace of mind.
Regular Abhyanga Snehana is said to boost disease-resistance as it strengthens the immune system. This treatment is highly recommended for people suffering from the effects of Vata doshas.
Bahya Snehana, or External Oleation, is a therapeutic oil massage performed simultaneously on both sides of the patient's body with strokes synchronized in the same direction. The motion and speed of strokes are set to match the flow of doshas inside the body.
The objective of Snehana is to pacify the doshas, contain the spread of amam, or toxins contaminating different parts of the body, liquefy them and direct them to a central location. Toxins are then excreted by the system during Panchakarma, the main treatment. Snehana provides relief from ailments, and soothes the patient, both mentally and physically.
Different massage techniques are used according to the specific needs of the patient. Pichu is a popular External Oleation used for the treatment of cranial nerves.
Nali is the nozzle of a tube. In Nali Sweda, a Nali is used to focus medicated steam on the disease-afflicted body part. The continuous stream of steam slowly opens up the pores on the skin and gently directs the excess doshas accumulated in the system to a central location for expulsion.
First, the specific part of the body to be treated is massaged with an oil prepared from herbs and plant derivatives. A herbal mix is boiled inside a steamer to generate steam, which is then directed towards the body carefully, ensuring that it doesn't burn the skin. The procedure is continued till the patient starts sweating.
Vata- and Kapha-related disorders can be cured using this therapy. Nali Sweda is very effective in the treatment of backaches and muscle spasms.
Karnapoorana is a premier Ayurvedic therapy for the treatment of a wide range of ear-related and cranial issues. Here, medicated herbal oils are poured in each ear of the patient, one side at a time, at five-minute intervals. Based on the severity of the injury or defect, the treatment can be repeated for an entire week as well.
The name Karnapoorana literally means 'filling the ears'. The ear lobes of the patient are first gently massaged and lubricated with oils. The person is made to lie turned towards one side, and a special lukewarm purified mixture is poured into the exposed ear.
This treatment is recommended for the treatment of ear injuries and pains, headaches, and stress. It is also effective against dizziness, vertigo and nausea
Talapotichil is a herbal massage treatment where a special herbal paste is applied to the patient's scalp. Tala translates to 'head' and poticihil means 'to cover', and this summarises the treatment procedure. The patient usually has to have a shaven head or short hair for this.
The patient is first made to sit comfortably and given a light oil massage on the head. A special herbal paste made of gooseberries, buttermilk and plant derivatives, that is prepared and left overnight, is then applied to the patient's head. It is removed only after a prescribed amount of time. The treatment is usually repeated once more, after which a herbal bath is given.
Talapotichil is recommended for many problems such as stress, hypertension, insomnia, hair and scalp issues, and Pitta Dosha imbalances.
Netravasti is an Ayurvedic therapy effective against a range of eye diseases including glaucoma and night blindness. Netra means 'eye', and this procedure is named a Vasti as the herbal concoction is placed on the disease-affected area for an extended period of time.
The patient is prepared for the procedure, and made to lie on a table. Each eye is rimmed with a ring of dough, three to four centimetres high. These are made leak proof to contain the medicated ghee, or clarified butter, which is slowly poured into these rings. The ghee is allowed to remain there for some time. Though usually kept for five minutes, the duration depends on the severity of the disease. Eyes should be slowly opened and closed throughout this period.
After Netravasti, the patient must avoid exposure to sunlight for a prescribed interval of time.
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