Kerala Pancha Karma Ayurveda Practices
Here are some descriptions of the various Kerala pancha karma therapies that are commonly practiced:
Shiro Dhara
This means quite literally Shiro = head; dhara = flow.
The application of a flow of oil to the head which offers profound relaxation to the nervous and immune systems of the body. Patient find that it clears years of deep seated stresses.
Look & feel decades younger, improves hair & complextion.
Efficacious for stress, diabetes, anxiety, anger, and some brain disorders like MS, epilepsy although this is claimed rather than a proven to the satisfaction of allopathic scientists
Pinda Sweda
Medicated bag application for neuromuscular and some systemic diseases, for neurological and bone conditions including the brain, supple bones and joints, circulation, cleansing, vigor, improved digestion, MS, chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, aging, insomnia, HBP, diabetes, facial paralysis, skin disorders, balding, premature graying, wrinkles. – It requires 2 practitioners to be correctly applied.
Podikkizhi Sweda
Body oil application for Vayu & Kapha disorders – requires 2 practitioners
Pizhichil
Body oil application - most beneficial nervous system rejuvenation. Promotes tissue strength, digestive fire, beautiful complexion, clear senses, Vayu disorders, hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle spasms and degenerative disorders – requires 2 practitioners
Udwartana abhyanga
Body powder application for obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, Kapha disorders – requires 2 practitioners
Takradhara
Herbal liquid application for memory, comprehension, head & eye disorders, chronic sinusitis, stress, Central Nervous System – requires 2 practitioners
Ksheera Dhara
Similar to Takradhara – requires 2 practitioners
Nasya
Nose oils for sinus disorders & sinus headaches, jaw, ear and throat disorders
Karna Poorna
Ear oils for discharge, tinnitus, prevents deafness and headaches
Netra Vasti
Eye oils for inflammation, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, night blindness, VP eye conditions
Kati Vasti
Oil soaking for lower back and spinal pain
Uro Vasti
Oil soaking on chest region for pain
Lepa
Herbal paste for pains due to inflammatory conditions
Shiro Lepa
Head paste for facial paralysis, hemiplegia, Vayu brain disorders including Parkinson's, MS, etc.
Nadi Sweda
Localized steam aimed at individual body areas for pain due to arthritis, muscle problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, paralysis, etc.
Ooshma Sweda
Sitting or lying in a steam tent (head not in steam) releases toxins and stress from muscles, improves circulation, digestion, complexion, stiff joints and Vayu conditions.
Upanaha Sweda
Hot medicated paste for gout & inflammation, arthritis.
Dhooma
This is various forms of smoke inhalation to relieve neck, jaw, nose/sinus, eye and head disorders including chronic coughs, asthma, chronic rhinitis, voice disorders, bad breath, pallor, hair disorders, mucus, hearing, taste, sight, stupor, hiccup, heaviness, hemi crania, earache, eye pain, toothache, dullness, Vayu and Kapha disorders.
Face Glow Therapy
Different treatments for normal, dry, and oily skin
Wrinkle Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove wrinkles
Pimple Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also remove pimples
Scar Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove scars
Dark Patches Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove dark patches
Hair/scalp Therapies
Herbs applied to the head also address hair growth/loss, dandruff, premature graying, lustrous hair.
What is the value of Shiro Dhara?
The oils that flow from the Shiro Dhara bowl run across the forehead, most especially in between the eyebrows (what is sometimes called in ayurveda the third eye). At this location all the nerves of the body meet. So warm oil massaging this area massages all the nerves of the body.
The entire nervous system and immune system becomes extremely relaxed. In this relaxed state the body is able to release deep seated stresses and illnesses.
It is claimed that diseases that are difficult to heal by other methods, such as allopathy (for example diseases such as diabetes, Multiple Schlerosis, etc.) can be healed through the application Shiro Dhara treatments.
The warm oil on the head also brings tranquility to the mind, helping to calm or assuage mental and emotional disorders.
Additionally the oil provides for both beautiful hair and a vital and lively complexion.
