The College of Ayurveda offers you information on the types of Ayurveda therapies available. You can experience a range of rejuvenation and detoxification therapies, as well as lifestyle and health counselling for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being.

SIRODHARA – (HEAD OIL FLOW)

Sirodhara is a unique Kerala treatment wherein oil is poured in a continuous stream on the forehead. The oil is individually selected according to body constitution, and contains herbs which are calming and nourishing. Oil is first applied to the head and body. A wide mouthed vessel containing the medicated oil is hung 6-8 inches above the forehead. A headband is tied around the forehead just above the eyebrows to prevent oil flowing into the eyes and to direct the flow of oil down the temples. The oil flows in a continuous stream from a hole at the bottom of the vessel onto the forehead for about 20 – 60 minutes. This treatment is followed by a warm bath.

Sirodhara is traditionally used for neurological diseases, migraine, neck pain and stiffness, various diseases of the head, ear, nose and throat and for mental disorders. Recent research shows that this therapy induces vasodilatation within the brain, enabling an increased flow of oxygen to the brain and thereby nourishing the nervous system.

ABHYANGA (OIL MASSAGE)

Abhyanga means literally “to rub with unctuous substances” but is nowadays commonly known as ‘Ayurveda massage’. Abhyanga involves the application of warm oil to the head and body using specialized strokes in the direction of the flow of prana, the life force energy. The oil is individually selected according to body constitution and the specific condition being treated. Abhyanga takes around 45 minutes and is followed by a warm bath

Traditionally, Abhyanga is used to treat many diseases, delay the ageing process, rejuvenate the body, as well as relieve mental stress and physical fatigue. The ancient Ayurveda texts state that Abhyanga increases body strength, induces peaceful sleep, improves complexion, enhances life span and strengthens the organs and limbs.

NASYA (NASAL THERAPY)

The face and neck region are gently massaged with herbal oil, selected according to body constitution. The face and neck are then patted with a hot flannel to induce mild sweating. The head is then tilted slightly and a few drops of warm herbal oil administerd to each nostril. The face and neck are again gently massaged. The treatment lasts about 20 – 30 minutes.

Traditionally Nasya is used to help alleviate sinusitis, headache, migraine, and throat and eye diseases and is also used in the treatment of mental disorders.

OOSHMASVEDAM (HERBAL STEAM BATH)

Ooshmasvedam is a sudation or sweating therapy popularly knows as steam bath. Ooshmasvedam may be given after oil massage. The individual sits in or lies in a specially made steam cabinet, from which the head is excluded. Herbal steam is released into the box for up to 15 minutes, to induce sweating. The treatment is followed by a warm bath.

Traditionally Ooshmasvedam is used to cleanse and detoxify the body, as well as to provide relief from body ache, stiffness and ailments like asthma and catarrh.

PINDA SVEDA/ NAVARAKIZI (SWEATING THERAPY USING A WARM COMPRESS)

Pinda Sveda is one of the most important sudation or sweating therapies and maybe given after oil massage. A bolus of rice cooked with a herbal decoction is wrapped in linen and used for sudation. The linen wrapped boluses are repeatedly dipped in warm herbal oil which is kept at a constant temperature and rubbed on the body using specialized strokes. This treatment usually takes 45 – 60 minutes and is followed by a warm bath.

Traditionally Pinda Sveda is used for treating conditions like arthritis, body, back and joint pains, asthma and stiffness. Pinda Sveda cleanses, detoxifies and nourishes the body. It improves muscle tone and relieves poor circulation.

SHIRSHA TAILA VIMARDANA (HEAD OIL MASSAGE)

The head, ears, face, neck and shoulders are massaged with oil using specialized strokes. The oil is individually selected according to the body constitution. The treatment lasts for 20 – 30 minutes and is followed by a warm head bath.

The ancient Ayurveda texts state that regular head massage results in the strengthening of hair and a radiant complexion. Traditionally this treatment is used to prevent ailments such as headache, insomnia, alopecia, and greying or falling hair.

VAKTRA CHIKITSA (FACIAL TREATMENT)

The face is massaged with oil, followed by the application of a herbal pack. The oil and the herbal pack are individually selected according to body constitution. Herbal powders which are especially good for the skin, such as Sandalwood, Turmeric and Aloe, are used in the treatment. This treatment lasts for 20 – 30 minutes.

PADA ABHYANGA (FOOT OIL MASSAGE)

The feet are massaged with oil using specialized strokes. The oil is individually selected according to the body constitution. The treatment lasts for 20 – 30 minutes and is followed by a warm foot bath.

The ancient Ayurveda texts state that regular foot massage alleviates fatigue and promotes mobility, strength and firmness. It is also said to prevent the occurrence of sciatica, cracked skin and constriction of veins and ligaments

SAMBAHABA/ TAILA VIMARDANA – General complete body oil treatmentA complete body massage is given withan individually selected herbal oil. Massage is given for 45 to 60 minutes. This massage gives relaxation and profound relief from fatigue and muscular aches and pains.. After the massage a herbal bath is given followed by a herbal paste ( Snana Churna) applied to the body.

OTHER PHYSICAL TREATMENTS

Apart from the above eight main treatments, Gandusha (Herbal Gargling), Akshitarpana (Eye Care), Karnapurna (Ear Care), Shirovasthi (Head Oil Treatment), Kati Vasthi (Back Oil Treatment) and other therapies can be administered where required.

HEALTH/LIFESTYLE COUNSELLING

In modern day society many have not experienced a true sense of well-being . Ayurveda is a system of health which can guide you towards optimum health and wellbeing. Our practitioners will assess your state of health and provide you with appropriate guidance which may include dietary advice, lifestyle counselling and or psycho/spiritual counselling.

PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING

Psychological disorders are caused by imbalance of the mind and emotions, which might be caused by any number of factors. The imbalance may be rooted at the physical, emotional, mental or spiritual level, or indeed a combination of any of these. Whatever the root cause, Ayurveda treats the individual holistically and recognises that imbalance at any level can trigger imbalance at other levels to a greater or lesser degree. Ayurveda psychological counselling addresses the various dimensions of an individual personality and considers the most appropriate combination of remedies to help the individual achieve greater psychological balance. This includes dietary advice, lifestyle counselling and psycho/spiritual counselling