Treatments

Siddha marma abhyanga is a deep tissue massage with oiling the body. it relaxes the body and mind. This procedure helps to remove the blockages of the energy channels

ABYANGAM

Abyangam is the application of oil on the head and body followed by a gentle massage of the body by a trained therapist. The duration of the treatment is 45 min. The patient will be on the special table and will take 7 positions like sitting, lying on the back and side, etc during the treatment. It is a rhythmic motion helps to relieve joints and muscles from stiffness and makes all the body movements free.
Benefits: preventing wrinkles and scales, curing spondylosis, sleep disorders, paralysis, improving physical consistency, increasing life span.

KIZHI

a) Navarakizhi This procedure is highly rejuvenating, Nourishing& prepares the individual to bear the stresses & strains of a busy lifestyle. Navara rice is boiled and cooked in the mixture of milk and a decoction, this is then packed in a cloth and tied into bundles. This treatment enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
Benefits: effective for Neurological disorders, Rheumatism,Arthritis and malnutrition of limbs

b) Elakizhi:This therapy begins with the application of suitable medicated oil to the entire body.The body is then subjected to exude profusely through a massage with boluses of chopped & fried leaves of some specific medicinal herbs after dipping in particular medicated oils.
Benefits: Effective for various kinds of arthritis,spondylosis,back pain,sports injuries&for all other soft tissue inflammations especially joint pains.

c) Podikizhi:The body is subjected to exude profusely after a thorough massage with warm boluses of herbal powders tied up in a cotton cloth.
Benefits: Helps in curing Kapha Vata predominant conditions of arthritis,back pain,paralysis,muscular pain etc.

d) Naranga kizhi: Same like podikizhi ,The body is fomented thoroughly with linen bags containing cut&fried pieces of lime,garlic,rock salt etc.
Benefits: Effective for Amavata(Rheumatoid arthritis),Osteoarthritis, Muscular cramps, Avabahuka, stiffness of joints

PIZHICHIL

Pizhichil is known as a king among the traditional therapies & a specialty of Kerala. This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical ayurvedic treatments Snehana(oleation)& Swedana(sudation). Pizhichil means squeezing, the process where cotton cloth pieces are dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed on the patient’s body simultaneously with a soft massage.
Indications: Rheumatic disorders, Arthritis, Paralysis, Sexual weakness, Neurological disorders, Blood pressure, Nervous weakness and helps to arrest the aging process.

SIRODHARA

In this treatment medicated oils, milk or buttermilk are poured on the forehead in a special way. the patient is made to lie on the table and Dhara pot containing medicated drava will be kept hanging from 4 fingers height above his/her forehead and allowed to pour in a continuous stream.

a)Taila Dhara : Lukewarm medicated oil is poured in a continuous stream on to the forehead while receiving a gentle massage on the head.it rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind, relieves stress& strain, slows the aging process, improves memory also.
Indications: Paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, Neurological malfunctions.

b)Ksheera Dhara: Same relaxing treatment as thaila dhara but instead of oil, medicated milk is poured over the forehead
Indications: Vata pitta predominant headaches , insomnia and mental tension.

c)Thakra Dhara: Medicated Buttermilk is used for dhara.
Indications: Depression and other stress disorders ,greying of hair, headaches, digestive disorders , Anorexia,Psoriasis.

KADEEVASTHY

The warm medicated oil is poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration.
Benefits: cleans and enriches the blood, improves muscle strength,alleviates Lumbar spondylosis ,intervertebral disc prolapsed(IVDP),Sciatica.

PICHU

This is an external oil application, superior to abhyanga in potency. A thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is recycled periodically to make it warm.
Benefits:Effective for degenerative and painful problems like back pain osteo arthritis, spondylitis, injuries, etc.

THARPANAM

In this procedure, a pool of mild warm oil is retained for specific time over specific areas as per the conditions. According to the body parts where Tharpanam is done, it is called in different names like,

• Nethra Tharpanam – On Both Eyes
• Kati Tharpanam – On Lumbar Region
• Jaanutharpanam – On Knee Joints
• Greevatharpanam – On Cervical Region

Shirovasthi

It is a procedure of retaining warm medicated oil(Thailam) in a cap-like structure fitted on the head. Normally this procedure will be done for 35-50 min for a time period of 7 days maximum. This is considered one of the greatest treatments for the head.

BENEFITS OF SIROVASTHI FOR FACING PARALYSIS

Sirovasthi treatment is recommended for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, itching on the head, eye problems, memory loss, burning sensation of head, insomnia, disease of cranial nerves and hair fall. It is also used to treat nervous disorders like hemiplegia, quadriplegia and eye diseases due to weak nerves, spondylitis, and certain other skin disorders of the head.

Swedanam(Steam Bath)

It is considered as one among the Poorvakarmas (preparatory procedures). Usually, the time period of Swedanam is, until the patient gets proper sweating all over the body. It gives a feeling of lightness, it is good for skin, helps to reduce the fats collected even on extremities.

Vasthi

Vasthi karma is the procedure by which the medicines in suspension form are administered through the rectum or genitourinary tract using vasthiyanthra (specific apparatus for vasthi). It is one of the most important treatment modality in Ayurvedic science with a multitude of utilities and applications. This utility lies in the selection of drugs used in vasthi for specific conditions.
Based on the type of drug administered vasthi is of 2 types, Nirooha or Kashaya vasthi, in which decoctions of various medicinal plants are utilized and Anuvasana or Sneha vasthi, in which medicated oils or ghee’s are utilized. Also, the vasthis are given in varying quantities as per the requirement of the disease.

BENEFITS OF VASTHI

It is very much effective in almost all neurological and arthritic conditions, old age problems, debility, infertility, etc

Avagaha Sweda

It is a type of swedana (sudation) in which the patient is made to sit in a tub containing medicated liquid for a certain period. It is very helpful in treating Uro-genital, Gynaec, anorectal diseases, etc.

ElaKizhi (PatraPotaliSwedan)/Medicinal leaves/ herbs bundles

It is a type of swedana(sudation )treatment in which the whole body or any specific part by the application of medicinal leaves puddings (medicinal leaves are cut into small pieces and processed in the medicated oils) externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bag, dipping it in warm medicated oils. This is done for 45 minutes daily for a period of 07 to 14 days. Fine powder of medicinal herbs is also used. This treatment is effective in chronic back pain and rheumatic complaints, Arthritis, paralysis, pain, and swelling in the joints and emaciation of limbs. It stimulates and strengthens the nervous and muscular systems, increases the circulation and metabolic rate, reduces stiffness and pain, improves the skin tone.

Navara Kizhi (Shastika Shali Pindaswedam )

After applying the medicated oil over the whole body or any specific part, the medicinal rice (Njavarayari) and the root of Sidaretusa extract are processed with milk and to be made in the form of a paste and apply over the whole body or any specific part along with massage. This is done for 60 to 90 minutes daily for 07 to 14 days. This treatment renders strengths to nerves and muscles and purifies the blood and is beneficial for all types of rheumatism, joint pain, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol, paralysis, sciatica, and certain kinds of skin diseases and it improves general body weakness, the skin color, and complexion.

Ksheeradhoomam

This is also a type of swedana(sudation) in which the steam of medicated milk is made to be exposed to face for a certain time. It is effective in treating facial palsy, dribbling of saliva, strengthening of facial muscles etc.

Thalam/Thala Pothichil

Thalam or Masthishkya is keeping medicated oils alone or mixed with paste of drugs on the head. Application of wet medicated paste over the head and then covering the same with a processed plantain leaf is called as Thala Pothichil. Both are very much effective in various psychosomatic disorders.

Udwarthanam

This procedure is done here with medicated powder (Choornam) mixed in mild hot Thailam, in which this combination of medicines will be rubbed on the body surface with moderate pressure in prathilomagathi (opposite direction of normal massage). It is very useful in weight reduction.

Pizhichil

It is a very effective treatment procedure introduced by traditional Ayurvedic physicians of Kerala for the management of severe pain and swelling due to diseases like gout, arthritis etc. It can be done with different forms of medications like thailam, amlakaanchi, etc as per the condition.

Kizhi (Poultice)

It is also a special treatment procedure introduced by traditional Ayurvedic Vaidyas of Kerala. Kizhi literally means medicated bolus. It is made by tying various forms of medicaments in a cotton cloth piece and then applying this bolus to the parts required after heating. Based on the type of medicines there are many types of Kizhis.

• Ela Kizhi(Scrapped Leaf Bolus)
• Kizhi Can Be Made Out Of Tying Specially Processed Leaves Of Medicinal Plants
• Podikizhi(Powder Bolus)
• Navara Kizhi[Bolus Made Of Navara Rice Prepared In Medicated Milk And Kashayam(Decoction)]
• Manjakizhi
• A special Kizhi used in Kalari Marma Chikitsa

Lepanam

It is the local application of medicated pastes over the body parts.

Upanaham

It is the local application of warm medicated pastes over required areas and covering it with medicated leaves and cotton cloth piece.

Karnapooranam

Filling of medicated oil in mild warm state inside the ears is called as Karnapooranam. It is a magical remedy in so many ear disorders like Tinnitus, itching inside ears, etc.

Dhoopanam

It is a fumigation procedure done with dry forms of medicines and Ghrutham (medicated ghee) on required body parts like ears, surface wounds, etc. It is done as an effective disincentive measure in some conditions.

Sneha Paanam

It the oral consumption of Sneham (Oil, Ghee, Fat, etc). Generally, it is done with Ghrutham (medicated ghee). It is considered as an important preparatory procedure for the Panchakarma therapies (purification therapies) as well as it is considered even as the main procedure in treating severe disorders like infertility, psychiatric diseases, etc.

Greeva vasti/Kati vasti/Uro vasti

Retention of lukewarm medicated oils in a leak-proof boundary made up of green gram powder paste over the upper back-cervical (Greevavasti), in the lower back – lumber(Kati vasti) and in the upper middle of the chest – thorax (Urovasti) is beneficial in localized and radiating pain of different origin.

Nasyam

It is the nasal administration of medications. It is a very effective therapy for all systemic disorders especially those related to the head and neck. It is a proved effective therapy for psychiatric disorders.

Kabalam

It is the procedure of gargling with medicated oil, kashaya, saline water, etc as a post-procedure of Nasya as well as individual treatment for oral diseases.

Rakthamoksham

Raktamoksha is a unique Para surgical measure indicated in various diseases where gross vitiation of Rakta or blood is present. It is the bloodletting therapy. Various means are utilized for the elimination of vitiated blood that plays as an important causative agent for many systemic disorders. Venesection, leech therapy, Pachanga or scraping, etc are utilized for specific conditions. Useful in skin disorders, Jaundice, tumors, etc.

Navaratheppu

Powdered Navara rice processed wit medicated milk or decoction and making it in a paste form, which is to be applied on the body for a time according to specific conditions. (40 MINUTES to 1 hour)

Katee pichu

In this, the cotton is dipped in Lukewarm medicated oil (Thailam) and the same is a stick or kept over the lumbar region for a time according to condition. (40 to 1 hour)

Akshitarpan

In this procedure, a pool of mild warm oil or medicated ghee is retained for specific time over specific areas as per the conditions for both eyes.

Yoni Pichu

Yoni Pichu is a therapy whereby clean sterilized cotton is dipped in medicated oil and placed within the vaginal passage. The sterilized cotton should be retained for a long time so that it exhibits action locally. The effect of the vitiated Dosha can be nullified. The dhaatu (tissues) can be strengthened. Ulcers if present heal, the pain subsides and the local hygiene improves. This treatment is particularly useful in case of vaginal infections. The oil used helps to nourish and strengthen the uterine muscles. The Pichu helps to hold uterus upwards and prevents its descent. Effective in vaginal infections, discharges, uterine prolapse, habitual abortion, etc.

Yoni Kshalanam

The procedure of washing external genitalia as well as an inner track with specific sterilized apparatus using medicated kashaya as required for the diseased state. Very effective in ailment of leucorrhoea, Genitourinary infections, infertility etc

Vamanam

It is the first among the five purificatory procedures (Panchakarma procedures). Shodhana or purification therapies are aimed at the removal of morbid humor responsible for diseases and to produce an ideal environment for the proper functioning of the body and better action of medicaments used. By Vamana, or medicine induced vomiting, the bio-cleansing of accumulated vitiated humor in the upper gastrointestinal tract is done. It is very effective in gastric problems, respiratory diseases, sinusitis, skin diseases, etc

Virechanam

It is a purificatory procedure used in eliminating the vitiated humor in more quantity with less stress. It is the purgation using specific medication for diseased conditions. It is very much effective in Jaundice, Skin disorders, Hemiplegia, Bronchial asthma, etc.

Uttara Vasti

It is done after completion of the menstrual cycle when the female genital tract is receptive to the administration of the medicated formulation. A certain quantity of medicated oil or ghee formulation can be administered into the uterine cavity by means of specific sterilized instruments guided with a Cusco’s speculum. It is done for a period of seven days with a gradual increase in the dose of medicine. It is indicated in uterine disorders, bladder disorders, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, primary infertility, etc.

Hrid Dharat

The ayurvedic panchakarma therapy for blockages in the heart. This procedure is for improving the exercise capacity of a failing heart.

Anda Sweda

This is a kind of ushmasweda. Indicated in post-polio residual paralysis, traumatic conditions, spinal myelopathy, etc.

Sarvanga Thakra/Ksheera Dhara

In this medicated Thakra (buttermilk) or medicated milk is used in the lukewarm condition, which is then poured in a systematic way over the whole body.

Netra Dhara

Is a process of pouring liquid form of medicine (usually kashayam) in to the inner canthus of eyes from the desired height for the recommended number of times according to the condition?

Jaanu Dhara

Is a process in which pouring of the warm liquid form of medicines (usually thailam) on the surface of the knee joint for a particular time period from a particular height?

Chavitti Uzhichil (Foot Massage)

Chavitti Uzhichil’ is a special massage technique applied on both healthy and sick. In Chavitti Uzhichil, special herb-infused Ayurvedic oils are slowly warmed up and gently massaged into the skin with feet. Chavitti Uzhichil is an Ayurveda way of oil massage with Marma therapy with feet. Marma are vital points of the body which contain Prana energy. Gentle pressure on Marma while doing massage provides Prana energy to the body and mind which gives ultimate healing.

Benefits

•  The Marmas (vital points) are well massaged and manipulated
•  Increases energy and vitality of the body
•  Efficient in Marma injuries and several diseases already mentioned
•  Excellent rejuvenation technique
•  Beneficial for healthy people who want to enhance their health
•  Good in obesity and weight reduction
•  Develops mental faculties like stability, memory, concentration and strength
• This massage is deeply relaxing, harmonizes, detoxifies, strengthens and revitalizes the entire body.
•  It is efficacious in various ailments, structural deformities, sciatica, backache, disc prolepsis, spinal injuries and neurological conditions
• This massage also improves lymph flow and stimulates the immune system. It simultaneously calms and strengthens the nervous system

The Secrets of Marma chikilsa & Siddha Marma Abhyanga

The word Marma used with meanings as tender, secrete or vital places. There are total 107 Marma in the body. In Tamilian traditions they are 108. and in kalari tradition they are 365 Marma points.There are certain anatomical locations in the body which are vital, and serve as small pockets of Prana, thus any injury to these parts can be painful and cripple the local functions or even lead to sudden death of the individual. They are junctions of different channels of Prana movements in the body.