AYURVEDIC TREATMENT AT PURE NATURE AYURVEDA HOUSE

Ayurvedic treatments are distinguished between internal and external ones. The therapies are usually gentle. They do not fight symptoms but strengthen body and mind so that the person can heal from within.

In the internal treatment concept of the ayurvedic cure, herbal medicine and nutrition are applied. Formulations made from ayurvedic herbs are individually prepared and dosed for each guest according to their constitution and illness. In the area of external therapy, ayurvedic massages, ayurvedic baths, ayurvedic poultices, and other ayurvedic treatments are used.

Below, we provide an overview of the ayurvedic treatments performed during our Panchakarma cures at Pure Nature Ayurveda House. Which ayurvedic treatments are ultimately suitable for you will be determined by our experienced ayurvedic doctor during the initial consultation and follow-up consultations.

Abhyanga is the queen of massages and a classic Ayurvedic full-body massage that feels exceptionally gentle. The ayurvedic doctor determines the massage oil used. It is chosen according to the patient’s condition as well as the dominant or aggravated Dosha. The medicated oil penetrates deeply through the skin into the inner tissue, where it can unfold its therapeutic effect.

Benefits of Abhyanga: reduction of Vata

Full-body ayurvedic oil massages reduce Vata in conditions such as arthritis and paralysis, as the tissue affected by the disease is better perfused again. Abhyanga relieves and frees from fatigue, exhaustion, and tension, and has a rejuvenating effect on all body tissues. The massages strengthen the muscles as well as the joints. They also strengthen the nerves and the skin by opening the numerous body channels (Srotas) to help eliminate toxin accumulations (Ama) through the skin. The elimination of persistent internal body toxins then takes place via the stomach and intestines.

This ayurvedic treatment is a very soothing full-body oil massage performed by two therapists simultaneously, using the same rhythm and equal pressure. The effect is comparable to the one described under “Abhyanga.” Guests usually experience this treatment as deeply relaxing.

The warm oil, gliding from the foot up to the knee, is a blessing for tense feet. Using special Ayurvedic massage techniques and nurturing warm oil, the entire foot up to the knees is pampered. Feet and lower legs are grateful for every care.

Benefits of foot massage

Tension, nervousness, and restlessness are released from the body. With regular application of the massage, eyesight can improve, and chronic sleep problems may be resolved. The massage influences all organ systems and body functions. It allows energy to flow away from the head, stimulates lymphatic flow, and eliminates water retention. 

The Ayurvedic head massage is an especially soothing and sensual ayurvedic treatment where warm oil is gently massaged in with soft strokes and delicate circular movements. The entire scalp is massaged, and the pressure on the skull is usually perceived as pleasant and deeply relaxing.

A blessing for chronic stress – effect of ayurvedic head massage

This massage is a blessing for anyone constantly under chronic stress and strain. All tensions in the head area dissolve, leaving a feeling of complete relief. Blood circulation in the entire head region as well as all sensory organs is stimulated. For patients who regularly suffer from headaches and migraine attacks, the treatment shows great effectiveness. Even hair loss and premature graying can be prevented with this treatment.

The forehead or head oil pouring is the steady flow of a fine stream of oil onto the forehead while lying comfortably on the back. The oil stream flows slowly in a regular pattern over the forehead and the so-called third eye. This ayurvedic treatment usually lasts 20–30 minutes and is carried out continuously over 3–5 days.

Calm mind and Vata reduction

The effect of this treatment is very intense. It calms the mind, reduces the Vata dosha, improves vision and hearing, strengthens the hair, and prevents hair loss as well as premature graying. Shirodhara ayurvedic treatment helps with insomnia, inner restlessness, depression, anxiety, worries, and other psychological issues. It enhances memory and works like a spring-cleaning for overcrowded drawers in the mind. Shirodhara clears out intensively and creates space for new impressions.

This ayurvedic head enema is only performed if the doctor deems it necessary. Slightly warmed, medicated oil and herbs are applied to the head with the help of a cap, the edges of which must be well sealed. The oil remains there to take effect. As soon as mucus forms in the patient’s nose and mouth, the therapy has achieved its goal. The cap is removed and the shoulders and upper back are massaged for approx. 5 minutes.

Benefits of Shiro Vasthi

Shiro-Vasthi ayurvedic treatment helps in the case of VATA disorders, severe headaches, migraines, earaches, mental disorders, insomnia and tinnitus.

A herbal paste is applied to the head with a firm head bandage and remains there for approx. 20 minutes. The paste consists of various herbs in powder form and oil. Sandalwood is used to calm the nerves.

Calm for the entire nervous system

This ayurvedic treatment is usually used as a complementary treatment for severe VATA disorders and has the effect of calming the entire nervous system. It stimulates the scalp, strengthens the eyes, nourishes the hair roots and prevents hair loss.

Kathi Vasthi is a so-called “external enema.” A dough ring made of chickpea and wheat flour is applied to the lower part of the lumbar vertebrae. Specially prepared, warm, medicated oil is slowly poured into this ring and repeatedly replaced with fresh warm oil. The duration of this ayurvedic treatment is determined by the doctor. The guest remains lying face down on the treatment table.

Pain-relief for the lumbar area and more 

This treatment is mostly used as a complementary therapy for severe VATA disorders and calms the entire nervous system. It stimulates blood circulation, promotes relaxation along the spine, and thus relieves pain in the lumbar area.

Dried or fresh medicinal herbs are gently boiled for 1 to 1.5 hours. The healing substances transfer into the water, which is then filtered. This decoction is added to a full bath. The guest remains in this herbal bath for about 10–15 minutes under the supervision of the therapist.

Detox and dosha-balancing

This ayurvedic treatment opens the body channels (Srotas) and eliminates toxins through the skin surface. The ingredients of the herbs calm the doshas and give the skin a healthy, soft, and supple appearance, which is why the herbal bath is attributed a rejuvenating effect.

Marmas or marma points are energy centres in the body of every living being. These points are located at the intersections of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, arteries and veins, bones and joints, but they also represent a connection between body and consciousness. Marmas correspond to the acupuncture points of Traditional Chinese Medicine. When these points are stimulated (touch/pressure, and rubbing), it influences our entire body functions.

Benefits of Marma Point Massage

This special and extraordinary form of deep tissue massage stimulates metabolism and relieves pain. It harmonizes and calms the mental state. For example, stimulation of the Sthapani marma point (= 6th chakra, the third eye/point between the eyebrows) promotes mental stability and clarity of thoughts. Stimulation of the Hridaya marma point (= 4th chakra, heart chakra, point on the sternum at heart level) harmonizes and stabilizes our emotions.

A cotton cloth soaked in oil or a cloth filled with herbal paste is placed on the affected area and left there for about 20 minutes. The guest lies relaxed on the massage table.

Improved mobility and joint flexibility

These local compresses are a very effective ayurvedic treatment for problems such as muscle spasms or tension, as well as muscle or joint pain and hardening. This ayurvedic treatment also improves the mobility of stiff joints and the effects of osteoarthritis. For rheumatic complaints, oil baths for the hands or feet are also helpful.

Ayurvedic steam baths are carried out after a full body massage or oil application. Sweating is another therapeutic measure in Ayurveda. While the body is brought to sweat inside a box, the head remains free and cool (outside the box). The therapist stays with the guest to monitor.

Deep opening and cleansing

The heat causes the stuck toxins (impurities) to melt or dissolve. The pores open, and the cleansing and elimination process through the digestive tract as well as through the skin is activated. Water retention can be flushed out, and the skin undergoes positive changes.

This ayurvedic treatment combines a full-body oil massage with a heat therapy. It is very pleasant for the guest. Warm oil is squeezed out of sponges and poured over the body, then gently massaged back into the skin by two therapists synchronously.

The oil temperature is slightly higher than the body temperature to allow the effects of the herbal ingredients to fully unfold. The pleasant temperatures of Sri Lanka naturally support the ayurvedic treatment.

Despite the restful state, the patient is surrounded by comfortable warmth.

Harmonization and Strengthening

The autonomic nervous system is gently harmonized, and elevated VATA experiences the necessary grounding through plenty of oil. The musculoskeletal system’s function is improved. All body tissues (Dhatus) are strengthened, and digestion is enhanced.

Our immune system/life force (Ojas) is immensely strengthened, and all sensory organs are activated in their function.

VATA – the Dosha responsible for aging – is pacified, making this treatment a super-booster with significant anti-aging effects.

Additionally, the treatment benefits the following conditions: sciatica pain, herniated discs, paralysis, facial paralysis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, ankylosing spondylitis, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, spondylosis, sexual weakness, burnout syndrome, post-fracture recovery, and stress.

The herbal pouch treatment is a massage and sweat therapy. First, the body is oiled and massaged, then the ayurvedic treatment continues with warm poultices. Parts of the body or the entire body are tapped and stroked with hot linen bags. The bags contain fresh and dried herbs, spices, and special decoctions made from red rice.

Rejuvenating and musculoskeletal relief

This therapy stimulates cell regeneration and is mainly used for musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, muscle tissue atrophy, and injuries.  Pinda Sveda belongs to the group of rejuvenating treatments because it tightens the tissue, promotes cell renewal, and also enhances mental vitality.

This nasal and head treatment is one of the five Panchakarma therapies. It cleanses the nose, the paranasal sinuses, the frontal sinus, and the throat. The cleansing is performed through the nostrils, as they provide the only access to the fine channels in the head region. The therapists prepare this ayurvedic treatment with an inhalation and a head-stamp massage.

The patient’s head is elevated and tilted backward. The doctor then drops nasal oil into each nostril, which the patient must strongly inhale upwards. Afterward, the patient should inhale deeply through the nose to carry the tincture into all areas of the frontal and paranasal sinuses. Loose mucus is immediately expelled into a provided spittoon. Pepper water is available for gargling to loosen further mucus in the throat.

Effects of Nasyam

Nasyam is commonly used for problems in the throat and neck area, such as migraine, headaches, chronic cold, but also asthma and epilepsy. This treatment can also have a positive effect on tinnitus.

Virechana is also one of the five Panchakarma therapies. After the preparatory treatments, the doctor decides on a cleansing day based on the pulse diagnosis. The guest spends the cleansing day in her/his room. In the morning, a laxative dose is given. Only hot water is recommended as a drink at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes. The guest must not shower or engage in physical activity.

However, short walks in the garden or hallway support bowel movement. The guest is accompanied by rice soup, and after completing bowel evacuation, fresh coconut juice (Tambili) or black tea is given. Showering is allowed again only in the evening. For dinner, we serve a clear, spicy soup and steamed vegetables.

Purpose of the cleansing day

According to ayurvedic teaching, only when the body is cleansed can ayurvedic treatments against complaints begin (either deeper therapies or healing herbal medicines). Thus, cleansing is the foundation of ayurvedic treatments.

The enema is an important ayurvedic treatment method for cleansing the large intestine as well as the entire organism. The enema therapy or clyster is performed using both water decoctions and oils. Especially the oil-based enemas have detoxifying and tonifying effects. Water decoctions should remain in the intestines for at least 10-15 minutes, while oil-based decoctions can be retained in the body for up to 45 minutes.

Healing Vata disorders with Vasthi

The Vasthi therapy heals VATA disorders and their problems, which can be removed from the body through the large intestine together with excess PITTA or KAPHA. Enemas are usually administered at the end of the stay over a period of 1-3 days in the afternoon hours.