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Health is the axis on which human life revolves. A holistic approach, taking the body, mind and spirit
as a whole, able to correct whatever is amiss- the sages of ancient India knew this
 to be the only solution to the problems of health. it is said that the lord Creator Brahma blessed the humanity with the Brahma-Samhita. A part of the fourth Veda, the Atharva, it is a treatise on the way of the nature towards perfect health. It contains the eight divisions of the Ayur-Veda. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit Word meaning the "Science of life". Many herbs used in Ayur-Veda are fabled to induce eternal youth and even raise the dead to life (like the Mruthasanjeevani mentioned in the Ramayana) Charaka, Susrutha et-al, who lived in the sixth century B.C. wrote treatises based on which the present day Ayurveda has grown as a medical and clinical discipline. Defying the onslaught of the modern medical system inthe last century, Ayurveda has retained its ageless appeal-mysterious, even magical-but efficacious.
Stress is rapidly becoming an all pervasive ailment. It needs more than the superficial treatment given to it. The Pancha Karma or the five types of `sodhana' therapy is more than a cure for stress and strain. By eliminating the waste products (free radicals) from the body, it tones up the nerves, improves the circulatory system and has an additional effect of rejuvenation and increasing vitality. Stress vanishes and the body relaxes in tranquillity. It cures as well as prevents degenerative diseases, nervous and mental disorders, paralytic conditions, different types of rheumatism, dyspepsia, diabetes, obesity etc. Kerala has contributed in a great measure to the development of this therapy.
We are living in times of change. The present day life style is pulling man away from the tender caressing and care of nature. People are now weaker than their ancestors used to be, and they are more prone to diseases. Here in this Island, we offer you treatments based on our ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga. In addition to Ayurvedic treatments we offer you classes on Yoga by experts.
Indian astrology has renown world wide for accuracy. The efficacy of the various corrective measures that it suggests are beyond doubt. Your experience of Kerala will not be complete without meeting the native astrolger. The Ashtamudi Ayuvedic Island has a resident astrologer for personal consultation.
We would like to give you a brief pointer to the various Ayurvedic methods of treatments offered at the Ashtamudi Ayurvedic Island.
Pizhichil
Kaya-Sekha or Pizhichil originated in Kerala. It is a process in which the body is made to perspire, by
applying warm, medicated oils in a particular way. The patient is seated in a wooden basin (the Taila-droni) and after carrying out certain sacred rites, the specific oil prescribed to him/her is first applied to the head. Then with the help of cotton swabs dipped in suitable medicated oil a steady stream of medicated oils is allowed to flow on the body. Massaging is done by two to four trained persons. The selection of oils, duration of treatment etc., will be decided by an expert physician after thorough examination of the body. Pizihichil is carried out on healthy persons as a rejuvenatory process. Besides, it is very useful in curing rheumatic conditions like arthritis, paralyis, hemiplegia, paralysis-aginatus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and disorders as well as degenerative diseases. Generally the duration of the treatment is about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 3-14 days.
Navarakizhi
Pindasweda or Navarakizhi, a native Kerala treatment is the process by which the whole body or any of its specific parts is made to perspire, by the external application of certain medicinal puddings
 prepared in the form of boluses in a muslin bag. These puddings are prepared from the special variety of raw rice obtained from the Navara of Sashtika paddy. For applying Navarakizhi, four specially trained masseurs are required. The patient is seated in a wooden basin. After some rites, he is anointed with the prescribed medicated oils. The bolus bags are put into a hot mixture of milk and medicinal decoction and kept over a steady fire and allowed to remain in it for 5 to 10 minutes. The masseurs test the warmth of the bolus in the left hand palm, holding the bag by its tuft using the right hand. The masseurs now start massaging, from the neck and gently downwards with one bolus after another. Strictest care is taken to see that uniform temperature is maintained on the boluses and even pressure is applied to the body. The treatment continues for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for 3 to 14 days . This treatment makes the body supple, enhances complexion, and strengthens the body muscles. It cures stiffness of the joints and cleanses the interstices of the body thereby effecting free blood circulation, also increasing the digestive power. It is also prescribed for all kinds of diseases of the nervous system, chronic rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of the limbs and diseases born of impure blood.
Kizhi
This is a process in which leaves or other parts of herbs, or herbal powders are applied to the whole body. The substance is tied into boluses which are dipped in hot, medicated oils and applied to the body for thirty minutes to an hour, per day for a period of 3-14 days. This is used in the treatment of Osteo Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis with inflammation, spondilosis, injuries sustained during sports, accidents or attacks Sciatia (IVDP), obesity, diabetes etc. It cleanses the body and improves blood circulation.
Sneha Panam
This is a treatment in the course of which medicated ghees or oils are given for consumption in empty stomach in proportionally increasing quantites for a period of 3-14 days. This process is used to cure hyper acidity, ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative diseases, various skin problems, psoriasis, bleeding, piles, constipation, kidney proplems, diabetes etc. It is rejuvenative too.
Vasthi
This is a treatment in which prescribed medicated oils, decoctions, herbal preparations, extracts are applied through the rectum daily for 3 to 21 days. The process resembles the enema, but the purpose is different. The herbal essences are absorbed by the intestine directly, averting the gastric process. Used in the cure of arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric associated with rheumatism and constant constipation, degenerative, neurological problems, chronic back pain infertility, sciatica, obesity, digestive disorders, ulcer, skin and kidney problems. it purifies the body also.
Sirovasthi
Sirovasthi is the term applied to the process of allowing medicated oils to remain on the head for a prescribed period. It is widely
practised in Kerala. A bandage is tied around the patient's head and a cap with an open end on top like an open ended chef cap is placed.
The prescribed medicated oil, warmed to body temperature, is poured into this cap. The level of the oil poured thus, would be about three-quarter inch above the skull. The oil is allowed to remain there, till mucus discharge oozes out of the mouth, eyes and nose of the patient. The treatment is generally done in the evening, or even at night. The treatment may be for three, five or seven days, depending on the disease. It is efficacious in the cure of the loss of tactile sense, facial paralysis, sleeplessness, dryness of nostrils and throat, certain varieties of cataract and severe forms of head ache. It is useful in the cure of insanity, dullness and weak functioning of the brain, and many other diseases of the head, eyes, ears and nose.
Nasyam
This is a process in which herbal juices, medicated oils etc. are applied through the nose daily for a period of 3-21 days. A very common treatment in Ayurveda, nasyam is used for treating certain kinds of head aches, paralysis, mental disorders, sinusitis, tonsillitis, facial paralysis, eye diseases. It gives more power to eyes, ear, and the brain. it also helps to prevent wrinkles and grey hairs.
Dhara
It is a process developed in kerala. A steady stream of decoction, medicated oil, medicated milk, Medicated butter milk (Thakram) is poured on the head, especially the forehead, or the whole body. The patient lies down in a wooden basin (Dhara-droni)and his/her head and body are anointed with suitably medicated oils. the head is rested on a pillow. After sacred rites, the phyician himself anoints the whole body followed by the masseurs. The oils for the purpose are medicated according to the nature of the disease. It is poured into a specially designed vessel and made to drip on to the patient's forehead. The vessel is kept refilled with the liquid collected from the basin in which the patient lies down. The process continues for 45 to 90 minutes during which the patient lies on her back. The treatment is carried out daily for a period of 3-14 days according to the nature of the disease. Morning hours between 7 and 10 am are preferred. it is mainly for disorders like insomnia, diabetes and certain skin diseases. It rejuvenates. It strengthens the senses (the indriyas) and besides improving digestive power, it makes a person virile too.
Abhyangam
Abhyangam is oil massage for a part or the whole body-smearing the oil, rubbing and massaging for certain time, and then taking a comfortable medicated hot water bath. It prevents ageing and has a rejuvenating effect the skin begins to glow. Sight, sound and hearing improves. it increases the blood circulation, by removing the waste products, and cures all sorts of pains. It is effective in the treatment of diabetes, rheumatic problems, obesity insomnia etc.
Udvarthanam
A massage using herbal powders, Udvarthanam is a unique treatment. the duration of the treatment is a unique treatment. The duration of the treatment is for 30 to 60 minutes daily for a period of 3 to 14 days. This process is used in the cure of hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and some rheumatic ailments.
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana - Chikitsa)
 Rasayanas are rejuvenating medicines. The Rasayana Chikitsa includes Panchakarma therapy suitable to the body constitution and administration of Rasayanas. It is a speciality evolved to correct immunological imbalances through various preventive, promotive and curative method. The hands and feet are massaged using medicated oils , head and face using oil and cream. Medicated steam baths and internal admininstration of rejuvenating medicines are also in the treatment. The duration is 3 to 4 hours everyday for 7 to 14 days.
The therapy is aimed at rejuvenating one's body and mind. youthful vigour and vitality are attained. It cures various immunological disorders. it helps to overcome stress problems ensuring perfect health and resultant longevity.
Body purification therapy (Sodhana Chikitsa)
The integrity of the three humours (Rheum, Bile, Phlegm) or the tri-dosh mechanism and its capacity to rehabilitate its steady state equilibrium (samyata) determines the state of health. Purity of the mind and body helps the process. For this, conscious purifications, possible through the therapy, may be done. This therapy includes both the Panchakarma and swedakarma modes. This package of treatment, for a period of 7 to 21 days, consists of body massage, sneha panam (drinking of medicated ghee), Vamanam (vomition), Nasyam, Virechanam (medicine induces purgation, Sneha Vaste, Kazhaya Vasthi, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Tharpanam (cleaning of the eyes), Shirovasthi and medicated steam bath. This treatment cleanses the body and makes it ready for a fresh start.
Body immunisation / longevity treatment (Kaya Kalpa Chikitsa)
This is the topical treatment in Ayurveda for arresting the ageing process, reducing degeneration of body cells and building up the resistance of the body. It is based on the Pancha Karma and Sweda Karma modes of treatment. Internal Administration of Rasayana is main feature. The 28 day treatment package consists of body massage, Sneha Panam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Nasyam, Sneha Vasthi, Kazhaya Vasthi, Pizhichil, Karna Pooranam (cleaning the ears), medicated steam bath, Yoga and meditation.
Medicated Steam bath
In this treatment, steam produced by the boiling of certain herbs and their leaves in water, is filled in a cavity in which the patient is kept. The steambath lastsform 20 to 30 minutes. It induces perspiration and thus drains impurities, tones up the body, clears the skin and improves the blood circulation. It cures obesity, pains in the joints, problems of the respiratory system and rheumatic complaints.
General Massage
Body massage with herbal oils or herbal powder for an hour by hand from one to 14 days. It tones up the body, improves blood circulation etc.
Rejuvenation Massage
This therapy consists of massaging using herbal oils or herbal powder and is done by hands and feet, on the body, head and face. The massage continues for 90 minutes. Afterwards a special massage will be done on the different nerve centres (marmas). A medicated steam bath follows.
Yoga and Meditation
In Ayurvedic medicine, recitation of mantras, use of some formulas, yogic exercises etc., have psycho somatic utilities. They affect the total man, in both his psycho-physical and spiritual
 dimensions, favourably. An understanding is essential of these processes. Under the guidance of experts and gurus, reintegration of one's personality may also be achieved.
Slimming Program
This program consists of :- medicated herbal powder massage, medicated herbal oil massage, body purification therapy, kizhi, medicated steam bath.
These treatments will be carried out for 7 to 41 days. In take of herbal juice, herbal preparations and an Ayurvedic diet is advised during the period.
Beauty Care Programe
In this program, herbal face package, herbal cream massage, herbal oil massage and intake of herbal tea and rasayana preparations are included. this program is meant for increasing skin complexion and beautifying the body.
Tharpanam
It is a cleaning process of the eyes giving a cooling effect. It prevents cataract and strengthens the optic nerve the muscles of the eye and improves eye sight.
Karna Pooranam
This is a process in which medicated fumes are applied into the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps clean the ear and prevent ailments associated with the ear.
Notes:
- Duration of treatments may vary according to the directions of the physician and the rate would also vary proportionately.
- Process may change depending upon the patient's body conditions.
- Body massage courses and yoga or meditation courses will be conducted as per the request of the patient.
- Different rates are applied for a single Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Thila Dhara, Shero Vasthi etc.
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