Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
What Are the Benefits of Triphala?
Though you may have never heard of Triphala, it has been used as a healing remedy for over 1,000 years.
This herbal concoction consists of three medicinal plants native to India.
It’s a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest medical systems that originated in India over 3,000 years ago .
Due to its many purported health benefits, Triphala has become increasingly popular around the world.
What Is Triphala?

Triphala has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times as a multi-purpose treatment for symptoms ranging from stomach ailments to dental cavities. It is also believed to promote longevity and overall health.
It’s considered a polyherbal medicine, meaning it consists of several different medicinal herbs.
Polyherbal formulations are popularly used in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system that emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion.
It’s believed that combining synergistic herbs results in extra therapeutic effectiveness and is a more powerful treatment than any one component taken alone.
Triphala is a mixture of the dried fruits of the following three plants native to India.

Amla (Emblica officinalis)
More commonly known as Indian gooseberry, amla plays an important role in Ayurvedic medicine.
It is one of the oldest edible fruits known to India.
Indian gooseberries are the edible fruit of a small to medium-sized tree that grows throughout India.
The berries have a sour, sharp taste and a fibrous texture.
For this reason, the berries are often pickled, soaked in sugar syrup or cooked into dishes to increase palatability.
Indian gooseberry and its extract are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat symptoms like constipation and also used in cancer prevention.
Indian gooseberries are very nutritious and high in vitamin C, amino acids and minerals.
They also contain powerful plant compounds like phenols, tannins, phyllembelic acid, rutin, curcuminoids and emblicol.
Several test-tube studies suggest that Indian gooseberries have potent anti-cancer properties.
For example, in test-tube studies, Indian gooseberry extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of cervical and ovarian cancer cells.
However, there is no evidence that Indian gooseberries prevent cancer in humans.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) (Behada)
Terminalia bellirica is a large tree that commonly grows in Southeast Asia.
It’s known as “Bibhitaki” in Ayurvedic medicine, where the fruit of the tree is used as a treatment for common ailments like bacterial and viral infections.
Bibhitaki contains tannins, ellagic acid, gallic acid, lignans and flavones, along with many other powerful plant compounds that are thought to be responsible for its medicinal qualities.
This potent herbal remedy has a variety of uses and may help treat a wide array of medical issues.
In particular, Bibhitaki has been researched for its anti-inflammatory properties.
In one study, 500 mg of Terminalia bellirica substantially reduced uric acid levels in patients with gout, an inflammatory condition characterized by the buildup of uric acid in the body.
Bibhitaki is also commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation.
This is because Bibhitaki is high in gallic acid and ellagic acid, two phytochemicals that have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity and body weight.
These plant chemicals help promote insulin secretion from the pancreas and have been shown to reduce high blood sugar and improve insulin resistance in animal studies.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) (Harada)
Terminalia chebula is a medicinal tree that grows throughout the Middle East, India, China and Thailand.
This plant is known as “Haritaki” in Ayurveda, where the small, green fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree is used as medicine. It is one of the main components of Triphala .
Haritaki is held in high esteem in Ayurveda and often referred to as the “king of medicines.”
It has been used since ancient times as a remedy for a number of conditions, including heart disease, asthma, ulcers and stomach ailments .
Haritaki contains phytochemicals such as terpenes, polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, all of which have powerful health benefits.
Studies have shown that haritaki has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, Haritaki is popularly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive issues like constipation.
Animal studies have shown that treatment with Haritaki increases intestinal transit time, which can help relieve constipation.
SUMMARY :Triphala is a powerful herbal remedy that consists of Haritaki, Bibhitaki and amla. It is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent disease and treat a number of symptoms, including constipation and inflammation.
Possible Health Benefits of Triphala
Triphala is promoted as a treatment for a number of common ailments and way to prevent chronic disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Triphala contains a number of antioxidants that perform protective functions in the body.
It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins, along with other potent plant compounds.
These compounds help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic disease.
Diets high in antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes and premature ageing .
What’s more, in animal studies, Triphala has been shown to reduce inflammation and damage caused by arthritis.
Studies have shown that supplementing with antioxidants may have some benefits as well, including protecting against heart disease, improving athletic performance and reducing inflammation.
May Protect Against Certain Cancers
Triphala has been shown to protect against certain cancers in a number of test-tube and animal studies.
For example, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of lymphoma, as well as stomach and pancreatic cancers in mice.
This herbal remedy also induced colon and prostate cancer cell death in test-tube studies.
Researchers have suggested that Triphala’s high levels of powerful antioxidants like gallic acid and polyphenols may be responsible for its cancer-fighting properties.
Though these results are promising, human studies on its potential cancer-fighting properties are needed to assess safety and effectiveness.
May Protect Against Dental Disease and Cavities
Triphala may benefit dental health in several ways.
Triphala has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent plaque formation, a common cause of cavities and gingivitis (gum inflammation).
One study in 143 children found that rinsing with a mouthwash containing Triphala extract reduced plaque buildup, gum inflammation and bacterial growth in the mouth.
Another study showed treatment with a Triphala-based mouthwash led to a significant reduction in plaque and gum inflammation in hospitalized patients with periodontal disease.
Aids Weight Loss
Some studies have shown that Triphala may help with fat loss especially in the belly area.
In one study, rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with Triphala had more significant reductions in body weight, energy intake and body fat, compared to mice who were not supplemented with Triphala.
Another study of 62 obese adults found that those who supplemented with a 10-gram daily dose of Triphala powder experienced a greater reduction in weight, waist circumference and hip circumference than those who received a placebo.
Can Be Used as a Natural Laxative
Triphala has been used since ancient times as a natural treatment for digestive issues like constipation.
It is an alternative to over-the-counter laxatives, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in several studies.
In one study, patients treated with a laxative containing isabgol husk, senna extract and Triphala experienced significant improvements in symptoms of constipation, including decreased straining and more complete evacuations.
In another study in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, Triphala reduced constipation, abdominal pain and flatulence and improved the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.
It has also been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation and repair intestinal damage in animal studies.
SUMMARY :Triphala contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect against certain cancers and other chronic diseases. Studies have shown that it may help treat constipation, resolve dental issues and promote weight loss.
Potential Side Effects
While Triphala is generally considered safe and has potential health benefits, it may cause side effects in some people.
For example, due to its natural laxative effects, it may cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, especially in high doses.
Triphala is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women and should not be administered to children. There are no scientific studies on the use of Triphala in these populations, and its safety can’t be guaranteed.
Furthermore, it may interact with or decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, including blood thinners like Warfarin.
Indian gooseberry, one of the main components of Triphala, may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in certain people and may not be safe for those with bleeding disorders.
For these reasons, it is important to check with your doctor before using Triphala or any other supplement.
SUMMARY :Triphala may cause diarrhea and intestinal discomfort in some people and can react with certain medications. Children, pregnant and lactating women and those with bleeding disorders should avoid it.
How to Use Triphala
Triphala can be purchased at health food stores and online.
It’s available in many forms, including capsule, powder or liquid.
It is suggested to take Triphala between meals on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.
Typically, recommended doses range from 500 mg to one gram per day, though larger amounts can be used to treat symptoms like constipation .
Powdered versions can be mixed with warm water and honey and taken before meals.
This powder can also be mixed with ghee, a type of clarified butter, and added to warm water for a soothing drink. Additionally, it can be mixed with honey to form an edible paste.
Large doses of it can cause digestive symptoms like diarrhea, so it’s best to start with a smaller dose and gradually work your way up to the recommended intake.
Though Triphala is considered safe for most people, check with your doctor before taking it to ensure safety and proper usage.
SUMMARY :Triphala is available in many forms but most commonly taken in capsule form. Larger doses can cause digestive distress, so starting with small amounts is a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that has become a popular herbal remedy for many ailments.
Studies show it can help prevent inflammation, and test-tube studies have demonstrated a possible protective effect against certain cancers.
It’s also used as a natural alternative treatment for constipation and dental issues like excess plaque and gum inflammation. It may even help with weight loss.
With so many purported health benefits, Triphala may be a worthwhile natural remedy to add your routine.
To have a free Ayurvedic Consultation with a Doctor please call us @ 0422-4212142 / 04259- 229418.

Monday, December 10, 2018
3-Day Weekend Ayurvedic Detox Plan You Can Do at Home

As we ease into ending another year, you may be feeling inspired to take charge of your health. Many people make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, or eat a healthy diet, yet according to research from the Statistic Brain Research Institute only about 9 percent succeed in their goals. One reason why so many people abandon their resolutions is that they try to make too many sweeping changes all at once, quickly becoming overwhelmed and frustrated.
A powerful alternative to this all-or-nothing approach is starting small and gradually making incremental changes to create a lifestyle that cultivates health and well-being. I recommend beginning with a gentle three-day Ayurvedic detox that you can do at home—an extended weekend within for you to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
What Are Toxins?
According to the healing system of Ayurveda, your natural state is health, balance, and happiness. A toxin is anything that enters your body-mind and interferes with your natural state, creating imbalances that, over time, can lead to illness. There are many kinds of toxins that you can distill into two major sources:
- Physical toxins found in your food, personal and household products, air, water, and other elements of your environment
- Emotional toxins, such as negative thought patterns and beliefs, self-criticism, chronic stress, and painful experiences that you haven’t fully digested
Ayurveda recommends detoxifying on a regular basis to eliminate toxins and return to your innate state of health and well-being. While a complete Ayurvedic detox often lasts several weeks, undertaking a three-day detox will still give you many benefits, awakening your body’s capacity for renewal and self-regulation.
How to Detox
Here are a few guidelines to create your own three-day detox that can facilitate your body’s release of toxins, optimize your body’s detoxification pathways, and reverse some of the effects of chronic stress.
1. Set a Date to Implement Your Intention
Your three-day detox will require some preparation and planning, so begin by scheduling time for both your preparation and for the detox itself. Ideally, set aside a three-day period when you won’t be working so that can take time to rest and rejuvenate. For example, you can make the commitment to begin your detox on Saturday morning and complete it Monday evening.
2. Eat a Simplified Diet
Simplifying your diet allows your body to redirect its energies to mobilizing and releasing accumulated toxins. According to Ayurveda, some foods are easier to digest than others and are preferred when you undertake a detox. In general, foods that come from the vegetable kingdom, are freshly harvested, and are low in calories are more detoxifying that those that come from animals, are packaged, and are rich in calories.
Easy-to-Digest Foods that Support Detoxification
- Lentil soup
- Kitchari
- Light vegetable soups
- Steamed or sautéed broccoli, carrots, zucchini, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and beets
- Lightly steamed greens such as spinach, chard, and beet greens
- Basmati rice, quinoa, millet, and barley
- Spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, and fennel
- Flaxseeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds
- Poached apples and pears; cooked apricots, prunes, and figs
- Fresh berries – raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries
Foods to Minimize or Eliminate During Detoxification
- Animal and dairy products (clarified butter, or ghee, is fine in small amounts)
- Refined sugar and flour products
- Canned, leftover, processed, and microwaved foods
- Fermented foods, including pickles and vinegar
- Cold and raw foods
- Fried foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
Since your digestion is strongest when the sun is brightest, it’s best to eat your largest meal at noon, and have a small, light dinner, such as vegetable soup.
3. Include the 6 Tastes in Every Meal
During your detox, make sure to include the six tastes (sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent) in every meal to ensure that you are eating a balanced and satisfying diet.
By incorporating all six tastes, you’ll get all the nutrients your body needs and decrease any cravings for unhealthy foods.
4. Drink Fresh, Pure Water and Ginger Tea
While detoxifying, it is critical to stay hydrated in order to flush toxins and waste out of your system. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of filtered water daily. Ayurveda recommends ginger tea to help purify the body and boost your digestive system. You can drink several cups a day, as tolerated. For those whose Ayurvedic Dosha type is Pitta, strong ginger tea, which is heating, can lead to symptoms such as irritation and burning sensations. They can dilute the tea with water, drink less tea, or simply drink water instead.
Recipe for Ginger Tea
Ginger tea will help purify the body and boost your digestive system.
Ingredients
- Unpeeled ginger root
- Hot water
- Raw organic honey (optional)
- Chopped mint (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
To make one cup of tea, put approximately one heaping teaspoon of coarsely chopped unpeeled ginger root into a cup of hot water. Let the tea steep for 2 minutes. Strain or let the ginger settle to the bottom of the cup.
To make one quart of ginger tea, coarsely chop an unpeeled 2-inch piece of whole ginger. Place the pieces into a 2- or 3-quart pot with one quart of purified water. Bring the water just to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the tea simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain the ginger pieces and put the tea into a thermos bottle or store in a glass jar. Reheat the tea as needed. Try sweetening your tea with raw organic honey and chopped mint or lemon slices (optional).
5. Lubricate Your Digestive Tract
Internal oleation is the process of introducing healthy oils into the digestive tract to begin gentle elimination and facilitate release of fat-soluble toxins, as well as to stimulate release of bile salts that help us eliminate cholesterol and excess estrogens through the GI tract. According to Ayurveda, oleation (ingestion of oils) helps you loosen and eliminate toxins, also known as ama.
One way to provide internal oleation, along with healthy fiber, is through a combination of sesame seeds and raisins. Here’s what to do:
Recipe for Oleation
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
Instructions
Mix sesame seeds and golden raisins. Take a teaspoon of the mixture one hour before each meal, or two hours after each meal.
Tip: If you have problems digesting seeds, try taking 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seed oil along with three or four raisins, three times a day. Another option is to take one teaspoon of tahini (ground sesame seeds) and about six raisins, three times per day.
6. Consider Triphala Supplementation
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement used to support the digestive tract and the healthy bacteria in the intestines through antioxidants and healthy fibers. To encourage elimination, you can take 1,000 mg of triphala two hours after dinner and one hour before bed (assuming you have eaten by 7 p.m. and are in bed by 10 p.m.)
7. Enjoy Daily Self-Massage
Each day of your detox (and, ideally, every day after the detox) give yourself an Ayurvedic self-massage, or self-abhyangam, using therapeutic Ayurvedic oils. Regular massage and loving touch detoxifies the body’s tissues, increases circulation, calms the mind, and enhances immune function—and it feels blissful. You may also get a professional abhyangam at a Ayurvedic spa or a Treatment Center.
8. Sweat Out Toxins
Exercise is a cornerstone in a detoxifying program. The increased heat and sweat generated through exercise helps to purify and detoxify your body. Each day, aim to engage in at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity that is vigorous enough to leave a light layer of sweat on your skin. You can also take hot baths or go to a sauna or steam room to encourage the removal of toxins through your skin.
9. Turn Off the Electronics and Nourish Your Spirit
During your detox, take the opportunity to withdraw from the flood of energy and information that can create emotional toxins in the body-mind. Excessive TV viewing, hours of mindless web surfing, disturbing movie and news watching, and compulsive social media engagement can deplete your energy and well-being. Eliminate or at least reduce your consumption of electronic media and instead participate in activities that nurture your senses and strengthen your vitality.
Here are a few alternatives:
- Read an inspiring book.
- Listen to uplifting music.
- Spend time outdoors—go for a hike, take a bike ride, or feel your bare feet on the earth.
- Practice yoga.
- Breathe deeply and consciously.
- Visit a museum or art gallery.
- Get a massage.
Think of the senses as portals through which you ingest the raw materials of the world and create your picture of reality. Your health depends on the positive input of your five senses as much as it does on nurturing food. What nourishes your soul, nourishes your body. Take care to seek out moments of joy and beauty, which are the gifts that are senses continually provide.
10. Meditate
Meditation is the perfect vehicle for rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit. By its very nature, meditation takes you to the quiet place inside yourself and works gently to stem the fight-or-flight stress response. Our physical body reacts to ongoing stress by creating physiological changes that damage the body and accelerate aging. Prolonged stress can make you sick and accelerate the aging process. During the stress response, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure rises, your breathing becomes shallow, your blood sugar level rises, and your immune system is suppressed.
Through the restful awareness of meditation, it is possible to quiet and purify the mind and calm the stress response. In short, meditation is a very important way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body.
If you have difficulty meditating and experience lots of thoughts, restlessness, or boredom, don’t be discouraged. This means you are actually releasing stress. Keep a neutral attitude towards the thoughts, and gently return to the focus of your breath or mantra. The more you put your attention on a single focus during meditation, the more distractions will recede. When you begin to meditate on a regular basis, you will start to notice that thoughts and feelings that may have been building up inside of you are gently released and you reach the quiet place that was always there, waiting for you—the place of pure awareness. It is there that you experience peace, healing, and true rejuvenation.
If you are new to meditation, try the So Hum technique below to start your practice. Remember not to force anything, and allow your breath to move easily and gently. Don’t inhale deeply or hold your breath, just breathe normally. After you have practiced this meditation, you may wish to learn a more specific and personalised process through a certified Meditation Instructor
- Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit in a chair or on the floor, using blankets and pillows to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
- Close your eyes and for a few minutes and take a few moments to observe the inflow and outflow of your breath.
- Now take a slow, deep breath through your nose, while thinking or silently repeating the word So.
- Then slowly exhale through your nose while silently repeating the word Hum. Continue to allow your breath to flow easily, silently repeating So . . . Hum . . . with each inflow and outflow of the breath.
- Whenever your attention drifts to thoughts in your mind, sounds in your environment, or sensations in your body, gently return to your breath, silently repeating So . . . Hum.
Do this process for a few minutes when you’re first getting started, gradually building up to half an hour. Just breathe easily and effortlessly, without trying to concentrate. When the time is up, sit with your eyes gently closed, taking a moment to rest in the stillness and silence. When you emerge from your meditation, you will carry a little bit of still and silence into all of your daily activities.
11. Create a Daily Schedule
Set a schedule of activities to follow during the detox to make it easier to stay on track and enjoy the experience. For example:
Morning:
- Meditate
- Gentle stretching or yoga
- Self-massage
- Warm breakfast such as ginger tea with cooked cereal or grains with almond milk (remember to eat the sesame-seed mixture an hour before each meal or two hours after)
Afternoon:
- Main meal at lunch
- Take a 10- to 15-minute walk after lunch to aid digestion
- Engage in exercise that helps to generate sweat or take a sauna
- Meditate
Evening:
- Light dinner
- Short walk
- Read something inspirational
- Warm bath
- Reflect in journal
- Be in bed by 10 p.m.
As you create your schedule, make the appropriate appointments or reservations and acquire the necessary supplies or equipment you’ll need. Make a trip to the local natural foods store to stock up on healthy food. Purchase the ingredients for the delicious healthy meals you’ll be preparing.
After the Detox
At the end of your three-day detox, it’s important to gently transition by gradually introducing more complex foods into your diet, such as meat and dairy products. Pay attention to how you feel when you try these foods again—you may discover that your body doesn’t actually want or need some of the foods you’re used to eating and feels better without them.
You can use this three-day detox on a regular basis to eliminate toxins and balance your body.
Find out if self detox is right for you. Call us today for a FREE consultation at 0422-4212142 (Dr.Sajitha) or 04259-229418 (Dr.Ranjith David)

Friday, December 7, 2018
4 Ayurvedic Ways to Nourish the Scalp
Scalp disorders are one of the most problematic issues that affect over 75 million people, including men, women and children. Here are a few Ayurvedic methods that will nourish your scalp.
Shiroabhyangam
This is a warm oil scalp massage primarily done with sesame oil, coconut oil, bhringraj, teak wood extract and jatamansi. The routine Shiroabhyanga practice is good for keeping the dry scalp problems at bay and in enhancing the lustrous nature of hair. Other than this, it also helps in improving the blood circulation in head thus, reducing the problems of anxiety & stress and strengthening the nervous system.
Nasyam
This is a cleansing therapy wherein the Ayurvedic medication is done through the nostrils. The therapy involves pouring in oils infused with herbs through one nostril, massaging the nose a little from outside and letting it flow out from the other. The lubrication and gentle massage of the nostrils help in relieving stress and in toning down tensions. The procedure holds in the balancing formula for all the aggravated doshas and is thus effective in getting rid of scalp and hair problems.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a gentle yet continuous stream of warm, medicated oil that gets poured on the forehead for a stipulated period of time. The pressure of oil saturates the scalp and penetrates deep into the nervous system. This rejuvenates dry hair follicles and provides a sense of peace and calm to the nervous system.
Shirolepam
This is an advanced ayurvedic therapy wherein herbal paste as prescribed by Ayurvedic experts is applied on the head to bring balance to doshas. It is good for a complete nourishment of the human mind and body.
For personalized treatment and medicines, consult with a PoornaAyur doctor. Call 0422-4212142 (Dr.Sajitha, Coimbatore) 04259-229418 (Dr.Ranjith David, Pollachi) today or click on ‘FaceBook Messenger Chat’ under the Chat tab in PoornaAyur Website.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Panchakarma – Ayurveda Detox
The Ultimate in Mind-Body Healing & Detoxification
At PoornaAyur – Ayurveda Treatment Centre in Race Course-Coimbatore & Mahalingapuram-Pollachi, we offer authentic Panchakarma programs under the guidance of Dr. Ranjith David & Dr.Sajitha — with over 10+ combined years of experience.
Panchakarma is not only for detoxifying the body, but also for rejuvenation — strengthening the immune system, and restoring balance and well-being. It is one of the most effective healing modalities in Ayurvedic Medicine. It is recommended on a seasonal basis, as well as when an individual feels out of balance or is experiencing illness.
Find out if Panchakarma is right for you. Call us today for a FREE consultation at 0422-4212142 (Dr.Sajitha) or 04259-229418 (Dr.Ranjith David)
Panchakarma – Rejuvenating Detox

Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means “five actions” or “five treatments”. This is a process used to clean the body of toxic materials left by disease, poor nutrition and environmental toxins. Normally the body has the innate ability to efficiently process and remove these waste materials, including the vitiated doshas. However, due to one’s repeated dietary indiscretions, poor exercise patterns, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, the digestive enzymes, metabolic co-factors, hormones, and agnis which regulate the body’s internal homeostasis become disorganized. This can lead to the accumulation and spread of toxins throughout the physiology resulting in disease. This waste matter is called ama in Ayurveda. Ama is a foul-smelling, sticky, harmful substance that needs to be completely evacuated from the body.
Panchakarma will remove the excess doshas and correct imbalances in them as well as eliminate the harmful ama out of your system through the body’s own organs and channels of elimination (colon, sweat glands, lungs, bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, etc). Panchakarma purifies the tissues at a very deep level.
It is a very pleasurable experience that is tailored to individual needs and may involve:
- Daily warm oil massage (Abhyangam)
- Herbal steam therapy (Swedanam)
- Herbal enemas (Vasti)
- Nasal administrations (Nasya)
- Other special treatments (see treatments below)
Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma as a seasonal treatment for maintaining mental and physical hygiene and balance.
Panchakarma is a five-fold therapy; it is highly individualized based on the needs of the individual depending on the Ayurvedic constitutional type, doshic imbalances, age, digestive strength, immune status, and many other factors. Depending on each individual’s needs, all or only parts of the five therapies are utilized. Specially trained therapists must administer these procedures in an exact sequence for a specified period of time. In addition, although Panchakarma is for the most part a delightful and comfortable therapy, there can be periods of discomfort associated with the profound release of toxins, which does occur. It is therefore essential that a knowledgeable expert who can recognize the signs of properly and improperly administered Panchakarma supervise the therapy. Fortunately these signs were meticulously recorded by the ancient vaidyas.
Like all medical procedures, Panchakarma Therapy always must begin with an initial consultation by a qualified Ayurvedic Physician who can determine the individual’s prakriti (constitutional type), the nature of the health problem (if any), and the appropriate degree of intensity of the prescribed therapies.
Panchakarma treatments have been shown to create measurable brain wave coherence and to lower metabolic activity. They allow the body and mind to drop into a profound level of peacefulness. In this state of relaxation, it is possible to cleanse toxins from tissues as well as to release deeply held emotional tensions.
Panchakarma Detoxifies the Body and Mind
If we want to experience optimal health, it is crucial to maintain a strong digestive fire and eliminate toxins from the body. Panchakarma is a time-proven natural therapy that detoxifies and restores the body’s inner balance and vitality.
According to ayurveda, good health depends upon our capability to fully metabolize all aspects of life, assimilating that which nourishes and eliminating the rest. When we can’t completely digest our food, experiences, and emotions, toxins accumulate in our bodily tissues, creating imbalance and – ultimately – disease. Panchakarma is an elegant cleansing process that releases stored toxins and restores the body’s innate healing ability.
When our digestive energies, known as Agni (fire), are robust, we create healthy tissues, eliminate waste products efficiently, and produce a subtle essence called Ojas. Ojas, which may be envisioned as the innermost sap of our psychophysiology, is the basis for clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity. On the other hand, if our Agni is weakened, digestion is incomplete and creates toxins that get stored in the body. This toxic residue is known as Ama.
The Foundation for Health and Well-being
When ama accumulates in the body, it blocks the flow of energy, information, and nourishment throughout the system. Ayurveda considers this build-up of toxins the underlying cause of all disease. A common example of this is the accumulation of saturated fat and cholesterol that is beyond the body’s capacity to metabolize. Over time, this leads to the blockage of the blood vessels and arteries and, ultimately, to heart attacks.
While it’s easy to understand agni and ama in terms of food, it’s important to remember that your mind and heart are continually digesting energy and information as well. Right now your mental digestive powers are working right now to break down these ideas into components that your intellect can assimilate. Similarly, your emotional agni is responsible for processing your experiences and feelings, including the smile of a loved one, unexpected criticism at work, or the excitement of a new relationship.
Restoring the Body’s Natural Balance
If your emotional agni is strong, you are able to extract whatever is nourishing and eliminate the rest. The inability to metabolize emotions, however, produces just as much toxic residue as undigested food. In fact, pent-up anger, long-held sadness, and lingering guilt are more debilitating for most people than problems with physical digestion.
Panchakarma Treatments
The descriptions that follow cover the variety of therapies that may be performed during a Panchakarma series and represent the actual treatments used in this ancient art of life extension. Two Ayurvedic therapists working in synchronicity perform many of them. Two, three, and sometimes four of these therapies are linked together during the course of one day’s treatments.
Abhyangam

An individually prepared ayurevdic-oil (thailam) massage designed to deeply penetrate the skin, relax the mind-body, break up impurities, and stimulate both arterial and lymphatic circulation. It enhances the ability of nutrients to reach starved cells and allows for the removal of stagnant waste. The desired result is a heightened state of awareness that will direct the internal healing system of the body.
Shirodhara

A warm, gentle and methodic pouring of herbalized oil over the forehead, synchronizing brain waves and profoundly coordinating and calming the mind, body, and spirit.
Swedanam

An herbalized steam bath, during which the head and the heart are kept cool (an important difference in Ayurvedic steam treatments) while the body is heated to remove mental, emotional and physical toxins lodged deeply within the tissues. The cool head and heart provide a sense of calm and openness while the therapeutic steam over the entire body can penetrate and cleanse deeply, without overheating and causing stress to the body.
Udvartanam

A deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This powerful exfoliating treatment will magically restore your natural radiance. It conditions the skin while releasing stagnant lymphatic toxins from the body.
Choorna Swedanam

Choorna Swedam (Podikizhi) is one of the most relaxing and refreshing massage that you can enjoy. Podikizhi is very good for relieving spasms and stiffness of muscles, lubrication the joints, strengthing the spinal muscles and relieving joint pain. Choorna Swedam (Podikizhi) is the first step in Ayurveda treatment.
The main benefits of Choorna Swedam (Podikizhi) are inflammations of spinal muscles and found to effective in certain low back aches, cervical spondylites and frozen shoulder, Arthritis, rheumatic fever etc.
Vasti

An herbal enema specially prepared to pull toxins out of the colon. This is the final stage of each daily Panchakarma treatment. The freshly loosened impurities from each day of treatment are flushed out of the body via the effects of the basti. The basti also transports Ayurvedic medicines into the blood and tissues in order to transform the memory of damaged and toxic cells. It is considered one of the most important and most powerful aspects of the Panchakarma treatment.
Nasyam

Individually prescribed herbs and oil drops, inhaled through the nose, which clear the sinuses of excessive mucus. It is also an important therapy when medicating the central nervous system. This treatment combats the deep dryness that exists at the root of many respiratory and allergic conditions.
Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya

A luxurious combination of a deep head/neck/shoulder massage and facial lymphatic massage, followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam, and a nasal and sinus nasya with herbalized nose drops. This popular treatment is an invaluable tool to balancing most head, neck and respiratory disorders.
Pinda Swedana (Njavara Kizhi)

A deep cleansing treatment using rice cooked in milk and herbs that is massaged into the tissues and joints. The treatment is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating as well as powerfully detoxifying.
We also offer some other treatments like Kati Vasti, Janu Vasthi, Nethradhara, Ksheera Dhara, Thakradhara, Shirovasthi, Shirolepanam, Karna Poorana, Ayurvedic Skin & Beauty Treatments. Weight Loss Treatments, Stress Relief Treatments.
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