Ayurveda Therapies Regional Treatments

Ayurveda offers a wide range of natural therapies and herbal medicines.
Ayurveda is the knowledge that indicates the appropriate and inappropriate, happy and sorrowful conditions of living, what is auspicious or inauspicious for longevity as well as the measure of life itself. (Charaka Samhita)

Regional Treatments

1 Head Massage

Method – Head Massage is a concentrated massage on head and face, using Ayurveda techniques and special medicated oil suited to individual needs.

Benefits – Head Massage relieves stress and strain related problems, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for insomnia, etc. It bestows better vision, better hearing and clears the nasal problems.

Duration – 15-30 minutes.

2 Shirodhara

Shirodhara is usually the usage of specific oils poured continuously on the centre of the forehead, and can be one of the steps involved in panchakarma. In Sanskrit, ‘shiras’ means head and ‘dhaara’ means stream. This steady rhythmic pouring of oil allows the body to enter into a state of deep relaxation. Shirodhara can also be further classified based on the liquid used for pouring. If oil is used for pouring, it is called tailadhara. Herbal or medicinal oils are used in tailadhara depending on the condition of the person. If buttermilk is used, then it is called as takradhara. Buttermilk can be combined with herbs too. If milk is used, it is called Kheeradhara. Here again, the milk can be combined with herbs. When coconut water or plain water is used, it is called jaladhara. Each of these have their own effect depending on the type of dhara and the medicinal herbs used.

Method – The person who has to undergo the Shirodhara treatment lies on a table. The Shirodhara vessel is a wide mouthed bowl with a small hole at the bottom and a wick is inserted through the hole. This vessel is hung over the head of the person such that the wick is about two inches above the forehead of the person. The vessel is filled with the required liquid and is made to flow in a continuous stream through the wick on to the upper part of the forehead. A cloth or cotton pad is placed above the forehead to prevent the liquid flowing to the eyes. The warm oil or other liquid used, is collected, re-circulated, and the process continues for a certain duration as suggested by the ayurvedic doctor (Vaidya). On completion of the flow of oil, the client is allowed to rest for a few minutes, before the residual liquid is wiped from the hair. It is recommended to rest quietly for at least a few hours after this treatment.

Benefits – Shirodhara rejuvenates and revitalizes the body and mind, and relieves stress and strain related problems, slows the aging process, improves memory and is known to have a curative effect for paralysis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, hypertension and other neurological malfunctions. It bestows better vision, better hearing, clears nasal problems and calms the body and mind. Shirodhara ultimately strengthens the physical constitution of the individual.

Duration – 45-60 minutes.

3 Ksheera Dhara

Method – Ksheera dhara is a relaxing treatment similar to Shirodhara but instead of herbal oil, herbal milk infused with special herbs such as cleansing turmeric powder and fragrant sandalwood powder, is continuously poured over the forehead or all over the body. The gentle milk bath is followed by a relaxing massage.

Benefits – Ksheera dhara is a great therapy for people suffering from Vata and Pitta predominance, headaches, insomnia and mental stress. This moisturizing treatment relieves anxiety and tension, and leaves the skin with a healthy glow.

Duration – 30 minutes.

4 Takradhara

Method – Takra (buttermilk) and Dhara (pouring); Takradhara is a form of Shirodhara where medicated buttermilk, which has tremendous cooling properties, is used as the main ingredients for the treatment. It is poured onto the forehead in a constant stream. This is preceded by a head massage.

Benefits – Takradhara prevents greying of hair, dandruff, hair-fall, reduces headaches, increases digestive power, and alleviates anorexia. In cases of psoriasis, Takradhara is administered on the affected area to have a curative effect. This treatment helps to calm the individual down, relieves insomnia, depression and other stress related problems.

Duration – 45-60 minutes.

5 Netratarpanam

Method – Ayurveda has some special strengthening and purifying eye treatments. Though the treatment varies for each problem, Netra tarpana treatment aims at providing optimum rejuvenation for the eyes and acts as an antidote for tired and burning eyes. Medicated ghee is retained in a reservoir made over the eyes with black gram paste in the procedure.

Benefits – Netra tarpana will have a cooling effect on irritated and stressed eyes, relieve eyestrain, Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, improve eyesight, helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eye balls, and other eye related problems.

Duration- 30-45 minutes.

6 Gandoosha

Method – Gandusha or oil pulling involves retention of medicated oil or decoction in the mouth cavity for several minutes. The Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita mentions Kavala gandusha – Kavala refers to retaining oil in the mouth for a specific time and gandusha is retaining oil while making specific movements of oral cavity

Gandusha assists in the process of pulling out oral toxins. Just as the skin excretes body waste and toxins, the tongue eliminates toxins and harmful microbes from the body. The treatment involves putting 1 tablespoon of oil in your mouth and swishing it for about 15- 20 minutes. It is ideally done on an empty stomach, which is best to pull out all kinds of built-up toxins from the mouth and the body.

Benefits – Gandusha helps bring a glow to the face, improve lines and wrinkles, tone the skin and assist with any kind of mouth, voice or teeth disorders while cleansing the ear, nose and throat pathways. This treatment is reported to treat numerous health conditions ranging from sinusitis, migraine, asthma, and diabetes along with comprehensive oral and dental health care.

Duration – 20 minutes.

7 Kavala

Method – Kavala is one of the daily morning routines practiced in Ayurveda, usually after brushing teeth to maintain good oral hygiene. The traditional choice is sesame oil, which has to be swirled gently inside the mouth for a specified period of time after which it is spat out when the oil becomes thicker in consistency. Each part of the tongue is mapped with meridians representing different internal organs. Kavala soothes and stimulates these meridians that benefits the corresponding organ.

Benefits – Kavala improves the voice and brings a glow to the face. It is beneficial to ear, nose and throat, strengthens teeth, gums and jaws, and removes wrinkles. This therapy is highly effective for diseases of jaw, allergies, respiratory problems, indigestion, constipation, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

Duration – 5 minutes.

8 Ksheera Dhoomam

Method – Ksheera Dhoomam begins with the application of suitable medicated oil on the face, neck and chest. The face and neck are then subjected profuse perspiration through steam generated from a combination of cow’s milk and herbal decoctions.

Benefits – Ksheera Dhoomam is effective for facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, speech disorders, pimples and other skin problems and nervous disorders of the face.

Duration – 15 to 20 minutes.

9 Pichu

Method – Pichu is a palliative treatment for ailments of the head and spine. During this treatment, a long, thick layer of cotton wool soaked with warm medicated oil is applied over the affected area. The oil is replaced periodically to keep it warm and therapeutic. The warmth of the oil-soaked pads seeps into the body and induces a deep sense of relief. Short, gentle and rhythmic massage strokes further alleviate stress and enhance the healing process. This can be also done on other major joints in case of swellings, injury or pain.

Benefits – Pichu as a therapy is very effective for degenerative and painful problems like backache, osteo-arthritis, spondylitis, injuries, etc.

Duration – 45-60 minutes.

10 Upanaham

Method – It is done by application of a warm, medicated, herbal paste over the affected area, covering the applied paste with medicinal herbal leaves and bandaging over that with a cotton cloth bandage. This application is removed after few hours as per the requirement. Care is taken to avoid any burn injury.

Benefits – Upanaham is well-known for its ability to relieve pain, swelling and to nourish the tissues. It is a very effective treatment in Osteo-arthritis, joint injuries and localized pain and swelling.

Duration – Variable.

11 Kativasthi

Method – Kati vasti involves specially prepared warm herbal oil being poured over the lower back and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration.

Benefits – The healing properties of herbal oils used for Kati vasti deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. This therapy alleviates lower back conditions like lumbar spondylitis, inter vertebral disc prolapses, lumbago (low back ache), and sciatica.

Duration – 45-60 minutes.

12 Greeva Vasti

Method – Specially prepared warm herbal oil is poured over the neck and retained inside the black gram paste boundary for the required duration in Greeva vasti. Benefits – The healing properties of herbal oils used for Greeva vasti therapy deeply cleans and enriches the blood, builds and maintains strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free. Greeva vasti alleviates neck and upper back conditions like cervical spondylitis, stiff neck, pain due to over strain, etc.

Duration – 30 minutes.

13 Urovasti

Method – Urovasti is a treatment where a specially prepared mixture of warm herbal oil is poured over the chest and retained inside a herbal paste boundary.

Benefits – The healing properties of herbal oils used for Urovasti, enrich the blood and build and maintain strong muscles and connective tissues. It is a stimulating and therapeutic treatment for muscular chest pain and asthma.

Duration – 30 minutes.

14 Shirovasthi

Method – In a Shirovasti treatment, a bandage is tied and a cylindrical cap is secured around the head. The medicated oil, warmed to body temperature, is poured into the cap and allowed to soak into the scalp. This oil is a mixture of gingely oil, castor oil, ghee, common milk, and various herb extracts; these are boiled in order to extract their full medicinal properties.

Benefits – Shirovasti is a great therapy for treating paralysis, insomnia, and depression. It is also useful for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head, eye diseases, diseases of cranial nerves and hair fall. It is also helpful to improve memory and vision.

Duration – 30 minutes.

15 Thalapothichil

Thalapothichil is a special procedure of application of medicated paste on the head. Thalapothichil is also called as Shirolepa (head pack). Thalapothichil is from Malayalam where thala refers to head and pothichil is covering. It is the traditional Ayurveda treatment of Kerala which is very effective in various psychosomatic disorders. Basically Thalapothichil is cooling treatment.

Procedure:

The person is made to sit in an easy position. A gentle oil massage is given to head with specific medicated oil. An herbal paste is freshly prepared by cooking it with the buttermilk after carefully assessing the condition of the person. The paste is applied over the scalp in a layer of thickness of about 0.5 to 1 centimetre, leaving a small central portion. A medicated oil is filled in this groove. The paste is then covered with leaves (plantain or lotus leaf) and cloth leaving the groove open. At the end of the procedure the paste is removed; a gentle head massage is given. Duration of the treatment: 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the condition.

Benefits:

  • Corrects imbalance of pitta dosha
  • Relaxes and calms down the mind; has a soothing effect on the body
  • Stabilizes the nervous system
  • Activates the Marma (vital areas) points
  • Relieves stress, tension, heaviness of the head
  • Improves quality of sleep
  • Improves lustre and smoothness of hair
  • Improves memory
  • Relaxes, rejuvenates and nourishes the head and neck region.

Thalapothichil is indicated in:

  • Insomnia and sleep disorders
  • Hypertension
  • Chronic headaches like migraines
  • Burning sensation of the body
  • Certain skin diseases of scalp like dermatitis of scalp, dandruff, hair loss
  • Premature greying of hair
  • Certain types of Insanity
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Anxiety, depression
  • Some stages of mental retardation

Duration : 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the condition.

16 Avagahaswedam

In this procedure, the person is made to sit in a bathtub filled with a medicated decoction for about 20 – 40minutes. The level of the decoction in the tub can be up to navel region or the neck, depending upon the condition of the patient. This therapy is useful in treating many vata disorders, body aches and pains, stiffness in the joints loser back pain etc. and is also very relaxing and invigorating.

Duration – 20-40 minutes.

This steady rhythmic pouring of oil allows the body to enter into a state of deep relaxation.

Book an Appointment







    Your Name

    Your Number

    Your Email

    Choose Appointment Location

    Choose Appointment Type

    Select appointment date

    Additional Message


    Melbourne Naturopath


    Discover a new you





    Melbourne Naturopath

    Discover a new you



    Our Clinics »

    Melbourne CBD Clinic: 

    Exchange Tower, Suite 807 (Level 8) 530 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    Sunshine Clinic:

    16 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine VIC 3020


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    Taylors Lakes Clinic: 

    1 Fastnet Drive Taylors Lakes, Victoria, Australia 3038


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146

    Direction

    GUHealth

    ahm

    nib

    HBF

    Bupa

    medibank

    Our Clinics »


    Melbourne CBD Clinic: 

    Exchange Tower, Suite 807 (Level 8) 530 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    Sunshine Clinic: 

    16 Fairbairn Road, Sunshine VIC 3020


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    Taylors lakes Clinic: 

    1 Fastnet Drive Taylors Lakes, Victoria, Australia 3038


    +61 3 9078 2940+61 4 2586 2146
    Direction

    GUHealth

    ahm

    nib

    HBF

    Bupa

    Useful Links

    • Disclaimer
    Disclaimer

    In any means, we, AYUR CLINIC team neither claiming to be a modern medical doctor nor we registered in the Australian medical board. The word doctor used here is only to represent or to refer the Ayurveda doctors recognized in India after achieving a Bachelor of ayurvedic medicine and surgery qualification. This qualification is recognized in Australia as a naturopath by Vetassess governing body. The information provided on this website is designed to provide helpful information on the ayurvedic subjects discussed. Information on this website should not be considered as a replacement for advice and consultation from a healthcare expert. This content or information is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any ayurvedic condition. For treatment or diagnosis of any ayurvedic condition or difficulties, consult a doctor. The publisher and creator are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require ayurvedic supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, application or use, to any person reading or following the data or information in this website. References are provided for informational purposes only. Readers should be aware that the linked websites listed on this website may change. This site does not recommend or support the self-management of health issues using the information provided on the website. Instead, we insist you to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for guidance. Information on this site is not comprehensive and does not cover all physical conditions, illnesses, weaknesses or their treatment. Contact your healthcare professional promptly if you have any health-related questions. Never neglect or delay ayurvedic advice based upon the information you may have read on this site.


    © AYUR CLINIC Ayurveda Melbourne | All Rights Reserved 2018 – 2023.



    © AYUR CLINIC Ayurveda Melbourne | All Rights Reserved 2018 – 2023.