Kerala Pancha Karma

Written By: Swami Sadashiva Tirtha
2-3-2005
Categorized in: Pancha Karma

Description of Various Kerala Pancha karma therapies

Shiro Dhara (shiro = head; dhara = flow)

Head oil application - offers profound relaxation to nervous and immune systems. Ejects years of deep seated stresses. Look & feel decades younger, improves hair & complextion. Good for stress, diabetes, anxiety, anger, and brain disorders like MS, epilepsy.

Shiro Dhara (as seen in Oprah Magazine - July 01 issue)

Pinda Sweda

Medicated bag application for neuromuscular and some systemic diseases, for neurological and bone conditions including the brain, supple bones and joints, circulation, cleansing, vigor, improved digestion, MS, chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, aging, insomnia, HBP, diabetes, facial paralysis, skin disorders, balding, premature graying, wrinkles. -requires 2 practitioners

Podikkizhi Sweda

Body oil application for Vayu & Kapha disorders -requires 2 practitioners

Pizhichil

Body oil application - most beneficial nervous system rejuvenation. Promotes tissue strength, digestive fire, beautiful complexion, clear senses, Vayu disorders, hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle spasms and degenerative disorders -requires 2 practitioners

Udwartana Abhyanga

Body powder application for obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, Kapha disorders -requires 2 practitioners

Takradhara

Herbal liquid application for memory, comprehension, head & eye disorders, chronic sinusitis, stress, Central Nervous System -requires 2 practitioners

Ksheera Dhara

Similar to Takradhara -requires 2 practitioners

Nasya

Nose oils for sinus disorders & sinus headaches, jaw, ear and throat disorders

Karna Poorna

Ear oils for discharge, tinnitus, prevents deafness and headaches

Netra Vasti

Eye oils for inflammation, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, night blindness, VP eye conditions

Kati Vasti

Oil soaking for lower back and spinal pain

Uro Vasti

Oil soaking on chest region for pain

Lepa

Herbal paste for pains due to inflammatory conditions

Shiro Lepa

Head paste for facial paralysis, hemiplegia, Vayu brain disorders including Parkinson's, MS, etc.

Nadi Sweda

Localized steam aimed at individual body areas for pain due to arthritis, muscle problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, paralysis, etc.

Ooshma Sweda

Sitting or lying in a steam tent (head not in steam) releases toxins and stress from muscles, improves circulation, digestion, complexion, stiff joints and Vayu conditions.

Upanaha Sweda

Hot medicated paste for gout & inflammation, arthritis.

Dhooma

Various forms of smoke inhalation relieve neck, jaw, nose/sinus, eye and head disorders including cough, asthma, chronic rhinitis, voice disorders, bad smell, pallor, hair disorders, mucus, hearing, taste, sight, stupor, hiccup, heaviness, hemi crania, earache, eye pain, toothache, dullness, Vayu and Kapha disorders.

Face Glow Therapy

Different treatments for normal, dry, and oily skin

Wrinkle Therapy

Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove wrinkles

Pimple Therapy

Herbs applied to the face also remove pimples

Scar Therapy

Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove scars

Dark Patches Therapy

Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove dark patches

Hair/scalp Therapies

Herbs applied to the head also address hair growth/loss, dandruff, premature graying, lustrous hair.

What is the value of Shiro Dhara?

The oil that flows from the bowl runs across the forehead, particularly at in between the eyebrows (third eye). At this location all the nerves of the body meet. So warm oil massaging this area massages all the nerves of the body.

The entire nervous system and immune system become extremely relaxed. In this relaxed state the body is able to release deep seated stresses and illnesses. It is said that diseases that are difficult to heal by other methods (e.g., diabetes, MS, etc.) can be healed through Shiro Dhara.

The warm oil on the head also brings peace and bliss to the mind, helping with all mental and emotional disorders.

Additionally the oil provides beautiful hair and complexion.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.

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Comments (2)

Said this on 7-3-2005 At 02:15 pm

Well-written: succinct and clear. Lots of information on different therapies that are available. One small improvement could be made, however. As one who is new to Ayurvedic healing, The article was informative and readable -- even to a novice.

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gregory alias

Said this on 6-13-2007 At 09:07 am

very good got more about ayurveda.very informative

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