Ayurveda Therapies
Ayurveda offers a wide variety of therapies, such as therapies for each of the five senses, herb and nutrition therapy for taste, aromatherpay for smell, Yoga and massage therapies for touch, mantras for sound, and color therapy for sight. Besides, lifestyle suggestions are offered.
According to Ayurveda, all diseases are due to the disharmony and imbalance of the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The main aim of the Ayurveda therapies, therefore, is to rebalance the three doshas, and to eliminate toxins from the body.
Ayurveda Herbal Therapy
Herbs are a gentle, yet effective and powerful form of healing in Ayurveda. They are close to the essential elements and have cooling or drying, heating and moistening effects and thus allow to apply them individually according to which dosha needs to be balanced.
Herbs can be taken in many different forms, as powder, infusion, decoction, cooked in food, juice, or soup, together with water, honey, sugar, etc.
Ayurveda Nutrition
In each food group (vegetables, grains, fruit, ect.), some foods are better for some doshas and worse for other doshas. Broccoli, for instance, with its bitter taste, can reduce or balance the two doshas Kapha and Pitta, but will aggravate Vata by causing constipation and gas.
Specific foods also have specific healing qualitites, such as vegetables which are good for diabetes and cranberries which are good for kidney problems, and so on. Ayurveda thus provides the knowledge of food compatibility according to the three doshas and according to organs or disease and with it a very effective prevention and healing therapy.
Ayurveda Aromatherapy
While herbs and foods are helpful for the body, aromas and color therapies help to balance the mind and with it our emotions. Again, there are specific aromas for each dosha and they can come in many forms, such as essential oils, incense, scented candles, soaps, or sachets, etc.
A very useful aroma is sandalwood, as it is good for all the three doshas and helps against stress, anxiety, worry, anger, nervousness, and impatience. Frankincense is effective against fear and lethargy. Jasmine and gardenia help against anger and impatience, and jasmine and patchouli are good against depression.
Ayurveda Color Therapy
Like aromatherapy, color therapy is also helpful for mental and emotional matters. While aromatherapy heals through the sense of smell, colors work through sight. As with foods, herbs, and aroma, each color links with one of the three doshas. Vata is associated with blue, Pitta with fiery red, and Kapha with light and bright shades of yellow.
Color therapy is being applied to clothing, home, and office.
Ayurveda Meditation
Many people don’t want to start meditation because they think that it may be too difficult. In fact, meditation is very simple. Meditation can take many different forms, like singing, playing music, taking a walk in nature, practicing your favorite hobby, or praying. In short, whatever you love to do and whatever brings mental peace serves as meditation.
Ayurveda Exercise
Ayurveda recommends to do exercises on a daily basis for good health and longevity. Thereby, the exercises don’t only focus on the physical benefits but also on the positive influence on mind, heart, senses, and spirit. Exercise programs vary according to which dosha they are aimed at.
To balance too much Vata, the exercises should include slow movements and shouldn’t be too tiring. They should help to settle body and mind. Slow dancing, taijiquan, yoga, walking, and leisurely swimming in warm water are all examples of Vata-balanced exercises.
To keep Pitta in balance, exercises should be cooling for mind and body as well as allow for enjoyment and competitiveness. Water, snow, or ice based activities such as swimming, rowing, surfing, water- and downhill skiing are good choices.
Exercises to balance Kapha should stimulate and generate intensity and liveliness. Distance walking or running, football, basketball, ice skating, cross country skiing, aerobics, and cycling are examples of Kapha-balancing exercises.
Some Panchakarma Healing Treatments
The Ayurveda Panchakarma therapy is the cleansing process that helps to purge unwanted toxins. The Panchakarma treatments are extremely helpful in relieving deep seated diseases. Besides, they are benefical for maintaining and improving both physical and mental health.
Shirodara: the patient lies on a special wooden bed and a steady stream of warm, aromatic oil, milk, or buttermilk is rhythmically poured across the forhead. This treatment calms the mind and soothes the nervous system. It brings on profound peace and happiness.
Abhyanga: this is a firm but gently whole body massage of aromatic herbal oils that are administered by two skilled technicians who work in complete harmony. The abhyanga massage may last up to one hour.
Udvarthanam: this is a massage using a special Ayurveda herbal paste to enliven and energise the body. It helps to promote good digestion, healthy skin, firm muscle tone, better circulation, and it reduces cellulite. It is perfect for those who wish to lose weight.
Nasya: the nose is seen as the doorway to the brain and also to consciousness. This therapy helps to ease problems of excess mucus and blocked sinuses. A stimulating head massage is followed by a steam inhalation with aromatic herbs and the application of hot towels. Finally, herbal nasal drops are administered to melt, loosen, and release mucus from the sinus passages.
Pizhichil: is also known as „Royal Treatment“ as it is the ultimate therapy for relaxing. The patient remains in a sitting position and a cloth soaked in oil is squeezed all over the body. This treatment softly heats the skin and helps to draw impurities to the surface. It leaves the patient feeling peaceful, calm, and wonderfully relaxed.
These are just a few examples of Ayurveda Panchakarma healing treatments.
All Ayurveda therapies are tailored to the individual needs and aim at rebalancing the three doshas and at eliminating toxins from the body.
Related Articles: