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Ayurveda and
Ayurvedic massages are famous traditional
healing methods in India. Adopted from the
doctrines developed in the Chakara-Samahita is
the traditional healing art of Ayurveda. The
main aim of Ayurveda, based solely on herbs and
herbal compounds, is removing the cause of
illness and not just curing the disease itself.
It is important to know that the herbs used in
Ayurvedic remedies do not operate against the
body's metabolism and their effect is registered
gradually resulting in minimum side-effects.
This method of healing had been held in high
esteem in ancient India. It was elevated to a
divine status and Dhanvantari, the practitioner
of this art was deified as the God of Medicine.
Even ordinary practitioners of this art - the
Ashwinikumars - were given a special status in
mythology and folkfore. The benefits of Ayurveda
is unlimited.
 Chakara, a
practitioner of Ayurveda, believes that a
physician who fails to enter the body of a
patient with a lamp of knowledge and
understanding can never treat diseases whereby
he should first study all the factors including
the environment that influence the patient's
disease and then only prescribe treatment.
According to Chakara, it is essential to prevent
the occurrence of the disease rather than to
seek a cure and this is the basis of Ayurveda.
The theory of
Ayurveda states that an individual is made up of
five primary elements which consists of ether
(space), air, fire, water and earth. Eventhough
people are a composite of these five primary
elements, certain elements have the ability
to combine and create various physiological
functions. The correct combination can be useful
in curing diseases.
Ether and air
combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as
the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of
movement and therefore can be seen as the force
which directs nerve impulse, circulation,
respiration and elimination. Fire and water
combine to form the Pitta dosha which is the
process of transformation or metabolism. The
transformation of foods into nutrients that our
bodies absorb is an example of a pitta function.
Another combination is between water and earth
elements to form the Kapha dosha. Basically,
Kapha is responsible for growth by adding
structure unit by unit. Another function of the
Kapha dosha is to offer protection.
Cerebral-spinal fluid which protects the brain
and spinal column is a type of Kapha found in
the body. Also, the mucus lining of the stomach
is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting
the tissues.
Humans are made up
of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
doshas according to the system of Ayurveda.
However the ratios of the doshas differ in each
person. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or
Kapha) is accumulated too much , then Ayurveda
will suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional
guidelines to assist the person in reducing the
dosha that has become excessive. Ayurveda may
also prescribed certain herbal supplements to
hasten the healing process. If toxins in the
body are abundant, then a cleansing process
known as Pancha Karma is recommended to
eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Eventhough Ayurvedic
massages may have names that are too difficult
to pronounce but these different types of
Ayurvedic massages are guaranteed
remedies. Massages are carried out on a long
wooden table. Abhyanga is a synchronized massage
uses traditional herbal oil as two masseurs
knead the body. The effect of this is evident as
the body relieves itself of excess fluids.
Pizhichil rejuvenation treatment is for those
with rheumatism and arthritis. An unusual
feeling of wellness is experienced with
Sirodhara as medicated oil is poured in an even
stream onto the forehead which is said to pacify
and revitalize the mind and body.
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