Karkidaka Chikitsa or Monsoon Treatment

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Karkkida Chikilsa

We all love rain. But do you know about the changes that take place in our body when the monsoon comes? And what is the importance of Karkidaka Chikitsa?

Rainy season comes after summer. In summer, the digestive fire gets debilitated. When the season changes suddenly, the digestion again slows down. That results in the vitiation of doshas. Along with that the heavy clouds, cold wind, polluted water etc results in further vitiation of doshas.

The vitiation of doshas may cause diseases or will aggravate the conditions already present. Here is the relevance of undergoing the ayurvedic treatment and following the ayurvedic way of living during the monsoon. The treatment methods are called as “Karkidaka Chikitsa” in Malayalam, in which “Karkidaka” is a month in the Malayalam calendar. It is during this season the monsoon starts in Kerala. “Chikitsa” means treatment.

The treatments done in monsoon are focused to alleviate the vitiated doshas. The Acharyas advice to perform purificatory therapies, that comes under Panchakarmas, to eliminate the doshas. After a thorough examination the physician evaluates the health of the person and decides the treatment routine. It may depend according to the health and other conditions of the person.

Ayurveda also advice to follow the following diet:-

  • Include the preparations with old grains.
  • Meat juices with spice is good during the season
  • Soups made from pulses can be included
  • Drink only boiled water
  • When the sunlight is very low, include food that are sour, salty, rich in fat, dry and that are easily digestible in diet.
  • Use of honey in food is good for health.

Avoid the following:-

  • Bathing and drinking in river water
  • Sleeping at daytime
  • Over exercise
  • Exposure to sun

Karnapooranam

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In Karnapooranam, the medicated oil is filled in the ear for specified time. Before beginning the main the procedure, local massage is done around the ears. After that mild fomentation is also given in the areas.

Then the person is asked to turn to any one side and the main procedure is done. The oil is made luke-warm before pouring inside the ears.

INDICATIONS

The Karnapooranam is beneficial in the conditions like:-

  • Ear Ache
  • Tinnitus
  • Deafness
  • Infections etc.

It can be done daily as a preventive measure for many conditions.

 

REFERENCES

Principles and Practice of Panchakarma

Snehapanam

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Snehapanam

The literal meaning of the Snehapanam is drinking of Snehas or fats. That may be oils, ghee etc. The procedure comes under Snehanam type of treatment. Snehanam types of treatments are generally categorised into two:-

  • Abhyantharam: Internal Administration
  • Bahyam: External Administration/Application

The Snehapanam comes under Abhyanthara Snehapanam. When studied in detail, there are many classifications under the topic Snehapanam. Here we are going to discuss about Acchapanam.

 

ACCHAPANAM

In this type the Sneha is given to the person directly as it is.

Again in Acchapanam there are 2 types, Shodhana (Purificatory) and Samana (Curative). In Acchapana, the Sneha is given in the early morning in empty stomach. When the Sneha gets digested, food is given to the person. The food should be easily digestible. The food and its quantity are decided by the physician.

Before the administration of the therapy a detailed examination and analysis of the person is done by the physician. After that only the dosage of the Sneha is determined. The digestion of the ingested Sneha is determined by the signs that are clearly visible. The dose of the Sneha is increased every day according to the time taken by the person to digest the Sneha on the first day.

The person should only drink warm water till the digestion of the Sneha is complete.

The duration of the treatment and the medicine used are determined by the physician. In case of nausea, the person can smell lemon.

SADYA SNEHA

This type of Snehapanam is administered for short duration and is usually administered in combination with dietary preparations.

These type of treatments are very important that they should be done only under the supervision of the Physician. It is also important that the person should follow the directions of the physician.

 

Sarvanga Kashaya Dhara

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Sarvanga Kashaya Dhara

The procedure can be explained from the name itself. The word “Dhara” means pouring of liquids continuously on the body. Here of course, from the name it is evident that the liquid used here is Kashaya or medicated decoction. The word “Sarvanga” denotes whole body. So in this procedure the whole body is poured with medicated decoction continuously for a specified time.

HOW SARVANGA KASHAYA DHARA IS DONE?

               The medicated decoction is made and kept warm. The person is asked to lie down on Dhroni. The body may be massaged if needed (this is decided according to the condition of the person). The medicated decoction is poured continuously for the specified time.

               The medicated decoction is changed every day. After the procedure is done the person is allowed to take rest for some time. After proper rest, the person is allowed to bath in lukewarm water.

               Care is taken to avoid the medicated decoction from falling into the eyes and ears. The eyes are covered with cotton pads and cotton balls are plugged into the ears before the procedure.

INDICATIONS

The procedure varies according to the type of decoction used for the procedure. Therefore the procedure has wide range of actions. Generally the procedure is used in conditions like:-

  • Wounds
  • The diseases caused by Vata Dosha etc.

Basthi

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Vasthi

BASTHI

Basthi is one of the Panchakarmas, the five main procedures of Ayurveda. When we compare the Panchakarmas alone, we can see that Basthi have more importance among the Panchakarmas.

Even though Basthi is the most important treatment for the diseases caused due to the Vata Dosha, it is highly effective in many complex diseases that are difficult to be cured. Since the treatment has wide range of therapeutic action it is considered as Chikitsardha.

Basthi not only have curative property but also have rejuvenative property.

BASTHI VS ENEMA

Usually the word “Enema” is used to explain Basthi. But Basthi is totally different from enema. Enema is the administration of fluids through anus to evacuate the contents of the lower colon.

In Basthi, medicated fluids are administered in to the anus. This is a complex treatment by which, even the most difficult diseases can be cured. Since both the Basthi and enema have similar methods of administration, we use the word “Enema” for describing Basthi.

CLASSIFICATION OF BASTHI

While studying in detail, there are many classifications for the Basthi. But here we are dealing with general classification:-

  • Niruha/Kashaya Basthi
  • Anuvasana Basthi

NIRUHA BASTHI/ KASHAYA BASTHI

In this type mainly different forms of Kashayas or decoctions are administered as enemas. It is a systemic therapy having a wide range of therapeutic effects. This helps in the elimination of the vitiated Vata Dosha.

This procedure can be done for those who cannot undergo Virechanam. The Niruha Basthi is usually done in combination with Anuvasana Basthi

HOW NIRUHA BASTHI IS DONE?

The procedure is done in empty stomach. But it should be made sure that the person is not hungry. Mild Abhyanga and thereafter Swedana are done. The person is laid in the position. The Basthi is administered. The person is allowed to lie in supine position until he has the urge to defecate. After defecation, the person is allowed to bath in warm water.  After the bath, the person is given food that the physician has advised. Proper rest should be taken after that according to the instructions of the physician.

HOW ANUVASANA BASTHI IS DONE?

In this type of Basthi, medicated oils or fats are administered to the person. The Anuvasana Basthi is administered after food, mainly after the lunch. The person is given mild Abhyangam and Swedanam before the bath. After bathing in warm water the person can take lunch in the advised quantity. The person is laid in the position and the Basthi is administered. After the administration the person is given local massage. After some time, may be after 9 hours, the person will feel the urge to defecate.

UTTARA BASTHI

The Uttara Basthi is administered through genitor-urinary tract. In males, the procedure is done through urinary tract and in females it can be done through vagina or urinary tract. The procedure is done under highly sterile conditions.

The Basthi is one of the most important treatments in Ayurveda. Hence the person should approach the treatment seriously. He/she should follow the instructions of the physician obediently.

Nasyam

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Nasyam

Nasyam is one of the Panchakarmas. In this type of treatment, the medicine is administered through the nose. It can be used in many ways:-

  • As a daily regimen
  • As a treatment
  • As a rejuvenation therapy
  • As either pre-operative, post-operative or the main procedure

It not only cures the diseases that affect head, but also other systems.

NASYA AS A DAILY REGIMEN

It is advised to practise Nasyam as a daily regimen to protect your health. Daily practise of Nasyam can:-

  • Prevent many diseases.
  • Provide good skin
  • Help in the growth of hair
  • Prevent the greying of hair
  • Provide clear voice etc.

NASYAM AS A TREATMENT

The Nasyam is indicated in the following conditions:-

  • Many ENT diseases
  • Ophthalmic diseases
  • Sinusitis
  • Migraine
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Neurological disorders
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Gynaecological disorders etc.

Depending upon the dose, action, type of the medicin used etc the Nasyam can be classified into many types.

HOW NASYAM IS DONE?

According to the dose of the medicine used Nasyam can be classified as Marsha and Prathimarsha.

Prathimarsha Nasyam uses only 2 drops. Moreover this can be practised daily.

Whereas Marsha Nasyam uses more than 2 drops and the dose is decided by the physician. This type Nasyam cannot be practised daily.

Usually Dhumapana (inhalation of medicated smoke) is done before the Nasyam. After Dhumapana, Thalam is kept on the vertex of the head. Slight fomentation is done locally. The person is then asked to lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Lukewarm medicine is instilled into the nostrils slowly and the person is asked to inhale slowly.

After the medicine enters the person’s face, head, shoulders, chest, palms, soles etc are massaged gently.

The mucous comes to the mouth of the person which should be spit out into the vessel kept near the person. The person should not get up from the position. He/she should tilt head to spit. After the time period the person can take rest.

The person should not bath or take food for one hour.

The person will be directed by the physician about what all he/she should do and what he/she should avoid. The instructions must be followed by the person to get complete benefits and to avoid the complications.

 

Kati Vasthi

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Kati Vasthi

Kati Vasthi

Kati Vasthi is a type of Swedana therapy. It is done in the Kati or low back region. Since it uses medicated oils, it also provides nourishment and moistness.

HOW KATI VASTHI IS DONE?

In this procedure, the person is asked to lie in prone position. A well-like structure or a frame is made and fixed on the low back region. While fixing it should be made sure that it should be leak-proof. After this warm medicated oil is poured into it and is held there for a specified time. After the procedure, the oil is removed and the person can bath in luke-warm water after 15 minutes of relaxation.

INDICATIONS

The Kati Vasthi is indicated in the following conditions:-

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Degenerative disorders of the spine
  • Ankylosing spondylosis
  • Disc prolapse etc.

REFERENCES

Principles and practice of Panchakarma

 

Eye Care in Ayurveda

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Ayurveda Eye Care

There is no need to explain about the importance of eyes. Vision is a real gift. Therefore the eye care is also important. Before that let me give a brief idea about the structure of eyes.

Ayurveda deals with this topic under the branch “Shalakyatantra”.

THE STRUCTURE OF EYE

Even though we call it eye ball, it is “ablate spheroid” in shape. It has mainly 3 layers or coats:-

  1. Fibrous coat:- The outermost dense coat that protects the contents inside. Sclera, the white portion that we can see, is opaque and forms the major part. Cornea, the transparent part that we see is attached to the sclera, like a watch glass. Conjunctiva, a translucent mucous membrane, is firmly attached at the junction of sclera and cornea.
  2. Vascular Coat:- The name gives the idea. Yes, the layer is rich in blood vessels and provides nutrition to the other structures. The Iris, the colour of which determines the colour of our eyes, is present in this layer. Lens is also a part of this coat.
  3. Nervous Coat:- The vision is the main function of eyes. So this layer, also known as the Retina, does all those related to visual function.

We all have an idea, how our eyes function. The light rays fall on retina, after passing through the cornea and lens, forming an inverted image, this is later processed by the brain to form the original image.

Ayurveda also explains the structure and the functioning of eye in detail. It also explains the disorders that affect eyes and its adjoining structures. The treatments and procedures are of a wide range.

THE TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR EYES

  • Netra Seka:- In this the medicated liquid is poured on the closed eyes at a specified height. The medicines used includes decoctions etc. this procedure is usually done at day time.
  • Aschothanam:- In this the medicine is instilled as drops in the open eyes. Here also the height from which the medicine is instilled is very important. Mainly this procedure is used as the first line of treatment for almost all the eye diseases.
  • Anjanam:- In this procedure the medicine is applied in the eyes using a rod like instrument. This can be done as a daily regimen.
  • Netra Tarpanam:- in this a well like structure is made around the eyes and the medicine is poured into it and allowed to stay inside it.

There are many other treatments and procedures for the eyes. Only a few are mentioned above.

As the eyes are one of the most important organs in our body, take utmost care while undergoing the treatments. The person ‘must’ follow the instructions given by the physician.

Above all, we all know that “Prevention is better than cure”. So:-

  • Always read in well lit room
  • Continuous and long time use of mobile phones and laptops may cause eye problems. Always adjust the brightness of the screen.
  • Never watch television from close distance.
  • Include vitamin rich food in your diet
  • If you are feeling strain in your eyes for any reason, give time for your eyes to relax.
  • Proper sleep will help a lot.

REFERENCES:-

  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • SAMS

 

Thalam

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Thalam

Thalam is a treatment done on the head. Let us see how it is done.

HOW THALAM IS DONE

In Thalam, medicated powder is made into paste by mixing the powder with suitable medicated oils or liquids, like juices of herbs. This paste is applied on the scalp or only on the vertex of the head. After specified time, the thalam is removed. This treatment can be done as a main procedure or as a pre-operative procedure.

INDICATIONS

This treatment may seem so simple. But Thalam can be used in many conditions like:-

  • Insomnia
  • Skin disorders
  • Dandruff
  • Headache
  • Migraine
  • Psychiatric Problems
  • Eye Disorders
  • Ear Disorders

Depending upon the medicines used, the action of the procedure varies.

REFERENCES

  • Principles and Practice of Panchakarma

Benefits of Ayurveda Steam Bath

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Ayurveda Steam Bath

Medicated steam bath comes under the category of Swedana Therapy. This helps in relieving pain, stiffness etc.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE?

This procedure is done in a box. The person either made to sit or lie inside the box, according to the type of box. Steamer is connected to the box. According to the condition of the person the amount of steam inside the box is regulated. After the specified time the patient is allowed to relax and the sweat is wiped off.
The steam is made by boiling water or medicated decoctions inside the steamer. This is decided by the physician according to the condition of the person. At times milk decoctions are also used for Swedana.
This procedure can be done either as a main procedure or as pre-operative.

MAJOR BENEFITS:

Relieves pain
Reduces the stiffness
Makes the body light
Improves the digestion
Improves the quality of skin

Every procedure should only be done after consulting the physician. Every details regarding the person’s health and history should be discussed with physician.

Rejuvenation Therapy or Rasayana Chikitsa

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Rejuvenation-Therapy

In one word, we can define Rasayana Chikitsa as Rejuvenation Therapy. What does Ayurveda says about Rasayana.

“रसायनतन्त्रं नाम वय:स्थापनमायुर्मेधाबलकरं रोगापहरणसमर्थम् च ॥“

(Susrutha Samhitha : Suthra Sthana: Chapter:1: Verse:7)

Rasayana Tantra is that branch of Ayurveda that describes the methods of withholding ageing, increasing the life-span, intelligence, strength and immunity.

In total, the Rasayana Chikitsa helps in overall improvement of health.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF REJUVENATION THERAPY?

As per Charaka Samhitha, one of the most important texts in Ayurveda, the one who undergoes Rasayana Chikitsa will obtain:-

  • Prolonged life span
  • Increased memory power
  • Intellect
  • Health
  • Youthfulness
  • Good lustre
  • Shining complexion
  • Excellent voice
  • Strong body and sense organs

Charaka Samhitha, the best treatise that teaches the treatment modalities, dedicates four parts in the very beginning of its Chikitsa Sthana, (the section that teaches about the treatments). That itself shows how the Ayurveda gives emphasis on the prevention of diseases and protection of health. Yes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Explore authentic Rejuvenation retreats

TYPES OF RASAYANA CHIKITSA

There are mainly 2 types of Rasayana Chikitsa:-

  • Kutipraveshika Rasayana Chikitsa

In this method the treatment is administered by keeping the individual inside a specially constructed cottage, without being exposed to sun and wind. In this a special cottage, with narrow ventilators are constructed as per the instructions given in the treatises. After evaluating the climate etc, the individual, enters the cottage and is subjected to purification or Shodhana Chikitsa and thereafter Rasayana Chikitsa. The Shodhana is done after evaluating the nature of the body of the individual. The administration is different formulations or drugs are done for a definite time period, in prescribed dosages.

  • Vatatapika Rasayana Chikitsa

This treatment can be done even if the individual is exposed to wind and sun.

Who All Are Eligible To Undergo Rasayana Chikitsa?

Even though the physician is the one who decides whether an individual is eligible to undergo Rasayana Chikitsa, here a general list is given below:-

  • Kutipraveshika

      • Able-bodied
      • Free from diseases
      • Intelligent
      • Having self-control
      • Having enough time to spare

  • Vatatapika

    • All others who are not eligible for Kutipraveshika Rasayana Chikitsa.

As we discussed earlier, Ayurveda not only gives importance to physical wellbeing but also to mental and emotional well-being. Therefore Ayurveda also describes the good conducts, that when followed, will give rejuvenation.

Note:-

The Rasayana Chikitsa should be strictly done under the supervision of a physician. The formulations and dosage are to be decided by the physician only as it varies according to nature of the body of the individual.

The individual should strictly follow the instructions of the physician.

 

 

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REFERENCES:

  • Susrutha Samhitha
  • Charaka Samhitha