Kerala is considered the home of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, a holistic and sacred ancient science of life, healing and rejuvenation. Although Ayurveda, which dates back to the sixth century, is also popular in Sri Lanka, nowhere in the world has contributed more to its dramatic revival in the past few decades than Kerala. Almost every hotel in the state now offers some form of Ayurveda massage and in the cities some hospitals and institutes, including the Ayurvedic Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, have won mainstream respect in the medical world.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, your body is a combination of three doshas or bio-energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These three energies define your personality and are as unique as our DNA. In simple terms, Ayurveda aims to achieve an equilibrium between these three energies to produce a state of health and natural well-being. Disease or illness is indicative of imbalance. Ayurveda therapy includes massages with oils, herbal steam baths, careful attention to your diet to eliminate certain toxins, and a general approach of moderation in terms of your lifestyle.

There are several forms of Avurveda including: Rasayan Chikitsa, a rejuvenating therapy that advocates head and face massages using medicated oils, body massages using hands and feet and medicated steam baths; Kayakalpa concentrates on diet and aims to control the aging process; Sweda Karma uses steam baths to reduce fat and tone, helping certain rheumatic problems; Dhara concentrates on mental problems and Pizhichil is used for nervous disorders.

Some of the prime body treatments and body care in Ayurveda are given as under:-

Pizhichil - 14 Days
In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists i a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Parlysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Wakness and Nervous disorders etc.

Njavarakizhi - 14 Days
It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. This is applied by two to four therapist for abut 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This Treatment is for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the Joints, Emaciation of limbs, High blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.


Dhara - 14 Days
In this process, some Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7-21 days. This treatment is mainly for Insomnia, Vatha Predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi - 14 DAYS
Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days.This Treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation.

Sirovasthi - 14 Days
Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patients conditions for a period of 7 days. This tratment is highly effective for facial paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases.

Udvarthanam - 14 Days
This is a typical massage with herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments.

Abhyangam - 14 Days
Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, Especially for Diabetic Gangrene etc.

Nasyam - 14 Days
Herbal juices, medicated oils etc. are applied through nose for 7 to 14 day. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, some types of skin disease etc.

Snehapanam - 14 Days
Mediated Ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoathritis, Psoriasis, Leukaemia etc.

Kizhi - 14 Days
Herbal leaves and herbes or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

Dhanyamla Dhara - 14 Days
Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhtthmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints etc.

Yoni Prakshalanam - 7 Days
Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

Kativasthi
In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary, This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of nback pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi
Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes this is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain.

Ksheeradhoomam
This is formentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis. Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.

Thalam
Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ent problems, isomnia, migraine etc.


Lepanam
This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part, This is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.