Therapies
There are many Ayurvedic Therapies used In Ayurvedic clinics, below is a brief description of the most popular.
All times are only approximate as each Therapy will be tailored to fit your particular needs.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga a warm oil massage that is quite different from the Western notion of massage.
With Abhyanga the aim is to push the oil into the pores of the skin with long strokes on the long bones and circular motions on the joints. The qualities of warm oil are the opposite of Vata and so calm and pacify the nervous system via the bodies largest organ, the skin. During Abhyanga energy points (Marma) are stimulated, which is a powerful way of clearing energetic blockages. Abhyanga 60-90 minutes.
Basti
Basti is the rectal introduction of oils into the large intestine. Medicated oil, herbal decoction or a mixture is introduced directly into the colon as an enema, typically used to treat Vata dosha (this can be used to treat all dosha). From the large intestine the herbs can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream without being weakened by the digestive system. According to Ayurveda, Basti is the most powerful purification procedure used in Panchakarma and is suitable to all ages. Basti 30-40 minutes or longer depending on the client.
Greeva Basti
Greeva Basti is a treatment when warm medicated herbal oils are applied to the upper back or neck area and kept in place with a dough ring. Greeva Basti treats a wide variety of upper back and neck issues by relaxing and strengthening the local muscles, ligaments and nerves. Greeva Basti 60 minutes
Hrdaya Dhara
Hrdaya dhara (Hrdaya Basti) is a treatment where medicated oils are applied to the heart area and kept in place with a dough ring. The warm medicated oils are poured into the dough ring and are repeatedly replaced with more warm oil as they cool. This powerful treatment is used in a variety of cardiac conditions and also to release emotions. Hrdaya dhara 30- 40 minutes.
Janu Basti
Janu Basti is a treatment where warm medicated herbal oils are applied to knees and kept in place with a dough ring. Janu Basti treats a wide variety of issues of the knee joints by relaxing and strengthening the local muscles, ligaments and nerves. Janu Basti 30- 45 minutes.
Kara (Hasta) Abhyanga
Kara (Hasta) Abhyanga refers to massaging the hands to relax the muscles of the hands and improve the range of movement. During this soothing treatment that lower arms are usually massaged and special attention is paid to Marma (energy points) of the hands to rebalance the body. Massaging the hands can help to reduce Vata and also improve any issues with the wrist and elbow. Kara Abhyanga 45 minutes.
Karna Purana
Karna Purana involves herbal oils dropped into the ears. Herbal oil is introduced into the ears to treat disorders of the ears, head and neck. This treatment reduces Vata in the ears manifesting as dryness and tinnitus and is helpful in conditions such as headaches. Karna Purana 30-45 minutes.
Kati Basti
Kati Basti is a treatment warm where medicated herbal oils are applied to the lower back and kept in place with a dough ring. Kati Basti treats a wide variety of lower back issues by relaxing and strengthening the local muscles, ligaments and nerves. Kati Basti 40- 60 minutes.
Marma Abhyanga
Marma Abhyanga is a treatment that involves massaging and working on the Marma (energy) points of the body. There are 107 Marma (energy) points on the body during a Marma massage these points (depends on treatment as to which Marma) are treated to help balance the Doshas and different organ systems. Marma Abhyanga 60-90 minutes.
Mukha Abhyanga
Mukha Abhyanga Mukha refers to the face so face massage. During an Ayurvedic face massage, sometimes also called Ayurvedic facelift massage, the sweeping upwards movements and the stimulation of Marma points on the face help to rejuvenate and brighten the complexion. This treatment is deeply calming, can improve sleep and help reduce anxiety. Mukha Abhyanga 60 minutes.
Nasya
Nasya involves medicated oils dropped into the nostrils to alleviate problems in the head and neck region. The nose is seen as a gateway to the brain, using herbal oils via the nostrils helps alleviate a range of symptoms. Nasya 45-60 minutes.
Nabhi Abhyanga
Nabhi Abhyanga Nabhi refers to the abdomen. During a Nabhi Abhyanga the abdomen is massaged in order to aid detoxification and help with digestive complaints such as bloating and constipation. This treatment helps to improve Agni (digestive fire), thereby balancing the digestion. The Marma (energy) points of the abdominal area are also stimulated to improve and balance the functions of the underlying organs. Nabhi Abhyanga 30-45 minutes.
Netra Basti
Netra Basti (Akshi Tarpana) is a treatment when medicated or plain ghee are applied over and around the eyes held by a dough ring. In this unique treatment, luke-warm ghee is applied to the eye area and kept in place in a dough ring, the client is asked to blink so the eyes are cleansed and nourished by the ghee. This is a helpful treatment in a variety of eye conditions. Netra Basti 30-45 minutes.
Pada Abhyanga
Pada Abhyanga Pada means foot so an Ayurvedic foot massage. The feet are massaged with warm oil to stimulate circulation, improve lymphatic drainage and balance the body. There is a saying in Ayurveda that whoever massages their feet every day, will never fall ill. During the Pada Abyanga, special attention is paid to the Marma (energy) points of the feet and lower leg to balance the body. A foot massage is also helpful in aiding a good night's rest and is therefore recommended before bedtime. Pada Abhyanga 60 minutes.
Pinda Sweda
Pinda Sweda is a body treatment performed using cotton boluses filled with fresh or dry herbs dipped in a hot liquid such as herbal oil or decoction. Pinda Sweda is a wonderful treatment for musculoskeletal conditions involving pain, stiffness, contraction or loss of function. A variety of dried or fresh leaves, or cooked rice is used along with a hot liquid such as a herbal oil or decoction or medicated milk. This treatment is also known by the names Kizhi and Potali. Pinda Sweda 60-90 minutes.
Prishtha Abhyanga
Prishtha Abhyanga Prishtha is the Sanskrit name for the back, so back massage. Warm oil is used to massage the back to help release tightness and pain. During an Ayurvedic back massage, attention is also paid the Marma (energy) points of the back to rebalance the body and reduce stress. By working on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints the massage can improve flexibility and the range of motion of the joints. Prishtha Abhyanga 45 minutes.
Shiro Abhyanga
Shiro Abhyanga An Ayurvedic head (Shiro) massage more popularly known as Indian head massage. Warm oil is applied to the scalp and head and then massaged. This treatment is both relaxing and invigorating and can help relieve tension, improve sleep and also nourish and improve the condition of the hair. Shiro Abhyanga 45-60 minutes.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is the systematic, continual pouring of warm oil back and forth across the forehead. Shirodhara can have profound effects on relaxation and is an excellent stress reliever and Vata reducer. Shirodhara 40-60 minutes.
Svedana
Svedana is a therapy that induces perspiration by applying heat to the body. Svedana usually involves applying steam to the entire or part of the body to detoxify and reduce pain or stiffness. Svedana 15-30 minutes plus.
Udvartana
Udvartana is a therapeutic massage using herbal powders to bring lightness to the body. During Udvartana, herbal powders are massaged over the body in an upwards direction to reduce excess Kapha, aid weight loss and reduce other symptoms related to metabolic syndrome. Udvartana 40-60 minutes.