Diseases Diagnosis & Treatment »Treatments » Cleansing Processes

Yoni Prakshalanam -
Ayurvedic Therapy for Healthy Female Sexual Organ
Yoni Prakshalanam is a method of Ayurvedic cleaning of vaginal area with medicated oils. Yoni means female genital and Prakshalanam or prakshalan means washing or bathing. This procedure is prescribed for gynecological disorders and a general cleansing measure of genital organs to avoid fungal or yeast infections

Takra Dhara Ayurvedic Treatment Methods
Takra dhara is a form of shirodhara, an Ayurvedic treatment method which involves continuous flow of medicated butter milk to the centre of forehead continuously for up to an hour a day. The process can last from 7 to 21 days.

It is a cure for vata predominant diseases, relieves tension and cures certain types of skin diseases.

Taila Dhara or Thaila Dhara Ayurvedic Treatment Methods
Taila dhara is an Ayurvedic treatment method, which includes the continuous pouring of medicated oil over head for up to 45 minutes. It is prescribed as a cure to insomnia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, migraine, and problems caused to ear, ears, nose, throat, and head. Taila dhara soothes the nervous system.

Sirodhara - Ayurvedic Oil Therapy
Sirodhara is a special form of oil therapy in Ayurveda, characterized by the steady pouring of Ayurvedic medicated oil over the forehead. This makes the person feel relaxed. It is also the treatment for persons with mental tribulations. The medicated oil is chosen based on the exact requirement of the therapy – it can be mental relief, increased blood circulation in the brain, better hair growth, etc. The oil can also change with the body type (dosha) of the person.

Sirodhara (shirodhara, sirothara, shirothara, siro dhara, shiro dhara) is effective in alleviating vata related disorders – mental disorders due to stress and tension. Sirodhara is also good for improving memory. Other effects of shirodhara are sound sleep and a soothing effect on mind and body. The medicinal herbs used in the medicines will determine the effectiveness of the therapy.

Shirodhara and other forms of Ayurvedic oil therapy is well developed in Kerala. There is a variety of medicinal combinations used in different Ayurvedic oils used in oil therapy. A medicated oil is called ‘thailam’ in Malayalam. There are hundreds of thailams used in Ayurvedic oil therapy.

Shirodhara is the trademark symbol of most Ayurvedic health spas and the practice of this unique therapy form is gaining acceptance in almost all parts of the world, mainly because of its luxurious nature of the therapy and many gains like immediate relaxation, long term effects on memory, and positive influence on hair growth. The selection of medicinal herbs is the main factor that determines the effect of sirodhara therapy or medicated oil massage for head.

Pada Dhara – Ayurvedic Oil Therapy for Foot
Pada dhara is an Ayurvedic oil therapy given to the feet of a person to cure strengthlessness of feet joints, swollen joints and legs, pain, numbness, etc… Pada or padam means a foot and dhara means a relentless flow (of something like water). Here the dhara is medicated oil or medicinal decoction at a mild temperature. The dhara is supplemented by an occasional massage, usually 20 minutes apart. The total procedure can last from 45 minutes up to one hour. Application of massage oils below the feet is beneficial for the eyes also.

Kativasti (or Kati basti) is an Ayurvedic procedure of retaining warm medicated oil over the lower back bordered with a herbal paste. The therapy can last for 45 to 60 minutes. It is a general cure for almost all types of spinal problems and back pains.

The person is let lay on his/her stomach on a massage table. A herbal paste is made into a cup with the skin of lower center back forming the bottom of the cup and the herbal paste its borders or walls. Medicated oil is poured into the cup and retained there. Back pain related to disc problems is cured this way.

Kashaya vasti or Decoction Basti – Ayurvedic Treatment Methods
Kashaya vasti or decoction basti is an Ayurvedic therapeutic method, which includes cleansing of colon with the administration of honey, medicated oil and an appropriate decoction (kashaya, kashayam). It aims are removing malas (accumulated digestive wastes) and nourishes and strengthens the dhatus. It also strengthens the body tissues and enhances the immune system of human body.

Diseases caused due to the action of vata are treated this way. A physician chooses the oils and medicines according to the stage of the disease and according to the physical conditions of the person.