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Shirodhara, Sirodhara – Ayurvedic Treatments
Shirodhara or Shiro dhara is a method of relieving stress and avoid many mental illnesses. Stress is a common problem in modern world, with demands from society and profession.

Shiro (shiras in Malayalam) means head and dhara is an unbroken flow (of anything). Shirodhara is the continuous flow of medicated oil through the head. Sesame oil is used in most parts of India, while coconut oil is the main base in Kerala. However there are also other oil based chosen based on the different requirements of the person. The patient will be laid on a special wooden plank on his or her back. A tiny stream of oil continuously oozes out of a vessel with a central hole. The oil falls on the center of the forehead of the person. The oil will be comfortably warm and the process continues for 30 to 45 minutes. The person experiences unexplainable relaxation and brightness.

Shirodhara often comes after full body oil massage (pizhichil or Abhayanga). The environment that the practitioner prepares for the therapy will also be free of any noise and most suited for deep relaxation, which provides complete rest to mind. It allows one to overcome stress related conditions like insomnia, anxiety, chronic headaches, hypertension and asthma. It also strengthens hair and skin of the head.

Shirodhara brings in several benefits including improved blood circulation to the brain, provides nourishments to hair and scalp, reduces nervous tension, and helps in sound sleep. There can also be different conditions of head, throat, eyes, ears and nose. Fits and epilepsy are two main conditions for which shirovasthi is suggested.

It improves the functioning of sense organs and central nervous system. Shirodhara also improves your mood and fights depression.

The choice of medicines depends on the constitution (prakriti) of the person, the season, and the specific conditions of the person.

Pizhichil – Ayurvedic Treatment Methods Kerala
Pizhichil can be classified into the category of Abhayanga or Ayurvedic oil therapy or Ayurvedic massage therapy. In the full body massage procedure of pizhichil, the masseurs let the person lie own a specially designed ennathoni, a wooden plank designed to retain oil. There can be four masseurs massaging the body below neck.

A masseur spreads warm medicated oil all over the body (below neck) from a lump of cloth soaked in medicated oil. Shirodhara (application of medicated oil to the head) sometimes accompanies pizhichil.

The kings and aristocrats that ruled the country used to undergo pizhichil therapy and the treatment is called aristocratic therapy.

The whole procedure can end in less than an hour or can continue for 90 minutes. The duration is determined by the physician according to the physical capabilities of the person taking this therapy. It can also continue for seven, 14 or 28 days.

Pizhichil is unique to Kerala Ayurveda practices and is very beneficial in conditions like arthritis, paralysis, nervous disorders, joint pain, muscle cramps, etc. It also improves blood circulation, muscle reflexes, nervous system, relaxes full body and mind, enhances sexual ability and brings general sense of well being to the person.

The massage mainly aims at alleviating imbalances caused to Vayu. Imbalances occurred to vayu due to stress and tensions associated with lifestyle activities. An imbalance to Vayu dosha can disturb the balance of other two doshas of tridosha – pitta and kapha. The oil massage releases the elements of imbalance from the system, thereby facilitating a scheme of complete balance, both for body and mind.

The choice of medicated oils and procedures requires elaborate diagnosis by a knowledgeable Ayurvedic physician. The masseurs also should be well trained in massage therapy. Though a royal treatment, a person must always make sure that he or she goes to a knowledgeable physician who has the assistance of knowledgeable hands.

Mukhalepam — Ayurvedic Facial Skincare Therapy
Mukhalepam or mukhalepanam is a simple Ayurvedic skin care therapy which includes the application of freshly prepared facial creams and massaging them off after 30-45 minutes. Mukham in Malayalam means face and lepa, lepana or lepanam means application of a paste. The herbal pack contains different herbs made into a paste. It prevents aging of skin, avoids wrinkles and gives a good skin tone. It avoids pigmentation or discoloration of facial skin, and is beneficial in treating sun burn related conditions. The herbal combination is chosen after assessing the skin type of the person and the specific requirements.