When modern man is stressed and full of tension, he seeks solace in nature which he cannot grasp in his hectic life. Can Ayurveda as an alternative treatment help modern man to live amicably within the existing life patterns? Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center confesses that the idea is not unthinkable.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word originating from two words : Ayu or life and veda or science. Ayurveda is a holistic method of treatment. Living with nature our forefathers searched nature and deliberated with it. One must marvel at the meticulous detail with which they were able to explain not only about the human body and its ailments, but also how to control these. The science of Ayurveda is first said to have been practiced by the great sages and munis in ancient India. Though many people believe that the life science was revealed to the world some 5000 years ago, its origin is often conjectured to the time when man started thinking about himself. It is said that Brahma recollected Ayurveda from his memory. India also has had the privilege of producing Sushrutha– the first surgeon.

Kerala Ayurveda–as an alternative treatment
Today living in the cities, we have forgotten what are forefathers gave us. Our forefathers (the great sages and physicians) who studied the human body and ailments to such minute detail and defined various herbs, massage oils, kashayam (oil taken internally), lepas (pastes) and concoctions for treatment. “Ayurveda rejuvenates the mind and body in harmony with nature”, says the Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center brochure.

The Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center fetches just this philosophy of Ayurveda from Kerala to the urban masses. Even today the malayalee (native of Kerala) will use a conventional Danwantharam Thailam massage before a bath.

“When most people in other parts of India prefer homeopathy as an option to allopathy, the people of Kerala have always shown preference to Ayurveda to a great extent even over allopathy”, states Dr. Warrier, the in–house doctor at the Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center. The Kerala–based directors of the Treatment Center decided to take this rich knowledge to urban regions in India. The first Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center opened outside Kerala was in 1994 in the bustling metro of Mumbai. In 1999, two outlets were opened within a span of one year in Pune. According to official sources they are gung–ho about taking the idea further away from its home – Kerala.

“Books like Charakasamhita, Sushrutasamhita and Ashtangahridya are well written, it is the way in which they are interpreted or used that differs”, states Dr. Warrier. One tends to ask, “Does it hold sway within the parameters of various interpretations?” Ayurveda states‘¦The Pancha mahabhootas viz. Earth, Water, Fire, Wind or Air and Aakash or Ether are among the 25 elements responsible for the creation of universe. “These mahabhootas are known through their qualities. Whatever structure we see is only a gross form of them. So is our human body”, informs Dr, Warrier. When the dhatus or the three biological forces i.e. vata or the dynamic force, pitta or the dynamic heat and kapha or the force that binds all that is fluid in nature, enter the body, they become functional units or Tridoshas. When the Tridoshas are in equilibrium, the person remains healthy. When the doshas are in imbalance they manifest disease. Kapha–related ailments are of chest and above, while some of the common Pitta–related maladies are skin diseases, arthritis and ulcer. Degenerative diseases like paralysis and Parkinson’s Syndrome are Vata related. “From nowhere can we reach to the body in depth”, says Dr. Warrier about the system. You have to know the qualities of all the elements. In a way we come to know the disease when we are treating the mahabhootas through vata, pitta and kapha– manifestation of the pancha mahabhootas. If kapha is in excess, we have to reduce it. We start from a creation which is nothing, come to a gross level which is a body. There is nothing simple that can be done, he endeavors to explain. “Ayurveda as a science also prescribes certain do’s and don’ts in order to increase life span”, informs Dr. Warrier. The science not only details the best manner in which all activities from how to wash one’s face in the morning to the best way to performing work–related and other activities in our daily routine till we go to sleep in the night; but also earmarks do’s and don’ts for seasonal routines.


Diagnosis and treatment at Kerala Ayurvedic Treatment Center
“Prior to consultation with the in–house doctor, patients have to first fill up detailed case sheets. After proper diagnosis , the doctor prescribes oral medication and treatment”, states Jyoti Arya, manager of the Treatment Center’s Baner branch. Consultation fees are onetime. People who are healthy can opt for a rejuvenation package or general body massage. The Kerala Ayurvedic treatment is also available at discount rates for a whole family.

Treatment, medication, diet varies depending upon the disease and if the illness demands the patient must be prepared to change his dietary habits and lifestyle. The treatment may differ from person to person, adds Arya. “Each body has its own unique qualities. If there are two people suffering from arthritis, the treatment prescribed is according to not only the condition but also the patient’s constitution. So the type of oils used or medications can be different in both cases”, explains Dr. Warrier. The full duration of treatment for illnesses like arthritis depends on the chronicity of ailment, patient’s response to treatment and can last from three days to even 28 days. Apart from oral medications of powders, tablets and oils, external treatment may also be prescribed. Massage or external treatment at the center is given by well qualified masseurs.

In the treatment chamber
Within the treatment chamber, room temperature is maintained strictly. The central point in the massage room is the patti– an elevated wooden bed made out of a 20–50 year old tree, generally a neem tree (the older the wood better the effect of treatment). Carpenters in Kerala make the patti and the art of making the wooden bed is handed down from father to son. In all the external treatments oils are used, but the method of executing the treatment differs. The treatment can be generalized i.e. full body or localized, informs Arya. There are a range of 150–160 varieties of oils which are used in combination with herbs, medicated powders, rice or buttermilk. Combinations and quantity of oils and other ingredients to be used is decided by the doctor. Before application the oils are warmed at bearable temperature (varying from patient to patient).

During the length of treatment, as much oil as is needed is absorbed through the skin. “Like allopathic drugs, the skin absorbs whatever is needed and the rest is thrown away”, explains Dr. Warrier. The duration of treatment varies from patient–to–patient and may take a maximum of 35 to 40 minutes per sitting.

Taking precaution
The patient is not allowed to sleep during and till two hours after treatment. During sleep, metabolic activity slows down, feeling of heaviness sets in which may lead to it taking longer for the effects of treatment setting in. “So if the patient feels drowsy or if his/her eyes start to water the treatment may be stopped”, states Dr. Warrier. There are side effects, he says . Metallic prescriptions like bhasmas have side effects. If not given in a proper way these prescriptions can increase the disease.

Coming down to statistics
“People often come here demanding 100 per cent cure for their ailments, states Dr. Warrier. “There is no 100 per cent cure. What is lost is lost but with the help of Ayurvedic treatment further degeneration can be prevented”, he informs. Like when a child has polio, the oils will strengthen his muscles but cannot remove his condition, he explains. Physical deformities like bow legs can be corrected to a certain extent by correcting the low calcium content due to which the condition occurs.

Dr. Warrier maintains 85 per cent success rate in treating chronic illnesses. As far as skin problems are concerned, Dr. Warrier maintains that 25–30 per cent of problems are cured properly.


Types of external treatments
Kaya–seka/Pizhichil
This perhaps the most sought after treatment and can be taken once a year especially in old age.
Method: Warm medicated oils are applied in a specific manner to make the body perspire.
Cures: Disorders of the nervous system, chronic cases of vata–borne diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, apthantraka (tremors), rheumatoid arthritis, etc. as well as post traumatic pains, inflammations and stiffness of joints.
Sirovasti
Method: Here the head is sealed like a cap. Warm medicated oil is then poured and kept at a certain region for a specific period.
Cures: Loss of sense of touch, facial paralysis, speech difficulties, insomnia and nervous disorders. It can also cure mental diseases, diseases of head, eyes, ear and nose.
Sirasseka or Dhara (Sirodhara)
Method: Warm medicated oil is poured from a pot kept at a distance from the affected part of body. The distance of the pot from the body is important and varies depending on which is the ailing part of body.
Cures: Diseases of head, insomnia, impaired memory, spondylosis, paraplegia, fatigue and lack of vitality.
Kati–vasti
Method: The treatment is localized. A wall is made around the area (depending on condition ) of spinal region and warm oil is stored.
Cures: Spondylosis, pain in cervical or lower back.
Thakradhara
Method: Instead of oils, medicated butter milk is poured continuously from a pot. The duration of treatment differs depending on chronicity and how receptive the patient’s skin is.
Cures: Insomnia, emaciation, pains of palm and sole, stiffness of limb joints and diseases of eyes and ENT. The treatment also claims to improve functioning of all sensory organs.
Pindasveda or Navarakizhi
It is probably the most important of the itinery of traditional massage treatments and can be taken by healthy persons who wish to keep perfect health during old age and prevent premature aging. “Allopathically the carbohydrates (from rice) in combination with medicines which is supplied directly to the skin reduces the aging process”, explains Dr. Warrier.
Method: Fine cloth or kora cloth bags of medicated rice boluses are applied externally till the body perspires.
Cures: Wasting associated with polio and emaciation, removes stiffness of joints, improves blood circulation and sluggishness, enhances complexion and digestion.
Kizhi
Method: Herbal leaves are slightly fried in oils is applied till the patient perspires. The medication is either applied all over the body or on localized area of complaint.
Cures: Rheumatic and musculo–skeletal disorders, spondylosis and sprains.
Abhyanga
Method: Warm medicated oils are used to massage the body.
Cures: Recouping strength, increasing functional efficiency, has soothing effect on the nervous system, reduces vitiated vata, is good specially for eyes, improves skin tone and sleep.

Panchakarma
When doshas are in excess or aggravated beyond limit, one can take combination of Virechna, Vamana, Vasti, Nasyam and Rakta Moksha (cleansing of blood). The treatment can also be taken if one is healthy.
Cures: Removal of waste material produced during metabolic activities and other impurities.
Snehapana and Swedana are preparatory therapies for Panchakarma.
Snehapana: Depending on the patient’s appetite, medicated ghee has to be taken internally in increasing quantities of 50ml starting from 25ml, till the patient feels the sensation of nausea. The intake lubricates the whole internal system and makes the patient’s skin soft and supple.
Cures: Kapha–originated diseases.
Swedana: The patient is given a steam bath with water medicated with herbal leaves.
Nasyam
Method: Six to eight drops of medicated oil is poured through each nostril once a day for upto 14 days.
Cures: Purifies the head and neck regions and is effective in paralysis, mental disorders, headache and sinusitis. It is also said to improve complexion, avoids hair loss and improves vision.
Virechana
Method: Strong purgative in powder form taken early in the morning.
Cures: Pitta–related diseases, jaundice, loose motions, piles, worm infestation, constipation, etc.
Vasti
Method: Freshly prepared oils or enema (medicated liquid) given through the anal channel is prescribed for seven to 14 days.
Cures: Vata–related diseases, numbness, gastric complaints and constipation.
Vamana
Method: Medicated powders are prescribed till kapha is expelled from mouth.
Cures: Asthma and bronchial problem.
Sirolepa
Method: Warm medicated paste is applied on head.
Cures: Headaches, ear, nose and throat related diseases.
Karnapooranam
Method: Both ears are filled with seven–ten drops of warm medicated oils for 11–14 minutes for seven days.
Cures: Ear–related ailments.
Tharpanam
Method: A valve of urad dal around the eyes holds warm medicated oils or medicated ghee as required.
Cures: Strengthens optic nerves and prevents cataract.
If a person is healthy and does not complain of any ailments, he or she can opt for good health and beauty treatments that not only enhance beauty but are also have additional health–related advantages. Sarvakaya abhyanga is a complete body massage with medicated oils. It is good for skin as it relieves stress and tension, increases blood circulation, improves reflex action and prevents musculo–skeletal problems.

Ayurveda and modern medicine
“Every system has its own merits at the same time its own demerits. Chronic degenerative diseases, nervous system related diseases can be cured with Ayurveda”, he states.

With predominant popularity of allopathy, ayurveda may have taken the second place but it does not undermine its status as an alternative treatment to our medical ailments. In its own way the Ayurveda way of life has definitely been catching the attention of many foreigners abroad. In modern times continuous discords in daily living are the cause for stress in body and mind. Stress is a common cause of hypertension and all other physical ailments just follow if one does not wake up and pay attention to oneself. But you don’t have to be ill to seek solace in this science.

General bibliography in Ayurveda!
Purusha: Consciousness
Prakriti: Primordial nature
Mahat: Intellect
Ahankara: Ego–self identification
Manas: Mind

Man’s personality is a union of body i.e. sharira, sense organs or indriya, the psyche or mana and the soul or atma. The tridoshas maintain the integrity of living organisms in their normal state and are responsible for proper nourishment of Seven Dhatus i.e. connective tissues e.g. Rasa or the plasma, Rakta or the blood, Mamsa or the flesh, Meda or the fat, Asthi or the bone, Majja or the bone marrow and Shukra or the body reproductive tissues. Proper removal of Malas or the excretory products produced as result of physiological processes in the body also is important.