The different types of Ayurvedic treatments can be broadly classified into two:
- Panchakarma Treatments
- Standalone Treatments
1. Panchakarma Treatments
Panchakarma comprises 5 core internal therapies for deep internal cleansing and restoration:
- Vamanam: Therapeutic vomiting to expel toxins.
- Virechanam: Purgation to cleanse the digestive tract.
- Nasyam: Nasal therapy for head and sinus health.
- Vasti: Medicated enema for internal purification.
- Raktamoksham: Bloodletting for detoxification.
2. Standalone Treatments
Standalone treatments comprise 15 specialized external therapies falling under 4 classifications, targeted for specific conditions:
i) Dhara
Dhara has 3 Flow Therapies:
- Shirodhara (Oil): Continuous oil flow on the forehead for mental calm.
- Sarvangadhara (Oil): Full-body oil flow for relaxation.
- Ksheeradhara (Milk): Cooling and nourishing therapy.
ii) Kizhi
Kizhi has 3 Herbal Bundle Therapies:
- Elakizhi (Leaves): Anti-inflammatory and pain relief.
- Njavara Kizhi (Rice): Rejuvenation and nourishment.
- Podikizhi (Powders): Detoxification and muscle relief.
iii)Vasti
Vasti has 3 Localized Oil Therapies:
- Greevavasthi : Neck pain and stiffness relief.
- Januvasthi : Knee joint therapy.
- Kativasthi : Lower back strengthening.
iv) Specialised Standalone Treatments
There are 6 Single Treatments:
- Abhyangam: Full-body oil massage for circulation and vitality.
- Lepam: Herbal paste application for inflammation.
- Pizhichil: Warm oil bath therapy.
- Shirovasti: Oil retention on the head for neurological balance.
- Thalapothichil: Herbal paste head pack for cooling and relaxation.
- Udwarthanam: Dry powder massage for detox and toning.
Now let’s first have a detailed look at the 5 Panchakarma treatments, followed by the Standalone treatments.